Recording Academy Welcomes 3,800 New Members, Expanding to Include Latin Recording Academy Voters

The Recording Academy has announced its incoming class for 2025, issuing membership invitations to more than 3,800 professionals from across the music industry. This substantial enlargement of the voting electorate precedes the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, which are slated for February 1, 2026. In an unprecedented step, the Academy also extended invitations to every Voting Member of the Latin Recording Academy, a decision that fundamentally internationalizes the awards' perspective.

Harvey Mason jr., the Recording Academy's CEO, highlighted the significance of this diverse cohort. "We're kicking off a momentous week—not only by welcoming this year's remarkable new member class, but also by preparing to reveal the 2026 Grammy nominees in just a few days," Mason commented. The nominees will be disclosed on November 7th at 11 a.m. ET through a livestream available on live.GRAMMY.com and YouTube. This annual nominations reveal is a highly anticipated event that often sets the tone for the entire awards season.

Mason further explained the strategic thinking behind the move, stating, "This year's class mirrors the dynamic and varied nature of the current music scene. By incorporating numerous Latin Recording Academy voting members, we are affirming that music transcends all boundaries and that our commitment to serving music professionals everywhere is at its peak." Harvey Mason jr., a Grammy-winning producer in his own right, has championed efforts to update the Academy's membership and awards procedures since assuming the role of CEO, making this initiative a key part of his modernization agenda.

The demographic profile of the accepted class reinforces this dedication to inclusivity. Fifty percent of the new members are 39 years old or younger, 58% identify as people of color, and 35% are women. This deliberate composition is a strategic move to align the awards' voting body more closely with the shifting demographics of global music creators and their audiences. As one industry analyst noted, "A more representative voting body is crucial for the Grammys' long-term credibility and relevance in a rapidly globalizing market."

Recording Academy membership is categorized into two main types: Voting Membership for active creators such as artists, producers, and engineers, and Professional Membership for executives and other industry figures. All members can participate in the organization's ongoing initiatives, which span advocacy, mentorship, and specialized programs. These include advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion via the DREAM Initiative, engaging in workshops hosted by the Producers & Engineers Wing, and guiding new talent through Grammy U. Ultimately, it is the Voting Members—comprising working artists, songwriters, producers, and engineers—who are entrusted with the final selection of Grammy nominees and award winners.