Latest news with #Grammys'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Grammys Updates Country Music Category Months After Beyoncé's Massive Win For 'Cowboy Carter'
The country music categories at the upcoming Grammy Awards in 2026 will look different than before. Months after Beyoncé took home the awards for "Best Country Album" and "Album of the Year" for her genre-bending eighth studio album, "Cowboy Carter," which features the No. 1 country single "Texas Hold 'Em," the Recording Academy's CEO revealed that country musicians approached the board with a proposal for a significant change. Moving forward, the Grammy Awards will now honor two distinct types of country albums: one featuring a more traditional style of country music, and the other celebrating artists with a more contemporary sound, which often incorporates R&B, pop, and blues. During the 2025 Grammy Awards, there were 10 country categories in the country and roots field, with one specifically for Best Country Album. For the upcoming ceremony, which will take place sometime during the first quarter of 2026, that category will be split into two: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Contemporary Country Album. Other categories, which focus on Americana, bluegrass, folk, and more, will remain. The Recording Academy's CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., elaborated on the change in an interview with Billboard, adding that country performers approached the academy with their concerns. 'They said, we think we need more space for our music to be celebrated and honored," he told the publication, adding that the proposal had been submitted several times in the past before being passed this year. 'It makes country parallel with what's happening in other genres,' Mason said, 'But it is also creating space for where this genre is going.' According to Billboard, the Grammys' new Best Traditional Album category will recognize "excellence in albums of traditional country music, both vocal and instrumental." "Traditional country includes country recordings that adhere to the more traditional sound structures of the country genre, including rhythm and singing style, lyrical content, as well as traditional country instrumentation such as acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano, electric guitar, and live drums. It also includes sub-genres such as Western, Western Swing, and Outlaw country." As Mason continued speaking about the Academy's decision to update the country categories at the Grammys, he also suggested that the change will provide more opportunities for artists to be celebrated among their peers. 'The issues have been, traditionally, a lot of people that weren't sure whether [an album] was Americana or roots or folk or country were just jamming everything into one category," he said. 'There are obviously nuances between the different genres. Those experts in those genres understand those nuances, and I'm quite certain now you're going to see the right people going into Americana versus folk versus traditional country. [The change] gives us an opportunity to put things in more specific categories.' Mason explained that making changes to the way country music is honored at the Grammys enables the Recording Academy to stay current with the genre's evolution. 'I'm hopeful that that community understands that the academy is doing what it always does, which is stay in tune with what's happening in their genre," he finished. In early 2025, after winning several Grammys for her country album, "Cowboy Carter," Beyoncé faced criticism from online users who believed she wasn't deserving of the honor. However, during her acceptance speech, the former Destiny's Child member used her platform to share words of encouragement for those watching. "I think genre [sometimes] is a code-word to keep us in our place as artists," she said. "And I just want to encourage everyone to do what they're passionate about." After extending her title as the most-awarded artist at the Grammys, Beyoncé announced that she would be taking her album on tour in the summer of 2025, stopping in cities such as Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Paris, London, and more. From the clips circulating on social media, the three-hour show is yet another electrifying performance from the superstar singer, which also features surprise appearances from her daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi Carter. See more behind-the-scenes footage of the show here!
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy's Sex Trafficking Trial: Courtroom Sketches Illustrate Proceedings
From the O.J. Simpson trial to Johnny Depp's legal bout with Amanda Heard, prominent figures who find themselves in court are often forced to share those proceedings with the rest of the country via photographs and televised coverage. In the current case of Sean 'Diddy' Combs facing charges related to sex trafficking, however, its status as a federal court case prohibits cameras from entering the courtroom. This means, for anyone seeking an inside look at the proceedings, courtroom sketches are your best bet. Thus far, AP's Elizabeth Williams has provided several that highlight the Bad Boy founder's demeanor and attitude while on trial. One noteworthy sketch finds the Hip-Hop and R&B producer forming a heart with his hands when he sees his supportive family. Others show the mogul rocking grey hair as he observes the court's proceedings, including initial witnesses taking the stand and ex-girlfriend, Cassie, testifying against him while 8 months pregnant — and in tears. See several sketches from the courtroom below. More from Kid Cudi Expected To Testify In Diddy's Criminal Trial Cassie's Mother Testifies She Sent Diddy $20K To Not Release Her Daughter's Explicit Videos Boosie Badazz Accuses Cassie And Her Husband Of "Masterminding Diddy's Take Down" Best of 10 Rap Albums Snubbed Of The Grammys' Album Of The Year Award 21 Black Entertainers Who Are Almost EGOT Winners 11 Black-Owned Games To Play At The Next Function Or Kick Back
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grammys' launch 'suspicious' new category amid outrage over Sabrina Carpenter's shocking album art
The Grammys has announced a surprising, some say ridiculous, new category for the 2026 Grammy Awards: Best Album Cover, spun out from the broader packaging award. In an era dominated by streaming, where album art is often just a tiny thumbnail on a screen, this feels like a strange throwback. But what really makes this timing eyebrow-raising is that it arrives just as Sabrina Carpenter's latest album cover has ignited a storm of backlash online. Last week, pop-star of the moment, Carpenter unveiled the artwork for her upcoming album Man's Best Friend, and it didn't take long for opinions to explode. The cover shows the star in a provocative, dog-like pose with an unseen figure pulling her by the hair, which is an image some fans have called demeaning, triggering, and wildly inappropriate. A woman's aid charity has also slammed it. Others argue it's a bold, satirical take on toxic relationships and power dynamics. Whatever the take, the cover has become a lightning rod for fierce social media debates, thrusting Carpenter back into the headlines amid a slew of recent controversies. The star's past scandals have included heated arguments over her political views, provocative social media posts, and a reputation for courting attention with boundary-pushing visuals. This latest album art only adds fuel to the fire, raising questions about where art ends and shock tactics begin. Against this backdrop, the Grammys' decision to give album covers their own standalone trophy has struck some fans on social media as baffling and encouraging artists to be gratuitously outrageous . With physical album sales plummeting and streaming ruling the music world, insiders wonder if this is an award anyone really asked for - especially when the first major contender is such a polarising image. Industry insiders have questioned whether a separate award is really necessary, especially at a moment when the category is spotlighted by a cover that many find deeply divisive. The last award for Best Recording Package went to Charli XCX's album Brat, whose distinctive cover was widely embraced. Beyond the album art prize, the Recording Academy is also tweaking other categories, including splitting country music into 'traditional' and 'contemporary' divisions and expanding eligibility for Best New Artist to include featured performers who contributed less than 20% of an album's music. The 2026 ceremony is set for February 1 in Los Angeles, with nominations announced November 7. Should Carpenter release Man's Best Friend on August 29 as promised, she'll be the inaugural nominee in this odd new category ensuring that both she and the Grammys will be talking points for months.
Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Dane joins Grammys 'ReImagined' series
Emerging Korean artist reinterprets Giveon's 'Heartbreak Anniversary' Rising Korean R&B artist Dane, who is signed with Nostalgiaa Records, was featured in the Grammys' official YouTube content series "ReImagined" on Wednesday. "ReImagined" invites a new generation of artists to reinterpret Grammy-winning or nominated tracks through their own musical lens. For the project, Dane reimagined Giveon's 'Heartbreak Anniversary,' a track nominated for best R&B song at the 2022 Grammy Awards. With his signature emotive vocals and minimalist arrangement, Dane offers a fresh take while preserving the original track's tenderness and melancholy. 'Accompanied only by guitar, Dane softens the original's layered production into a stripped-down arrangement filled with raw vulnerability,' the official Grammy website noted. Dane debuted in 2024 with 'Selfie,' portraying heartbreak with his gentle voice and simple guitar sound. He followed up this year with 'She Said,' again showcasing his strength in blending honest storytelling with music. Nostalgiaa Records focuses on authenticity-driven artists unconstrained by genre or convention. The label has quickly gained attention for cultivating musicians who are seen to represent the voice and spirit of Generation Z.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ashanti, Fabolous, Lloyd, And More Spread Nostalgic Love At My Platinum Playlist Concert
My Platinum Playlist invaded Los Angeles last weekend (May 10) for the ultimate millennial affair. Presented by Bobby Dee and hosted by J. Valentino, the concert brought hundreds of fans to the Greek Theatre for an evening of Hip-Hop and R&B. The sun blared over the outdoor venue with temperatures well into the 90s, foreshadowing the heat that later arrived on stage. As evening set in, the party began with a lively performance from Lumidee, cementing the party vibes at the nostalgic showcase. Nina Sky, Mike Jones, Lloyd, and Jeremih also performed their fan-favorite records as the audience stood on their feet and sang every word. As the event continued, Fabolous took the stage to perform To close the night, the 'princess' of Hip-Hop and R&B arrived centerstage in a camouflage outfit with eye-catching pink thigh-high boots. The chart-topping musician interacted with the crowd, inviting a sing-along to her biggest melodic hits. A special moment came when Lloyd returned and joined Ashanti on stage for a performance of their 2004 song 'Southside.' After they sang, Lloyd wished Ashanti a happy Mother's Day in her first year celebrating the annual holiday as a parent. Take a look at moments from My Platinum Playlist in Los Angeles below. More from Ashanti Blasted By Chris Gotti For Denying Relationship With Irv Gotti: "I Was Their Therapist" Nelly And Ashanti Embody Relationship Goals With Recent Serenade Chris Brown Led The Star-Studded Tycoon Music Festival For An Unforgettable Detroit Night Best of 10 Rap Albums Snubbed Of The Grammys' Album Of The Year Award 21 Black Entertainers Who Are Almost EGOT Winners 11 Black-Owned Games To Play At The Next Function Or Kick Back
