Updated March 14, 2021.

It's a wrap for the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show, officially known as the 63rd GRAMMY Awards! Find out who is won in each of the 83 categories. Use the links to jump to a desired field.

The 63rd GRAMMY Awards recognize recordings released between Sept. 1, 2019, and Aug. 31, 2020.

 

General Field

1. Record Of The Year
Award to the Artist and to the Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s) and mastering engineer(s), if other than the artist.

• BLACK PARADE
  Beyoncé
  Beyoncé & Derek Dixie, producers; Stuart White, engineer/mixer; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer
   
• COLORS
  Black Pumas
  Adrian Quesada, producer; Adrian Quesada, engineer/mixer; JJ Golden, mastering engineer
   
• ROCKSTAR
  DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch
  SethinTheKitchen, producer; Derek "MixedByAli" Ali, Chris Dennis, Liz Robson & Chris West, engineers/mixers; Glenn A Tabor III, mastering engineer
   
• SAY SO
  Doja Cat
  Tyson Trax, producer; Clint Gibbs & Kalani Thompson, engineers/mixers; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer
   
• EVERYTHING I WANTED - WINNER
  Billie Eilish
  Finneas O'Connell, producer; Rob Kinelski & Finneas O'Connell, engineers/mixers; John Greenham, mastering engineer
   
• DON'T START NOW
  Dua Lipa
  Caroline Ailin & Ian Kirkpatrick, producers; Josh Gudwin, Drew Jurecka & Ian Kirkpatrick, engineers/mixers; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer
   
• CIRCLES
  Post Malone
  Louis Bell, Frank Dukes & Post Malone, producers; Louis Bell & Manny Marroquin, engineers/mixers; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer
   
• SAVAGE
  Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé
  Beyoncé & J. White Did It, producers; Eddie "eMIX" Hernández, Shawn "Source" Jarrett, Jaycen Joshua & Stuart White, engineers/mixers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer

2. Album Of The Year
Award to Artist(s) and to Featured Artist(s), Songwriter(s) of new material, Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s), Mixer(s) and Mastering Engineer(s) credited with at least 33% playing time of the album, if other than Artist.

• CHILOMBO
  Jhené Aiko
  Fisticuffs & Julian-Quán Việt Lê, producers; Fisticuffs, Julian-Quán Việt Lê, Zeke Mishanec, Christian Plata & Gregg Rominiecki, engineers/mixers; Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, Julian-Quán Việt Lê, Maclean Robinson & Brian Keith Warfield, songwriters; Dave Kutch, mastering engineer
   
• BLACK PUMAS (DELUXE EDITION)
  Black Pumas
  Adrian Quesada, producer; Adrian Quesada, engineer/mixer; Eric Burton & Adrian Quesada, songwriters; JJ Golden, mastering engineer
   
• EVERYDAY LIFE
  Coldplay
  Daniel Green, Bill Rahko & Rik Simpson, producers; Mark “Spike” Stent, engineer/mixer; Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters; Emily Lazar, mastering engineer
   
• DJESSE VOL.3
  Jacob Collier
  Jacob Collier, producer; Ben Bloomberg & Jacob Collier, engineers/mixers; Jacob Collier, songwriter; Chris Allgood & Emily Lazar, mastering engineers
   
• WOMEN IN MUSIC PT. III
  HAIM
  Rostam Batmanglij, Danielle Haim & Ariel Rechtshaid, producers; Rostam Batmanglij, Jasmine Chen, John DeBold, Matt DiMona, Tom Elmhirst, Joey Messina-Doerning & Ariel Rechtshaid, engineers/mixers; Rostam Batmanglij, Alana Haim, Danielle Haim, Este Haim & Ariel Rechtshaid, songwriters; Emily Lazar, mastering engineer
   
• FUTURE NOSTALGIA
  Dua Lipa
  Lorna Blackwood & Koz, producers; Josh Gudwin & Cameron Gower Poole, engineers/mixers; Clarence Coffee Jr. & Dua Lipa, songwriters; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer
   
• HOLLYWOOD'S BLEEDING
  Post Malone
  Louis Bell & Frank Dukes, producers; Louis Bell & Manny Marroquin, engineers/mixers; Louis Bell, Adam Feeney, Austin Post & Billy Walsh, songwriters; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer
   
• FOLKLORE - WINNER
  Taylor Swift
  Joe Alwyn, Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, producers; Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner, Serban Ghenea, John Hanes, Jonathan Low & Laura Sisk, engineers/mixers; Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, songwriters; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer

3. Song Of The Year
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

• BLACK PARADE
  Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim "Kaydence" Krysiuk & Rickie "Caso" Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé)
   
• THE BOX
  Larrance Dopson, Samuel Gloade, Rodrick Moore, Adarius Moragne, Eric Sloan & Khirye Anthony Tyler, songwriters (Roddy Ricch)
   
• CARDIGAN
  Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
   
• CIRCLES
  Louis Bell, Adam Feeney, Kaan Gunesberk, Austin Post & Billy Walsh, songwriters (Post Malone)
   
• DON'T START NOW
  Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick, Dua Lipa & Emily Warren, songwriters (Dua Lipa)
   
• EVERYTHING I WANTED
  Billie Eilish O'Connell & Finneas O'Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
   
• I CAN'T BREATHE - WINNER
  Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.)
   
• IF THE WORLD WAS ENDING
  Julia Michaels & JP Saxe, songwriters (JP Saxe Featuring Julia Michaels)

4. Best New Artist
This category recognizes an artist whose eligibility-year release(s) achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and notably impacted the musical landscape.

• INGRID ANDRESS
   
• PHOEBE BRIDGERS
   
• CHIKA
   
• NOAH CYRUS
   
• D SMOKE
   
• DOJA CAT
   
• KAYTRANADA
   
• MEGAN THEE STALLION - WINNER

Pop

5. Best Pop Solo Performance
For new vocal or instrumental pop recordings. Singles or Tracks only.

• YUMMY
  Justin Bieber
   
• SAY SO
  Doja Cat
   
• EVERYTHING I WANTED
  Billie Eilish
   
• DON'T START NOW
  Dua Lipa
   
• WATERMELON SUGAR  - WINNER
  Harry Styles
   
• CARDIGAN
  Taylor Swift

6. Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
For new vocal or instrumental duo/group or collaborative pop recordings. Singles or Tracks only.

• UN DIA (ONE DAY)
  J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy
   
• INTENTIONS
  Justin Bieber Featuring Quavo
   
• DYNAMITE
  BTS
   
• RAIN ON ME - WINNER
  Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande
   
• EXILE
  Taylor Swift Featuring Bon Iver

7. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new traditional pop recordings.

• BLUE UMBRELLA
  (Burt Bacharach &) Daniel Tashian
   
• TRUE LOVE: A CELEBRATION OF COLE PORTER
  Harry Connick, Jr.
   
• AMERICAN STANDARD - WINNER
  James Taylor
   
• UNFOLLOW THE RULES
  Rufus Wainwright
   
• JUDY
  Renée Zellweger

8. Best Pop Vocal Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new pop vocal recordings.

• CHANGES
  Justin Bieber
   
• CHROMATICA
  Lady Gaga
   
• FUTURE NOSTALGIA - WINNER
  Dua Lipa
   
• FINE LINE
  Harry Styles
   
• FOLKLORE
  Taylor Swift

Dance/Electronic Music

9. Best Dance Recording
For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances. Vocal or Instrumental. Singles or tracks only.

• ON MY MIND
  Diplo & SIDEPIECE
  Diplo & SIDEPIECE, producers; Luca Pretolesi, mixer
   
• MY HIGH
  Disclosure Featuring Aminé & Slowthai
  Guy Lawrence & Howard Lawrence, producers; Guy Lawrence, mixer
   
• THE DIFFERENCE
  Flume Featuring Toro y Moi
  Flume, producer; Eric J Dubowsky, mixer
   
• BOTH OF US
  Jayda G
  Fred Again.. & Jayda G, producers; Fred Again.. & Jayda G, mixers
   
• 10% - WINNER
  Kaytranada Featuring Kali Uchis
  Kaytranada, producer; Neal H. Pogue, mixer

10. Best Dance/Electronic Album
For vocal or instrumental albums. Albums only.

• KICK I
  Arca
   
• PLANET'S MAD
  Baauer
   
• ENERGY
  Disclosure
   
• BUBBA - WINNER
  Kaytranada
   
• GOOD FAITH
  Madeon

Contemporary Instrumental Music

11. Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
For albums containing approximately 51% or more playing time of instrumental material. For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new recordings.

• AXIOM
  Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

• CHRONOLOGY OF A DREAM: LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD
  Jon Batiste

• TAKE THE STAIRS
  Black Violin
   
• AMERICANA
  Grégoire Maret, Romain Collin & Bill Frisell
   
• LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL - WINNER
  Snarky Puppy

Rock

12. Best Rock Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative rock recordings.

• SHAMEIKA - WINNER
  Fiona Apple
   
• NOT
  Big Thief
   
• KYOTO
  Phoebe Bridgers
   
• THE STEPS
  HAIM
   
• STAY HIGH
  Brittany Howard
   
• DAYLIGHT
  Grace Potter

13. Best Metal Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative metal recordings.

• BUM-RUSH - WINNER
  Body Count
   
• UNDERNEATH
  Code Orange
   
• THE IN-BETWEEN
  In This Moment
   
• BLOODMONEY
  Poppy
   
• EXECUTIONER'S TAX (SWING OF THE AXE) – LIVE
  Power Trip

14. Best Rock Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. Includes Rock, Hard Rock and Metal songs. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

• KYOTO
  Phoebe Bridgers, Morgan Nagler & Marshall Vore, songwriters (Phoebe Bridgers)
   
• LOST IN YESTERDAY
  Kevin Parker, songwriter (Tame Impala)
   
• NOT
  Adrianne Lenker, songwriter (Big Thief)
   
• SHAMEIKA
  Fiona Apple, songwriter (Fiona Apple)
   
• STAY HIGH - WINNER
  Brittany Howard, songwriter (Brittany Howard)

15. Best Rock Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new rock, hard rock or metal recordings.

• A HERO'S DEATH
  Fontaines D.C.
   
• KIWANUKA
  Michael Kiwanuka
   
• DAYLIGHT
  Grace Potter
   
• SOUND & FURY
  Sturgill Simpson
   
• THE NEW ABNORMAL - WINNER
  The Strokes

Alternative

16. Best Alternative Music Album
Vocal or Instrumental.

• FETCH THE BOLT CUTTERS - WINNER
  Fiona Apple
   
• HYPERSPACE
  Beck
   
• PUNISHER
  Phoebe Bridgers
   
• JAIME
  Brittany Howard
   
• THE SLOW RUSH
  Tame Impala

R&B

17. Best R&B Performance
For new vocal or instrumental R&B recordings.

• LIGHTNING & THUNDER
  Jhené Aiko Featuring John Legend
   
• BLACK PARADE - WINNER
  Beyoncé
   
• ALL I NEED
  Jacob Collier Featuring Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign
   
• GOAT HEAD
  Brittany Howard
   
• SEE ME
  Emily King

18. Best Traditional R&B Performance
For new vocal or instrumental traditional R&B recordings.

• SIT ON DOWN
  The Baylor Project Featuring Jean Baylor & Marcus Baylor
   
• WONDER WHAT SHE THINKS OF ME
  Chloe X Halle
   
• LET ME GO
  Mykal Kilgore
   
• ANYTHING FOR YOU - WINNER
  Ledisi
   
• DISTANCE
  Yebba

19. Best R&B Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

• BETTER THAN I IMAGINED - WINNER
  Robert Glasper, Meshell Ndegeocello & Gabriella Wilson, songwriters (Robert Glasper Featuring H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello)

• BLACK PARADE
  Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim "Kaydence" Krysiuk & Rickie "Caso" Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé)
   
• COLLIDE
  Sam Barsh, Stacey Barthe, Sonyae Elise, Olu Fann, Akil King, Josh Lopez, Kaveh Rastegar & Benedetto Rotondi, songwriters (Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG)
   
• DO IT
  Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Anton Kuhl, Victoria Monét, Scott Storch & Vincent Van Den Ende, songwriters (Chloe X Halle)
   
• SLOW DOWN
  Nasri Atweh, Badriia Bourelly, Skip Marley, Ryan Williamson & Gabriella Wilson, songwriters (Skip Marley & H.E.R.)

20. Best Progressive R&B Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded progressive vocal tracks derivative of R&B.

• CHILOMBO
  Jhené Aiko
   
• UNGODLY HOUR
  Chloe X Halle
   
• FREE NATIONALS
  Free Nationals
   
• F*** YO FEELINGS
  Robert Glasper
   
• IT IS WHAT IT IS - WINNER
  Thundercat

21. Best R&B Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new R&B recordings.

• HAPPY 2 BE HERE
  Ant Clemons
   
• TAKE TIME
  Giveon
   
• TO FEEL LOVE/D
  Luke James
   
• BIGGER LOVE - WINNER
  John Legend
   
• ALL RISE
  Gregory Porter

Rap

22. Best Rap Performance
For a Rap performance. Singles or Tracks only.

• DEEP REVERENCE
  Big Sean Featuring Nipsey Hussle
   
• BOP
  DaBaby
   
• WHATS POPPIN
  Jack Harlow
   
• THE BIGGER PICTURE
  Lil Baby
   
• SAVAGE - WINNER
  Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé
   
• DIOR
  Pop Smoke

23. Best Melodic Rap Performance
For a solo or collaborative performance containing both elements of R&B melodies and Rap.

• ROCKSTAR
  DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch
   
• LAUGH NOW CRY LATER
  Drake Featuring Lil Durk
   
• LOCKDOWN - WINNER
  Anderson .Paak
   
• THE BOX
  Roddy Ricch
   
• HIGHEST IN THE ROOM
  Travis Scott

24. Best Rap Song
A Songwriter(s) Award.  A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only..

• THE BIGGER PICTURE
  Dominique Jones, Noah Pettigrew & Rai'shaun Williams, songwriters (Lil Baby)
   
• THE BOX
  Larrance Dopson, Samuel Gloade, Rodrick Moore, Adarius Moragne, Eric Sloan & Khirye Anthony Tyler, songwriters (Roddy Ricch)
   
• LAUGH NOW CRY LATER
  Durk Banks, Rogét Chahayed, Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Ron LaTour & Ryan Martinez, songwriters (Drake Featuring Lil Durk)
   
• ROCKSTAR
  Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, Ross Joseph Portaro IV & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch)
   
• SAVAGE - WINNER
  Beyoncé, Shawn Carter, Brittany Hazzard, Derrick Milano, Terius Nash, Megan Pete, Bobby Session Jr., Jordan Kyle Lanier Thorpe & Anthony White, songwriters (Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé)

25. Best Rap Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new rap recordings.

• BLACK HABITS
  D SMOKE
   
• ALFREDO
  Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
   
• A WRITTEN TESTIMONY
  Jay Electronica
   
• KING'S DISEASE - WINNER
  Nas
   
• THE ALLEGORY
  Royce 5’9"

Country

26. Best Country Solo Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo country recordings.

• Stick That In Your Country Song
  Eric Church
   
• WHO YOU THOUGHT I WAS
  Brandy Clark
   
• WHEN MY AMY PRAYS - WINNER
  Vince Gill
   
• BLACK LIKE ME
  Mickey Guyton
   
• BLUEBIRD
  Miranda Lambert

27. Best Country Duo/Group Performance
For new vocal or instrumental duo/group or collaborative country recordings.

• ALL NIGHT
  Brothers Osborne
   
• 10,000 HOURS - WINNER
  Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
   
• OCEAN
  Lady A
   
• SUGAR COAT
  Little Big Town
   
• SOME PEOPLE DO
  Old Dominion

28. Best Country Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

• BLUEBIRD
  Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
   
• THE BONES
  Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins & Laura Veltz, songwriters (Maren Morris)
   
• CROWDED TABLE - WINNER
  Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby & Lori McKenna, songwriters (The Highwomen)
   
• MORE HEARTS THAN MINE
  Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis & Derrick Southerland, songwriters (Ingrid Andress)
   
• SOME PEOPLE DO
  Jesse Frasure, Shane McAnally, Matthew Ramsey & Thomas Rhett, songwriters (Old Dominion)

29. Best Country Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new country recordings.

• LADY LIKE
  Ingrid Andress
   
• YOUR LIFE IS A RECORD
  Brandy Clark
   
• WILDCARD - WINNER
  Miranda Lambert
   
• NIGHTFALL
  Little Big Town
   
• NEVER WILL
  Ashley McBryde

New Age

30. Best New Age Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental new age recordings.

• SONGS FROM THE BARDO
  Laurie Anderson, Tenzin Choegyal & Jesse Paris Smith
   
• PERIPHERY
  Priya Darshini
   
• FORM//LESS
  Superposition
   
• MORE GUITAR STORIES - WINNER
  Jim "Kimo" West
   
• MEDITATIONS
  Cory Wong & Jon Batiste

Jazz

31. Best Improvised Jazz Solo
For an instrumental jazz solo performance. Two equal performers on one recording may be eligible as one entry. If the soloist listed appears on a recording billed to another artist, the latter's name is in parenthesis for identification. Singles or Tracks only.

• GUINNEVERE
  Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, soloist
  Track from: Axiom
   
• PACHAMAMA
  Regina Carter, soloist
  Track from: Ona (Thana Alexa)
   
• CELIA
  Gerald Clayton, soloist
   
• ALL BLUES - WINNER
  Chick Corea, soloist
  Track from: Trilogy 2 (Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade)
   
• MOE HONK
  Joshua Redman, soloist
  Track from: RoundAgain (Redman Mehldau McBride Blade)

32. Best Jazz Vocal Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal jazz recordings.

• ONA
  Thana Alexa
   
• SECRETS ARE THE BEST STORIES - WINNER
  Kurt Elling Featuring Danilo Pérez
   
• MODERN ANCESTORS
  Carmen Lundy
   
• HOLY ROOM: LIVE AT ALTE OPER
  Somi With Frankfurt Radio Big Band Conducted By John Beasley
   
• WHAT'S THE HURRY
  Kenny Washington

33. Best Jazz Instrumental Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new instrumental jazz recordings.

• ON THE TENDER SPOT OF EVERY CALLOUSED MOMENT
  Ambrose Akinmusire
   
• WAITING GAME
  Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science
   
• HAPPENING: LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD
  Gerald Clayton
   
• TRILOGY 2 - WINNER
  Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade
   
• ROUNDAGAIN
  Redman Mehldau McBride Blade

34. Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new ensemble jazz recordings.

• DIALOGUES ON RACE
  Gregg August
   
• MONK'ESTRA PLAYS JOHN BEASLEY
  John Beasley’s MONK’estra
   
• THE INTANGIBLE BETWEEN
  Orrin Evans And The Captain Black Big Band
   
• SONGS YOU LIKE A LOT
  John Hollenbeck With Theo Bleckmann, Kate McGarry, Gary Versace And The Frankfurt Radio Big Band
   
• DATA LORDS - WINNER
  Maria Schneider Orchestra

35. Best Latin Jazz Album
For vocal or instrumental albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. The intent of this category is to recognize recordings that represent the blending of jazz with Latin, Iberian-American, Brazilian, and Argentinian tango music.

• TRADICIONES
  Afro-Peruvian Jazz Orchestra
   
• FOUR QUESTIONS - WINNER
  Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
   
• CITY OF DREAMS
  Chico Pinheiro
   
• VIENTO Y TIEMPO - LIVE AT BLUE NOTE TOKYO
  Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Aymée Nuviola
   
• TRANE'S DELIGHT
  Poncho Sanchez

Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music

36. Best Gospel Performance/Song
This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best traditional Christian, roots gospel or contemporary gospel single or track.

• WONDERFUL IS YOUR NAME
  Melvin Crispell III
   
• RELEASE (LIVE)
  Ricky Dillard Featuring Tiff Joy; David Frazier, songwriter
   
• COME TOGETHER
  Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins Present: The Good News; Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins & Jazz Nixon, producers; Lashawn Daniels, Rodney Jerkins, Lecrae Moore & Jazz Nixon, songwriters
   
• WON'T LET GO
  Travis Greene; Travis Greene, songwriter
   
• MOVIN' ON - WINNER 
  Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music; Darryl L. Howell, Jonathan Caleb McReynolds, Kortney Jamaal Pollard & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters

37. Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best contemporary Christian music single or track, (including pop, rap/hip-hop, Latin, or rock.

• THE BLESSING (LIVE)
  Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship; Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe Carnes & Steven Furtick, songwriters
   
• SUNDAY MORNING
  Lecrae Featuring Kirk Franklin; Denisia Andrews, Saint Bodhi, Rafael X. Brown, Brittany Coney, Kirk Franklin, Lasanna Harris, Terrence Antonio Jones, Shama Joseph, Stuart Lowery, Lecrae Moore & Nathanael Saint-Fleur, songwriters
   
• HOLY WATER
  We The Kingdom; Andrew Bergthold, Ed Cash, Franni Cash, Martin Cash & Scott Cash, songwriters
   
• FAMOUS FOR (I BELIEVE)
  Tauren Wells Featuring Jenn Johnson; Chuck Butler, Krissy Nordhoff, Jordan Sapp, Alexis Slifer & Tauren Wells, songwriters
   
• THERE WAS JESUS - WINNER
  Zach Williams & Dolly Parton; Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith & Zach Williams, songwriters

38. Best Gospel Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional or contemporary/R&B gospel music recordings.

• 2ECOND WIND: READY
  Anthony Brown & group therAPy
   
• MY TRIBUTE
  Myron Butler
   
• CHOIRMASTER
  Ricky Dillard
   
• GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PJ - WINNER
  PJ Morton
   
• KIERRA
  Kierra Sheard

39. Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, contemporary Christian music, including pop, rap/hip hop, Latin, or rock recordings.

• RUN TO THE FATHER
  Cody Carnes
   
• ALL OF MY BEST FRIENDS
  Hillsong Young & Free
   
• HOLY WATER
  We The Kingdom
   
• CITIZEN OF HEAVEN
  Tauren Wells
   
• JESUS IS KING - WINNER
  Kanye West

40. Best Roots Gospel Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional/roots gospel music, including country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and Americana recordings.

• BEAUTIFUL DAY
  Mark Bishop
   
• 20/20
  The Crabb Family
   
• WHAT CHRISTMAS REALLY MEANS
  The Erwins
   
• CELEBRATING FISK! (THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY ALBUM) - WINNER
  Fisk Jubilee Singers
   
• SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
  Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Latin

41. Best Latin Pop or Urban Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new Latin pop or urban recordings.

• YHLQMDLG - WINNER
  Bad Bunny
   
• POR PRIMERA VEZ
  Camilo
   
• MESA PARA DOS
  Kany García
   
• PAUSA
  Ricky Martin
   
• 3:33
  Debi Nova

42. Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new Latin rock or alternative recordings.

• AURA
  Bajofondo
   
• MONSTRUO
  Cami
   
• SOBREVOLANDO
  Cultura Profética
   
• LA CONQUISTA DEL ESPACIO - WINNER
  Fito Paez
   
• MISS COLOMBIA
  Lido Pimienta

43. Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new regional Mexican (banda, norteño, corridos, gruperos, mariachi, ranchera and Tejano) recordings.

• HECHO EN MÉXICO
  Alejandro Fernández
   
• LA SERENATA
  Lupita Infante
   
• UN CANTO POR MÉXICO, VOL. 1 - WINNER
  Natalia Lafourcade
   
• BAILANDO SONES Y HUAPANGOS CON MARIACHI SOL DE MEXICO DE JOSE HERNANDEZ
  Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez
   
• AYAYAY!
  Christian Nodal

44. Best Tropical Latin Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new tropical Latin recordings.

• MI TUMBAO
  José Alberto "El Ruiseñor"
   
• INFINITO
  Edwin Bonilla
   
• SIGO CANTANDO AL AMOR (DELUXE)
  Jorge Celedon & Sergio Luis
   
• 40 - WINNER
  Grupo Niche
   
• MEMORIAS DE NAVIDAD
  Víctor Manuelle

American Roots Music

45. Best American Roots Performance
For new vocal or instrumental American Roots recordings.  This is for performances in the style of any of the subgenres encompassed in the American Roots Music field including Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk or regional roots. Award to the artist(s).

• COLORS
  Black Pumas
   
• DEEP IN LOVE
  Bonny Light Horseman
   
• SHORT AND SWEET
  Brittany Howard
   
• I'LL BE GONE
  Norah Jones & Mavis Staples
   
• I REMEMBER EVERYTHING - WINNER
  John Prine

46. Best American Roots Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. Includes Americana, bluegrass, traditional blues, contemporary blues, folk or regional roots songs. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

• CABIN
  Laura Rogers & Lydia Rogers, songwriters (The Secret Sisters)
   
• CEILING TO THE FLOOR
  Sierra Hull & Kai Welch, songwriters (Sierra Hull)
   
• HOMETOWN
  Sarah Jarosz, songwriter (Sarah Jarosz)
   
• I REMEMBER EVERYTHING - WINNER
  Pat McLaughlin & John Prine, songwriters (John Prine)
   
• MAN WITHOUT A SOUL
  Tom Overby & Lucinda Williams, songwriters (Lucinda Williams)

47. Best Americana Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental Americana recordings.

• OLD FLOWERS
  Courtney Marie Andrews
   
• TERMS OF SURRENDER
  Hiss Golden Messenger
   
• WORLD ON THE GROUND - WINNER
  Sarah Jarosz
   
• EL DORADO
  Marcus King
   
• GOOD SOULS BETTER ANGELS
  Lucinda Williams

48. Best Bluegrass Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental bluegrass recordings.

• MAN ON FIRE
  Danny Barnes
   
• TO LIVE IN TWO WORLDS, VOL. 1
  Thomm Jutz
   
• NORTH CAROLINA SONGBOOK
  Steep Canyon Rangers
   
• HOME - WINNER
  Billy Strings
   
• THE JOHN HARTFORD FIDDLE TUNE PROJECT, VOL. 1
  (Various Artists)
  Matt Combs & Katie Harford Hogue, producers

49. Best Traditional Blues Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental traditional blues recordings.

• ALL MY DUES ARE PAID
  Frank Bey
   
• YOU MAKE ME FEEL
  Don Bryant
   
• THAT'S WHAT I HEARD
  Robert Cray Band
   
• CYPRESS GROVE
  Jimmy "Duck" Holmes
   
• RAWER THAN RAW - WINNER
  Bobby Rush

50. Best Contemporary Blues Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental contemporary blues recordings.

• HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND YET? - WINNER
  Fantastic Negrito
   
• LIVE AT THE PARAMOUNT
  Ruthie Foster Big Band
   
• THE JUICE
  G. Love
   
• BLACKBIRDS
  Bettye LaVette
   
• UP AND ROLLING
  North Mississippi Allstars

51. Best Folk Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental folk recordings.

• BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN
  Bonny Light Horseman
   
• THANKS FOR THE DANCE
  Leonard Cohen
   
• SONG FOR OUR DAUGHTER
  Laura Marling
   
• SATURN RETURN
  The Secret Sisters
   
• ALL THE GOOD TIMES - WINNER
  Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

52. Best Regional Roots Music Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental regional roots music recordings.

• MY RELATIVES "NIKSO KOWAIKS"
  Black Lodge Singers
   
• CAMERON DUPUY AND THE CAJUN TROUBADOURS
  Cameron Dupuy And The Cajun Troubadours
   
• LOVELY SUNRISE
  Nā Wai ʽEhā
   
• ATMOSPHERE - WINNER
  New Orleans Nightcrawlers
   
• A TRIBUTE TO AL BERARD
  Sweet Cecilia

Reggae

53. Best Reggae Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new reggae recordings.

• UPSIDE DOWN 2020
  Buju Banton
   
• HIGHER PLACE
  Skip Marley
   
• IT ALL COMES BACK TO LOVE
  Maxi Priest
   
• GOT TO BE TOUGH - WINNER
  Toots & The Maytals
   
• ONE WORLD
  The Wailers

Global Music

54. Best Global Music Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental Global Music recordings.

• FU CHRONICLES
  Antibalas
   
• TWICE AS TALL - WINNER
  Burna Boy
   
• AGORA
  Bebel Gilberto
   
• LOVE LETTERS
  Anoushka Shankar
   
• AMADJAR
  Tinariwen

Children's

55. Best Children's Music Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new musical or spoken word recordings that are created and intended specifically for children.

• ALL THE LADIES - WINNER
  Joanie Leeds
   
• WILD LIFE
  Justin Roberts

Spoken Word

56. Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling)

• ACID FOR THE CHILDREN: A MEMOIR
  Flea
   
• ALEX TREBEK - THE ANSWER IS...
  Ken Jennings
   
• BLOWOUT: CORRUPTED DEMOCRACY, ROGUE STATE RUSSIA, AND THE RICHEST, MOST DESTRUCTIVE INDUSTRY ON EARTH - WINNER
  Rachel Maddow
   
• CATCH AND KILL
  Ronan Farrow
   
• CHARLOTTE'S WEB (E.B. WHITE)
  Meryl Streep (& Full cast)

Comedy

57. Best Comedy Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new recordings.

• BLACK MITZVAH - WINNER
  Tiffany Haddish
   
• I LOVE EVERYTHING
  Patton Oswalt
   
• THE PALE TOURIST
  Jim Gaffigan
   
• PAPER TIGER
  Bill Burr
   
• 23 HOURS TO KILL
  Jerry Seinfeld

Musical Theater

58. Best Musical Theater Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new recordings. Award to the principle vocalist(s) and the album producer(s) of 51% or more playing time of the album. The lyricist(s) and composer(s) of a new score are eligible for an Award if they have written and/or composed a new score which comprises 51% or more playing time of the album.

• AMÉLIE
  Audrey Brisson, Chris Jared, Caolan McCarthy & Jez Unwin, principal soloists; Michael Fentiman, Sean Patrick Flahaven, Barnaby Race & Nathan Tysen, producers; Nathan Tysen, lyricist; Daniel Messe, composer & lyricist (Original London Cast)
   
• AMERICAN UTOPIA ON BROADWAY
  David Byrne, producer (David Byrne, composer & lyricist) (Original Cast)
   
• JAGGED LITTLE PILL - WINNER
  Kathryn Gallagher, Celia Rose Gooding, Lauren Patten & Elizabeth Stanley, principal soloists; Neal Avron, Pete Ganbarg, Tom Kitt, Michael Parker, Craig Rosen & Vivek J. Tiwary, producers (Glen Ballard, composer; Alanis Morissette, composer & lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast)
   
• LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
  Tammy Blanchard, Jonathan Groff & Tom Alan Robbins, principal soloists; Will Van Dyke, Michael Mayer, Alan Menken & Frank Wolf, producers (Alan Menken, composer; Howard Ashman, lyricist) (The New Off-Broadway Cast)
   
• THE PRINCE OF EGYPT
  Christine Allado, Luke Brady, Alexia Khadime & Liam Tamne, principal soloists; Dominick Amendum & Stephen Schwartz, producers; Stephen Schwartz, composer & lyricist (Original Cast
   
• SOFT POWER
  Francis Jue, Austin Ku, Alyse Alan Louis & Conrad Ricamora, principal soloists; Matt Stine, producer; David Henry Hwang, lyricist; Jeanine Tesori, composer & lyricist (Original Cast)

Music for Visual Media

59. Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media
Award to the artist(s) and/or ‘in studio’ producer(s) of a majority of the tracks on the album.  In the absence of both, award to the one or two individuals proactively responsible for the concept and musical direction of the album and for the selection of artists, songs and producers, as applicable. Award also goes to appropriately credited music supervisor(s).

• A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
  (Various Artists)
  Nate Heller, compilation producer; Howard Paar, Music Supervisor

• BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC
  (Various Artists)
  Jonathan Leahy, compilation producer

• EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: THE STORY OF FIRE SAGA
  (Various Artists)
  Savan Kotecha, compilation producer; Becky Bentham, music supervisor

• FROZEN 2
  (Various Artists)
  Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Tom MacDougall & Dave Metzger, compilation producers

• JOJO RABBIT - WINNER
  (Various Artists)
  Taika Waititi, compilation producer

60. Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media
Award to Composer(s) for an original score created specifically for, or as a companion to, a current legitimate motion picture, television show or series, video games or other visual media.

• AD ASTRA
  Max Richter, composer
   
• BECOMING
  Kamasi Washington, composer
   
• JOKER - WINNER
  Hildur Guðnadóttir, composer
   
• 1917
  Thomas Newman, composer
   
• STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
  John Williams, composer

61. Best Song Written For Visual Media
A Songwriter(s) award. For a song (melody & lyrics) written specifically for a motion picture, television, video games or other visual media, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

• BEAUTIFUL GHOSTS [FROM CATS]
  Andrew Lloyd Webber & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
   
• CARRIED ME WITH YOU [FROM ONWARD]
  Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth & Tim Hanseroth, songwriters (Brandi Carlile)
   
• INTO THE UNKNOWN [FROM FROZEN 2]
  Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Idina Menzel & AURORA)
   
• NO TIME TO DIE [FROM NO TIME TO DIE] - WINNER
  Billie Eilish O'Connell & Finneas Baird O'Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
   
• STAND UP [FROM HARRIET]
  Joshuah Brian Campbell & Cynthia Erivo, songwriters (Cynthia Erivo)

Composing/Arranging

62. Best Instrumental Composition
A Composer's Award for an original composition (not an adaptation) first released during the Eligibility Year. Singles or Tracks only.

• BABY JACK
  Arturo O'Farrill, composer (Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra)
   
• BE WATER II
  Christian Sands, composer (Christian Sands)
   
• PLUMFIELD
  Alexandre Desplat, composer (Alexandre Desplat)
   
• SPUTNIK - WINNER
  Maria Schneider, composer (Maria Schneider)
   
• STRATA
  Remy Le Boeuf, composer (Remy Le Boeuf's Assembly Of Shadows Featuring Anna Webber & Eric Miller)

63. Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella
An Arranger's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

• BATHROOM DANCE
  Hildur Guðnadóttir, arranger (Hildur Guðnadóttir)
   
• DONNA LEE - WINNER
  John Beasley, arranger (John Beasley)
   
• HONEYMOONERS
  Remy Le Boeuf, arranger (Remy Le Boeuf's Assembly Of Shadows)
   
• LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING
  Alvin Chea & Jarrett Johnson, arrangers (Jarrett Johnson Featuring Alvin Chea)
   
• URANUS: THE MAGICIAN
  Jeremy Levy, arranger (Jeremy Levy Jazz Orchestra)

64. Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals
An Arranger's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

• ASAS FECHADAS
  John Beasley & Maria Mendes, arrangers (Maria Mendes Featuring John Beasley & Orkest Metropole)
   
• DESERT SONG
  Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (Säje)
   
• FROM THIS PLACE
  Alan Broadbent & Pat Metheny, arrangers (Pat Metheny Featuring Meshell Ndegeocello)
   
• HE WON'T HOLD YOU - WINNER
  Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier Featuring Rapsody)
   
• SLOW BURN
  Talia Billig, Nic Hard & Becca Stevens, arrangers (Becca Stevens Featuring Jacob Collier, Mark Lettieri, Justin Stanton, Jordan Perlson, Nic Hard, Keita Ogawa, Marcelo Woloski & Nate Werth)

Package

65. Best Recording Package

• EVERYDAY LIFE
  Pilar Zeta, art director (Coldplay)
   
• FUNERAL
  Kyle Goen & Alex Kalatschinow, art directors (Lil Wayne)
   
• HEALER
  Julian Gross & Hannah Hooper, art directors (Grouplove)
   
• ON CIRCLES
  Jordan Butcher, art director (Caspian)
   
• VOLS. 11 & 12 - WINNER
  Doug Cunningham & Jason Noto, art directors (Desert Sessions)

66. Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package

• FLAMING PIE (COLLECTOR'S EDITION)
  Linn Wie Andersen, Simon Earith, Paul McCartney & James Musgrave, art directors (Paul McCartney)
   
• GIANTS STADIUM 1987, 1989, 1991
  Lisa Glines & Doran Tyson, art directors (Grateful Dead)

• MODE
  Jeff Schulz & Paul A. Taylor, art directors (Depeche Mode)

• ODE TO JOY - WINNER
  Lawrence Azerrad & Jeff Tweedy, art directors (Wilco)

• THE STORY OF GHOSTLY INTERNATIONAL
  Michael Cina & Molly Smith, art directors (Various Artists)

Notes

67. Best Album Notes

• AT THE MINSTREL SHOW: MINSTREL ROUTINES FROM THE STUDIO, 1894-1926
  Tim Brooks, album notes writer (Various Artists)
   
• THE BAKERSFIELD SOUND: COUNTRY MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WEST, 1940-1974
  Scott B. Bomar, album notes writer (Various Artists)
   
• DEAD MAN'S POP - WINNER
  Bob Mehr, album notes writer (The Replacements)
   
• THE MISSING LINK: HOW GUS HAENSCHEN GOT US FROM JOPLIN TO JAZZ AND SHAPED THE MUSIC BUSINESS
  Colin Hancock, album notes writer (Various Artists)
   
• OUT OF A CLEAR BLUE SKY
  David Sager, album notes writer (Nat Brusiloff)

Historical

68. Best Historical Album

• CELEBRATED, 1895-1896
  Meagan Hennessey & Richard Martin, compilation producers; Richard Martin, mastering engineer (Unique Quartette)
   
• HITTIN' THE RAMP: THE EARLY YEARS (1936 - 1943)
  Zev Feldman, Will Friedwald & George Klabin, compilation producers; Matthew Lutthans, mastering engineer (Nat King Cole)
   
• IT'S SUCH A GOOD FEELING: THE BEST OF MISTER ROGERS - WINNER
  Lee Lodyga & Cheryl Pawelski, compilation producers; Michael Graves, mastering engineer (Mister Rogers)
   
• 1999 SUPER DELUXE EDITION
  Trevor Guy, Michael Howe & Kirk Johnson, compilation producers; Bernie Grundman, mastering engineer (Prince)
   
• SOUVENIR
  Carolyn Agger, compilation producer; Miles Showell, mastering engineer (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark)
   
• THROW DOWN YOUR HEART: THE COMPLETE AFRICA SESSIONS
  Béla Fleck, compilation producer; Richard Dodd, mastering engineer (Béla Fleck)

Production, Non-Classical

69. Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
An Engineer's Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.)

• BLACK HOLE RAINBOW
  Shawn Everett & Ivan Wayman, engineers; Bob Ludwig, mastering engineer (Devon Gilfillian)
   
• EXPECTATIONS
  Gary Paczosa & Mike Robinson, engineers; Paul Blakemore, mastering engineer (Katie Pruitt)
   
• HYPERSPACE - WINNER
  Drew Brown, Julian Burg, Andrew Coleman, Paul Epworth, Shawn Everett, Serban Ghenea, David Greenbaum, John Hanes, Beck Hansen, Jaycen Joshua, Greg Kurstin, Mike Larson, Cole M.G.N., Alex Pasco & Matt Wiggins, engineers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer (Beck)
   
• JAIME
  Shawn Everett, engineer; Shawn Everett, mastering engineer (Brittany Howard)
   
• 25 TRIPS
  Shani Gandhi & Gary Paczosa, engineers; Adam Grover, mastering engineer (Sierra Hull)

70. Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical​

• JACK ANTONOFF

• August (Taylor Swift) (T)
• Gaslighter (The Chicks) (A)
• Holy Terrain (FKA Twigs Featuring Future) (T)
• Mirrorball (Taylor Swift) (T)
• This Is Me Trying (Taylor Swift) (T)
• Together (Sia) (S)

• DAN AUERBACH

• Cypress Grove (Jimmy "Duck" Holmes) (A)
• El Dorado (Marcus King) (A)
• Is Thomas Callaway (CeeLo Green) (A)
• Singing For My Supper (Early James) (A)
• Solid Gold Sounds (Kendell Marvel) (A)
• Years (John Anderson) (A

• DAVE COBB

• Backbone (Kaleo) (S)
• The Balladeer (Lori McKenna) (A)
• Boneshaker (Airbourne) (A)
• Down Home Christmas (Oak Ridge Boys) (A)
• The Highwomen (The Highwomen) (A)
• I Remember Everything (John Prine) (S)
• Reunions (Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit) (A)
• The Spark (William Prince) (S)
• You're Still The One (Teddy Swims) (S)

• FLYING LOTUS

• It Is What It Is (Thundercat) (A)

• ANDREW WATT - WINNER

• Break My Heart (Dua Lipa) (T)
• Me And My Guitar (A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie) (T)
• Midnight Sky (Miley Cyrus) (S)
• Old Me (5 Seconds Of Summer) (T)
• Ordinary Man (Ozzy Osbourne Featuring Elton John) (T)
• Take What You Want (Post Malone Featuring Ozzy Osbourne & Travis Scott) (T)
• Under The Graveyard (Ozzy Osbourne) (T)

71. Best Remixed Recording
A Remixer's Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses for identification.) Singles or Tracks only.

• DO YOU EVER (RAC MIX)
  RAC, remixer (Phil Good)
   
• IMAGINARY FRIENDS (MORGAN PAGE REMIX)
  Morgan Page, remixer (Deadmau5)
   
• PRAYING FOR YOU (LOUIE VEGA MAIN REMIX)
  Louie Vega, remixer (Jasper Street Co.)
   
• ROSES (IMANBEK REMIX) - WINNER
  Imanbek Zeikenov, remixer (SAINt JHN)
   
• YOUNG & ALIVE (BAZZI VS. HAYWYRE REMIX)
  Haywyre, remixer (Bazzi)

Production, Immersive Audio

72. Best Immersive Audio Album
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Best Immersive Audio Album Craft Committee was unable to meet. The judging of the entries in this category has been postponed until such time that we are able to meet in a way that is appropriate to judge the many formats and configurations of the entries and is safe for the committee members. The nominations for the 63rd GRAMMYs will be announced next year in addition to (and separately from) the 64th GRAMMY nominations in the category

Production, Classical

73. Best Engineered Album, Classical
An Engineer's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)

• DANIELPOUR: THE PASSION OF YESHUA
  Bernd Gottinger, engineer (JoAnn Falletta, James K. Bass, Adam Luebke, UCLA Chamber Singers, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra & Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus)
   
• GERSHWIN: PORGY AND BESS
  David Frost & John Kerswell, engineers; Silas Brown, mastering engineer (David Robertson, Frederick Ballentine, Angel Blue, Denyce Graves, Latonia Moore, Eric Owens, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra & Chorus)
   
• HYNES: FIELDS
  Kyle Pyke, engineer; Jesse Lewis & Kyle Pyke, mastering engineers (Devonté Hynes & Third Coast Percussion)
   
• IVES: COMPLETE SYMPHONIES
  Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, engineers; Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, mastering engineers (Gustavo Dudamel & Los Angeles Philharmonic)
   
• SHOSTAKOVICH: SYMPHONY NO. 13, 'BABI YAR' - WINNER
  David Frost & Charlie Post, engineers; Silas Brown, mastering engineer (Riccardo Muti & Chicago Symphony Orchestra)

74. Producer Of The Year, Classical
A Producer's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)

• BLANTON ALSPAUGH

• Aspects Of America - Pulitzer Edition (Carlos Kalmar & Oregon Symphony)
• Blessed Art Thou Among Women (Peter Jermihov, Katya Lukianov & PaTRAM Institute Singers)
• Dvořák: Symphony No. 9; Copland: Billy The Kid (Gianandrea Noseda & National Symphony Orchestra)
• Glass: The Fall Of The House Of Usher (Joseph Li, Nicholas Nestorak, Madison Leonard, Jonas Hacker, Ben Edquist, Matthew Adam Fleisher & Wolf Trap Opera)
• Kahane: Emergency Shelter Intake Form (Alicia Hall Moran, Gabriel Kahane, Carlos Kalmar & Oregon Symphony)
• Kastalsky: Requiem (Leonard Slatkin, Steven Fox, Benedict Sheehan, Charles Bruffy, Cathedral Choral Society, The Clarion Choir, The Saint Tikhon Choir, Kansas City Chorale & Orchestra Of St. Luke's)
• Massenet: Thaïs (Andrew Davis, Joshua Hopkins, Andrew Staples, Erin Wall, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir & Toronto Symphony Orchestra)
• Smyth: The Prison (Sarah Brailey, Dashon Burton, James Blachly & Experiential Orchestra)
• Woolf, L.P.: Fire And Flood (Julian Wachner, Matt Haimovitz & Choir Of Trinity Wall Street)

• DAVID FROST - WINNER

• Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 9 (Jonathan Biss)
• Gershwin: Porgy And Bess (David Robertson, Frederick Ballentine, Angel Blue, Denyce Graves, Latonia Moore, Eric Owens, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra & Chorus)
• Gluck: Orphée & Eurydice (Harry Bicket, Dmitry Korchak, Andriana Chuchman, Lauren Snouffer, Lyric Opera Of Chicago Orchestra & Chorus)
• Holst: The Planets; The Perfect Fool (Michael Stern & Kansas City Symphony)
• Muhly: Marnie (Robert Spano, Isabel Leonard, Christopher Maltman, Denyce Graves, Iestyn Davies, Janis Kelly, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra & Chorus)
• Schubert: Piano Sonatas, D. 845, D. 894, D. 958, D. 960 (Shai Wosner)
• Shostakovich: Symphony No. 13, 'Babi Yar' (Riccardo Muti, Alexey Tikhomirov, Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Chorus)

• JESSE LEWIS

• Gunn: The Ascendant (Roomful Of Teeth)
• Harrison, M.: Just Constellations (Roomful Of Teeth)
• Her Own Wings (Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival)
• Hynes: Fields (Devonté Hynes & Third Coast Percussion)
• Lang, D.: Love Fail (Beth Willer & Lorelei Ensemble)
• Mazzoli: Proving Up (Christopher Rountree, Opera Omaha & International Contemporary Ensemble)
• Sharlat: Spare The Rod! (NOW Ensemble)
• Soul House (Hub New Music)
• Wherein Lies The Good (The Westerlies)

• DMITRIY LIPAY

• Adams, J.: Must The Devil Have All The Good Tunes? (Yuja Wang, Gustavo Dudamel & Los Angeles Philharmonic)
• Cipullo: The Parting (Alastair Willis, Laura Strickling, Catherine Cook, Michael Mayes & Music Of Remembrance)
• Ives: Complete Symphonies (Gustavo Dudamel & Los Angeles Philharmonic)
• LA Phil 100 - The Los Angeles Philharmonic Centennial Birthday Gala (Gustavo Dudamel & Los Angeles Philharmonic)
• Langgaard: Prelude To Antichrist; Strauss: An Alpine Symphony (Thomas Dausgaard & Seattle Symphony Orchestra)
• Nielsen: Symphony No. 1 & Symphony No. 2, 'The Four Temperaments' (Thomas Dausgaard & Seattle Symphony)

• ELAINE MARTONE

• Bound For The Promised Land (Robert M. Franklin, Steven Darsey, Jessye Norman & Taylor Branch)
• Dawn (Shachar Israel)
• Gandolfi, Prior & Oliverio: Orchestral Works (Robert Spano & Atlanta Symphony Orchestra)
• Singing In The Dead Of Night (Eighth Blackbird)
• Whitacre: The Sacred Veil (Eric Whitacre, Grant Gershon & Los Angeles Master Chorale)

Classical

75. Best Orchestral Performance
Award to the Conductor and to the Orchestra.

• ASPECTS OF AMERICA - PULITZER EDITION
  Carlos Kalmar, conductor (Oregon Symphony)
   
• CONCURRENCE
  Daníel Bjarnason, conductor (Iceland Symphony Orchestra)
   
• COPLAND: SYMPHONY NO. 3
  Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor (San Francisco Symphony)
   
• IVES: COMPLETE SYMPHONIES - WINNER
  Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Los Angeles Philharmonic)
   
• LUTOSłAWSKI: SYMPHONIES NOS. 2 & 3
  Hannu Lintu, conductor (Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra)

76. Best Opera Recording
Award to the Conductor, Album Producer(s) and Principal Soloists.

• DELLO JOIO: THE TRIAL AT ROUEN
  Gil Rose, conductor; Heather Buck & Stephen Powell; Gil Rose, producer (Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Odyssey Opera Chorus)
   
• FLOYD, C.: PRINCE OF PLAYERS
  William Boggs, conductor; Alexander Dobson, Keith Phares & Kate Royal; Blanton Alspaugh, producer (Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; Florentine Opera Chorus)
   
• GERSHWIN: PORGY AND BESS - WINNER
  David Robertson, conductor; Frederick Ballentine, Angel Blue, Denyce Graves, Latonia Moore & Eric Owens; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus)
   
• HANDEL: AGRIPPINA
  Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor; Elsa Benoit, Joyce DiDonato, Franco Fagioli, Jakub Józef Orliński & Luca Pisaroni; Daniel Zalay, producer (Il Pomo D'Oro)
   
• ZEMLINSKY: DER ZWERG
  Donald Runnicles, conductor; David Butt Philip & Elena Tsallagova; Peter Ghirardini & Erwin Stürzer, producers (Orchestra Of The Deutsche Oper Berlin; Chorus Of The Deutsche Oper Berlin)

77. Best Choral Performance
Award to the Conductor, and to the Choral Director and/or Chorus Master where applicable and to the Choral Organization/Ensemble.

• CARTHAGE
  Donald Nally, conductor (The Crossing)
   
• DANIELPOUR: THE PASSION OF YESHUAH - WINNER
  JoAnn Falletta, conductor; James K. Bass & Adam Luebke, chorus masters (James K. Bass, J'Nai Bridges, Timothy Fallon, Kenneth Overton, Hila Plitmann & Matthew Worth; Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus & UCLA Chamber Singers)
   
• KASTALSKY: REQUIEM
  Leonard Slatkin, conductor; Charles Bruffy, Steven Fox & Benedict Sheehan, chorus masters (Joseph Charles Beutel & Anna Dennis; Orchestra Of St. Luke's; Cathedral Choral Society, The Clarion Choir, Kansas City Chorale & The Saint Tikhon Choir)
   
• MORAVEC: SANCTUARY ROAD
  Kent Tritle, conductor (Joshua Blue, Raehann Bryce-Davis, Dashon Burton, Malcolm J. Merriweather & Laquita Mitchell; Oratorio Society Of New York Orchestra; Oratorio Society Of New York Chorus)
   
• ONCE UPON A TIME
  Matthew Guard, conductor (Sarah Walker; Skylark Vocal Ensemble)

78. Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
For new recordings of works with chamber or small ensemble (twenty-four or fewer members, not including the conductor). One Award to the ensemble and one Award to the conductor, if applicable.

• CONTEMPORARY VOICES - WINNER
  Pacifica Quartet
   
• HEALING MODES
  Brooklyn Rider
   
• HEARNE, T.: PLACE
  Ted Hearne, Steven Bradshaw, Sophia Byrd, Josephine Lee, Isaiah Robinson, Sol Ruiz, Ayanna Woods, Diana Wade & Place Orchestra
   
• HYNES: FIELDS
  Devonté Hynes & Third Coast Percussion
   
• THE SCHUMANN QUARTETS
  Dover Quartet

79. Best Classical Instrumental Solo
Award to the Instrumental Soloist(s) and to the Conductor when applicable.

• ADÈS: CONCERTO FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA
  Kirill Gerstein; Thomas Adès, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)
   
• BEETHOVEN: COMPLETE PIANO SONATAS
  Igor Levit
   
• BOHEMIAN TALES
  Augustin Hadelich; Jakub Hrůša, conductor (Charles Owen; Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks)
   
• DESTINATION RACHMANINOV - ARRIVAL
  Daniil Trifonov; Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor (The Philadelphia Orchestra)
   
• THEOFANIDIS: CONCERTO FOR VIOLA AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA - WINNER
  Richard O'Neill; David Alan Miller, conductor (Albany Symphony)

80. Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
Award to: Vocalist(s), Collaborative Artist(s) (Ex: pianists, conductors, chamber groups) Producer(s), Recording Engineers/Mixers with 51% or more playing time of new material.

• AMERICAN COMPOSERS AT PLAY - WILLIAM BOLCOM, RICKY IAN GORDON, LORI LAITMAN, JOHN MUSTO
  Stephen Powell (Attacca Quartet, William Bolcom, Ricky Ian Gordon, Lori Laitman, John Musto, Charles Neidich & Jason Vieaux)
   
• CLAIRIÈRES - SONGS BY LILI & NADIA BOULANGER
  Nicholas Phan; Myra Huang, accompanist
   
• FARINELLI
  Cecilia Bartoli; Giovanni Antonini, conductor (Il Giardino Armonico)
   
• A LAD'S LOVE
  Brian Giebler; Steven McGhee, accompanist (Katie Hyun, Michael Katz, Jessica Meyer, Reginald Mobley & Ben Russell)
   
• SMYTH: THE PRISON- WINNER
  Sarah Brailey & Dashon Burton; James Blachly, conductor (Experiential Chorus; Experiential Orchestra)

81. Best Classical Compendium
Award to the Artist(s) and to the Album Producer(s) and Engineer(s) of over 51% playing time of the album, if other than the artist.

• ADÈS CONDUCTS ADÈS
  Mark Stone & Christianne Stotijn; Thomas Adès, conductor; Nick Squire, producer
   
• SAARIAHO: GRAAL THÉÂTRE; CIRCLE MAP; NEIGES; VERS TOI QUI ES SI LOIN
  Clément Mao-Takacs, conductor; Hans Kipfer, producer
   
• SEREBRIER: SYMPHONIC BACH VARIATIONS; LAMENTS AND HALLELUJAHS; FLUTE CONCERTO
  José Serebrier, conductor; Jens Braun, producer
   
• THOMAS, M.T.: FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK & MEDITATIONS ON RILKE- WINNER
  Isabel Leonard; Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor; Jack Vad, producer
   
• WOOLF, L.P.: FIRE AND FLOOD
  Matt Haimovitz; Julian Wachner, conductor; Blanton Alspaugh, producer

82. Best Contemporary Classical Composition
A Composer's Award. (For a contemporary classical composition composed within the last 25 years, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year.) Award to the librettist, if applicable.

• ADÈS: CONCERTO FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA
  Thomas Adès, composer (Kirill Gerstein, Thomas Adès & Boston Symphony Orchestra)
   
• DANIELPOUR: THE PASSION OF YESHUA
  Richard Danielpour, composer (JoAnn Falletta, James K. Bass, Adam Luebke, UCLA Chamber Singers, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra & Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus)
   
• FLOYD, C.: PRINCE OF PLAYERS
  Carlisle Floyd, composer (William Boggs, Alexander Dobson, Kate Royal, Keith Phares, Florentine Opera Chorus & Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra)
   
• HEARNE, T.: PLACE
  Ted Hearne, composer (Ted Hearne, Steven Bradshaw, Sophia Byrd, Josephine Lee, Isaiah Robinson, Sol Ruiz, Ayanna Woods & Place Orchestra)
   
• ROUSE: SYMPHONY NO. 5- WINNER
  Christopher Rouse, composer (Giancarlo Guerrero & Nashville Symphony)

Music Video/Film

83. Best Music Video
Award to the artist, video director, and video producer.

• BROWN SKIN GIRL - WINNER
  Beyoncé, Blue Ivy & WizKid
  Beyoncé Knowles-Carter & Jenn Nkiru, video directors; Astrid Edwards, Aya Kaida, Jean Mougin, Nathan Scherrer & Erinn Williams, video producers

• LIFE IS GOOD
  Future Featuring Drake
  Julien Christian Lutz, video director; Harv Glazer, video producer

• LOCKDOWN
  Anderson .Paak
  Dave Meyers, video director; Nathan Scherrer, video producer
   
• ADORE YOU
  Harry Styles
  Dave Meyers, video director; Nathan Scherrer, video producer
   
• GOLIATH
  Woodkid
  Yoann Lemoine, video director; Horace de Gunzbourg, video producer

84. Best Music Film
For concert/performance films or music documentaries. Award to the artist, video director, and video producer.

• BEASTIE BOYS STORY
  Beastie Boys
  Spike Jonze, video director; Amanda Adelson, Jason Baum & Spike Jonze, video producers
   
• BLACK IS KING
  Beyoncé
  Emmanuel Adjei, Blitz Bazawule, Beyonce Knowles Carter & Kwasi Fordjour, video directors; Lauren Baker, Akin Omotoso, Nathan Scherrer, Jeremy Sullivan & Erinn Williams, video producers
   
• WE ARE FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME
  Freestyle Love Supreme
  Andrew Fried, video director; Andrew Fried, Jill Furman, Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sarina Roma, Jenny Steingart & Jon Steingart, video producers
   
• LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE - WINNER
  Linda Ronstadt
  Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman, video directors; Michele Farinola & James Keach, video producers
   
• THAT LITTLE OL' BAND FROM TEXAS
  ZZ Top
  Sam Dunn, video director; Scot McFadyen, video producer

10 Must-See Moments From The 2021 GRAMMY Awards Show, From Anderson .Paak To BTS To Megan Thee Stallion

In a continuing commitment to nurture future Black music industry leaders, Amazon Music and the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective (BMC) have announced the return of the Your Future Is Now scholarship program for its fourth consecutive year. 

The program, which launched in 2021, provides students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with both financial support and direct, hands-on experience in the music industry.

This year, five HBCU students will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship each and have the chance to engage in a career-defining rotation with department leads at Amazon Music and the Recording Academy. Alongside the individual scholarships, the program will grant two HBCUs $10,000 each for music program equipment, further investing in institutional resources for budding artists and music professionals.

To celebrate the scholarship's renewal, "Amazon Music Live" featured an exclusive episode headlined by GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop heavyweight, Big Sean, sponsored by the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks. This special live streamed performance included Big Sean performing alongside North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's celebrated Blue and Gold Marching Machine and The Fellowship Gospel Choir, bringing a powerful, HBCU-rooted energy to the show.

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Following the concert, North Carolina A&T was announced as the first HBCU recipient of the $10,000 music equipment grant, with Amazon Music executives Phylicia Fant and Jameka Pankey, alongside Recording Academy representatives, presenting the donation to the university’s drumline coordinator, Harvey Thompson.

"Every Homecoming season, HBCU students and alumni come together not only to celebrate our community but also to strengthen the bonds that connect us," said Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music. "It’s that kind of meaningful impact on students’ lives that we set out to foster with this program."

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the scholarship’s impact. "The program’s effect on our student cohorts has been nothing short of remarkable, and I couldn’t be prouder," he said. "It’s crucial that we continue investing in the next generation of Black music creators and professionals, equipping them to lead and shape the future of the music industry."

The Your Future Is Now scholarship application is now open. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled at an HBCU and pursuing a degree in music, music business, business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field. Requirements include a transcript, personal statement, a creative video showcasing their vision, and one recommendation. The application deadline is December 13, and recipients will be announced in early January.

To apply for the scholarship, visit here.

This scholarship announcement is part of Amazon Music’s wider Homecoming celebrations. Amazon Music recently hosted carnival-style pop-up events at HBCUs across the country, including North Carolina A&T, Florida A&M, Howard University, and Jackson State University, creating memorable experiences for students and alumni while connecting them with the music and traditions that define HBCU culture. Students and alumni were able to experience music from past AML performers, get pictures in intricate photo moments, and have a chance to win exclusive one-of-a-kind merch. Amazon Music customers everywhere can celebrate with "Homecoming SZN," a new playlist of music created specifically to soundtrack HBCU Homecoming Weekends.

The Recording Academy's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team, in collaboration with the GRAMMY Museum, has announced the recipients of the third annual Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship.

This year, the scholarship honors five college students: Nadia Adams (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Harrison Candelario (University of Rochester), Christo Hernandez (University of Southern California), Elyse Smith (Harvard University), and Hope Williams (Oakwood University).

Established in 2021, the Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Quinn Coleman, a cherished music executive and DJ who passed away in 2020 at the age of 31. Created by his family in partnership with the GRAMMY Museum, this scholarship aims to break down barriers in the music industry by offering professional development opportunities that prepare students for full-time careers, through financial aid, mentorship, and practical professional experiences.

Each selected recipient will be awarded two $1,000 scholarships for tuition, a $500 stipend for interview preparation, two $250 stipends for books and equipment, and financial and emotional wellness seminars. Furthermore, students will be awarded a spring internship at the Recording Academy or Latin Recording Academy.

For updates on the Recording Academy's DEI initiatives, click here. For more information about the GRAMMY Museum, visit grammymuseum.org.

From Oct. 21 to 23, songwriters, composers, producers, engineers, and music industry professionals gathered at the NYU Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in Brooklyn, New York, to collaborate, network and support each other in navigating the ever-complex business-side of the music industry.

Presented in partnership with the Recording Academy's Songwriters & Composers Wing, the first two days were a highly collaborative songwriting intensive, where participants used the school's state-of-the-art studios to create songs for TV or film. Day three was all about empowering music makers, aptly titled, "Beyond the Studio: Navigating the Music Industry as Creators," and offered a plethora of useful advice across two insightful panels: "Crafting Hits: Songwriting in Today's Music Industry" and "Monetizing Your Music: Unlocking Opportunities in Media Licensing and Sync."

The first panel was moderated by NYU's own Professor Swagg (a.k.a. GRAMMY-winning producer and songwriter David "Swagg" Harris) and featured Samantha Cox, VP of Creative at BMI; Ian McEvily, artist manager and partner at State of the Art; and Travis McFetridge, president and CEO of Great South Bay Music Group Inc, a boutique music publisher. The second panel was moderated by singer/songwriter Toby Lightman and featured Josh Rabinowitz, professor and music consultant at the Brooklyn Music Experience; Jonathan Finegold, founder of Fine Gold Music; and Sue Jacobs, a music supervisor and founder of SueperVision.

Below, check out six useful takeaways from the intimate, informative event.

Versatility Is A Major Key To Success…

During the "Songwriting in Today's Music Industry" panel, Samantha Cox and Ian McEvily urged the importance of learning different skill sets as a songwriter. Cox pointed out that having a big pop star on a song doesn't guarantee a hit, even less so than in the past — even huge artists have had to diversify their sound and approach to stay relevant. "When I meet a young new songwriter, I always tell them to be open-minded to try a lot of different things," Cox said.

McEvily highlighted this point later in the conversation, when he was asked how he supports the artists he manages through the changing music industry landscape.

"The biggest issue starting out is money. It's really hard to be a songwriter and it hasn't gotten any easier. They used to be able to move out to LA and have a studio in their place, but now LA is expensive… To navigate that, I help them work past their skill set," McEvily explained. "I want to help them be able to be a Swiss Army knife, to be open. If you're just a songwriter and you're really lucky, maybe you'll make it. But [I want to] open you up for more opportunities."

McEvily reflected on how he encouraged his client of 10 years, GRAMMY-winning producer Dan Nigro, to learn production. When they met, Nigro was a songwriter and could produce lo-fi demos in GarageBand. Since then, he's honed his production chops and become Olivia Rodrigo's go-to producer and trusted collaborator, helping her perfect her chart-topping — and multi-GRAMMY-winning — pop-punk sound.

…And So Are The Relationships You Make

After an audience member asked whether an artist should have a manager, Cox stressed the importance of developing long-running personal relationships in the music industry. "Come talk to someone like me and I can link you with a rising songwriter and you can keep working together…And then maybe managers reach out," she emphasized. "Personal relationships are key."

McEvily agreed: "I think over the past five years, the relationship between the artist and the songwriter has become the most important relationship…and I think that makes it better."

For singer/songwriter and disability advocate James Ian, one of the biggest takeaways from the three-day event was the power that comes from gathering together with fellow music makers. While making music has mostly been a solo endeavor for him, he left feeling inspired to do more workshops and networking.

"Everyone was so generous with their time and their talent. We collaborated really, really well," he told GRAMMY.com. "Everyone was really willing to accept other people's ideas, and we used most of what everyone came up with in the songs. I'm really proud of the work, and really grateful to have networked and worked with such tremendous talent."

Read More: 4 Lessons & Resources Every Songwriter & Composer Should Know

You Might Be Missing Out On Money You've Already Earned

In between the two panels, The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) and Sound Royalties — two of the event's sponsors — were highlighted for the work they each do to provide income streams for music creators. And as Jamie Dominguez, National Director of Industry Relations at The MLC, pointed out, the streaming era has resulted in a lot of unclaimed money.

The MLC is a nonprofit that was mandated after the passage of the Music Modernization Act in 2018, which set out important regulations to protect music creators in the streaming era. The MLC — which offers free membership — allows artists and songwriters to locate and receive streaming royalties dating back to 2007. Jamie Dominguez, National Director of Industry Relations at The MLC, encouraged participants to sign up, explaining they have paid out almost $3 billion in streaming royalties since their creation. Additionally, they are funded by the DSPs and don't take a cut of artists' earnings.

Attendees also learned about Sound Royalties, an artist-friendly funding source for creatives. For artists who earn $5,000 or more a year from music royalties, the firm offers advances to help you cover a tour, new studio equipment or whatever else to further your art. Sound Royalties doesn't take ownership of the artists' copyrights or a percentage of their futures, allowing artists to maintain control of their work.

One important thing that the first set of panelists noted, though, is that in order to get royalties, you have to be credited on the song. Thus, it's important to discuss songwriting credits and splits amongst collaborators before going into a work session. "Even if you brought in a song 90 percent done, the [producer's] chord progression change made it a hit, so that's worth something," McEvily said.

There's A World Of Possibility In Music Licensing

Following the in-depth discussion on the world of songwriting and a lively networking lunch, the second panel focused on how to earn money (and ears!) on your music through film, TV and ad placement. The career of moderator Toby Lightman — who has landed over 100 major song placements in film, TV and commercials as an independent singer/songwriter — was a shining example of the many opportunities that lie for musicians in the world of sync.

"When I got a song signed to a movie, it was life-changing, and now it's my artist focus," the "Breathe In" singer said with a smile. Her heartfelt music has been featured on TV shows such as "The Rookie," "Monarch," and "Sesame Street," as well as NFL ads.

For newer or independent artists, it might feel like a pipe dream to imagine your music being featured in a film trailer or a popular TV show. But as Lightman and her panelists suggested, there are ways in — especially since there are plenty of visuals these days that need backing music.

"A lot of the places I'm trying to support independent artists are those background scenes, [like in a] diner. The money can be quite good, but you'll need to have music that you put on and are able to have a conversation with somebody. If it's pulling your ear away, it's going to do the same in the picture," Sue Jacobs asserted. "[I'm looking for music] that someone can put under the dialogue to put into the next scene."

She also recommended that artists and producers have instrumental versions of their tracks ready to go, as they're more adaptable for different scenes. And if you want to see if your music could work in film or TV, put on a montage scene, mute it, and play your music.

"Film is not very forgiving of things that are just staying there and not changing," Jacobs, who has provided music supervision for Little Miss Sunshine, HBO's "Big Little Lies" and several other critically acclaimed films and shows, points out.

She advised that the music needs to be dynamic and have non-specific lyrics that can drive a variety of scenes. For this reason, Jacobs appreciates friendship songs over romantic love songs, as well as happy music that successfully steers away from cheesiness. Finally, she noted that when it comes to sounds and genres, "hybrid always works."

Read More: The Expanding Universe of Music Sync: How It Works, Understanding The Opportunities

Ad Sync Isn't Selling Out

When the "Monetizing Your Music" panelists were asked why they thought more artists are focusing on licensing now, Josh Rabinowitz pointed to Volkswagen's dreamy ad from 2000, featuring Nick Drake's "Pink Moon," as pivotal in changing the perception of syncing your music for commercial purposes. Though the spot came out 26 years after the British indie singer/songwriter's death, it brought a whole new, wider audience to his music and inspired future TV-ads-as-music-videos.

Jonathan Finegold also called out a Michelob beer ad from 1989, which featured guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton as another turning point in sync, along with Apple's iconic iPod commercials. He emphasized the market reach of that kind of placement, exemplified by Apple's ability to break songs and artists, such as Feist's iPod Nano ad (a song selected by Steve Jobs himself) from 2007.

As Rabinowitz offered, "It's music for context. It's not just music that's great, it has to serve in a particular capacity. It has to serve a creative idea, a concept, a brand, a brand's purpose, a product or sell persuasiveness, etc."

He described the best ad songs as anthemic with a positive message — tracks that are dynamic, unexpected and build, and don't sound mainstream. "I did a listening session the other day, and there was an Afrobeats track with a lot of humming and crazy beats. It was really warm and kind of universal in its positivity," Rabinowitz added. "That's exciting for me, and I think that's a great opportunity for people that are experimental and creative."

Landing An Ad Placement Is An Art In Its Own Right

As Finegold pointed out, if you are signed with a label or publishing company — even a small one — it's their job to pitch your tunes to music supervisors. He offered that it's something you can tee up for them by suggesting one of your tracks for a specific show or brand.

That said, there's no need to be obvious with your lyrics. In fact, Finegold warned that making songs with a brand in mind may have the opposite result.

"I would be careful about writing specifically for sync. A music supervisor can spot that a mile away," Finegold said. "If you write a song all about basketball and slam dunks, it doesn't mean that the NBA wants to use it. For the most part, they want to use a song about teamwork or coming together or winning or something like that."

Instead, you can create remixes of your tracks for specific scenarios, or craft unique reimaginings of well-known songs, as Finegold noted that the ad world has been big on unique covers in the past few years.

From honing songwriting skills to learning about the advantages of royalties and sync, the New York Chapter's Songwriting Camp offered an array of inspiration for those who attended. While being a creative in today's economy can be daunting, the event was a vital reminder of the power of community and collaboration — and how much further we can go when we share ideas, insights and resources.

The New York Chapter would like to offer thanks to the sponsors that made the event possible: The MLC, Sound Royalties, NYU Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, and Amazon Music, along with their Recording Academy event partner, the Songwriters & Composers Wing. Learn more about the S&C Wing on Instagram.

Dolly Parton is almost as well known for her charitable spirit as she is for topping the country charts. The 10-time GRAMMY winner has made kindness, philanthropy and inclusivity major tenets of her life and career, and this year she's the 2024 recipient of the PEACE Through Music Award.

Parton accepted the honor at a special ceremony held at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Oct. 25.

"Is that not what we're all looking for: a little peace?" the country icon asked in her joyful acceptance speech. "We all want it. Some of us, all around this old world, can only dream about it. But as people, we all deserve it."

Presented by the Recording Academy and the U.S. Department of State, the PEACE Through Music Award honors an American music industry professional, artist or group who has played an invaluable role in cross-cultural exchanges and whose music work advances peace and mutual understanding globally. The award launched last year as part of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative; 28-time GRAMMY winner Quincy Jones was the inaugural honoree.

To celebrate Dolly Parton's 2024 PEACE Through Music Award honor, dive into five of the many ways she's demonstrated her commitment to the principles of peace, unity and inclusion throughout her celebrated career.

Giving Back Through The Dollywood Foundation

Parton first launched her namesake nonprofit, the Dollywood Foundation, in 1988 — just two years after opening the doors to her famed theme park, Dollywood. In the 36 years since its inception, the country star has used the foundation to encourage the importance of education in her native Tennessee. She first began raising money for scholarships given to local high school students before eventually launching the official Dolly Parton Scholarship in 2000. 

Initially, Dolly's scholarship offered $15,000 to four students at Sevier County High School, the country icon's alma mater. However, to date, the scholarship program has expanded to award students in at least three other neighboring high schools, continually perpetuating the gift of education to rising generations where she was born and raised. 

Promoting Childhood Literacy With Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

For decades, one of the pillars of the singer's philanthropic mission has been Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the children's literacy program she founded in 1995 to honor her father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr.

Though the sharecropper and father of 12 never learned to read or write in his lifetime, his famous daughter's Imagination Library focuses on early childhood education by "gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age 5" throughout the U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Australia.

Working with local affiliate partners, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has gifted more than 250,000,000 books and counting to children around the world as of press time. In July 2024, the program also reached a new milestone of registering 3 million children worldwide.

Assisting Wildfire Victims Through Her My People Fund

In 2016, Parton created the My People Fund, a new branch of her Dollywood Foundation, in response to the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires that devastated the Southeastern United States — including her beloved home state of Tennessee — that year.

Killing at least 14 people and burning down thousands of homes and businesses, the wildfires quickly became the deadliest in Tennessee history, and Parton's My People Fund aimed to help victims of the tragedy get back on their feet.

The charitable initiative gave $1,000 a month for up to six months to residents of Sevier County, Tennessee who had lost their homes and livelihoods to the blaze, and brought together major organizations like Verizon, Tanger Outlets and Miley Cyrus' Happy Hippie Foundation to donate to the cause.

"I have always believed that charity begins at home," Parton said at the time of the tragedy. Ultimately, the My People Fund helped more than 900 families affected by the crisis. 

Parton's associated telethon, Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund, also raised more than $13 million and featured appearances by Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, Alison Krauss, Cyndi Lauper and more. 

Helping Fund The Moderna Vaccine

It's not an understatement to say that Dolly Parton is a major reason the world has one of the COVID-19 vaccines.

In the early days of the global coronavirus pandemic, the country star announced she was donating $1 million to fund research of the virus at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Parton's massive check helped fund early stages in developing Moderna's vaccine, and less than a year later, she received the potentially life-saving vaccine her donation played a part in creating. 

Naturally, the singer also used her platform to encourage fans to get vaccinated as well — to the tune of "Jolene," naturally. It's virtually impossible to estimate just how many lives Dolly helped to save by this one act of generosity alone.

Championing LGBTQIA+ Rights Through Music & Advocacy

There's no denying Parton is a bonafide queer icon, and she's actively supported the LGBTQIA+ community for decades.

The "Coat of Many Colors" singer made a plainspoken reference to gay people, and the need to stand by them no matter what, in her 1991 ballad "Family." ("Some are preachers, some are gay/ Some are addicts, drunks and strays/ But not a one is turned away when it's family," she sang on the saccharine album cut from 1991's Eagle When She Flies.)

Nearly two decades later, she spoke out with her trademark wit in support of marriage equality during a 2009 appearance on "The Joy Behar Show." "I always say, 'Sure, why can't they get married? They should suffer like the rest of us do,'" the singer joked at the time, a full six years before the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality with the Obergefell v. Hodges decision.

Parton's support of the LGBTQ+ community hasn't been in words alone, either. The beloved icon has regularly supported HIV/AIDS charities during her time in the spotlight, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation and GLAAD.