For years, the Grammy Awards have faced criticism for a lack of diversity, with artists of color and women often overlooked in top prizes. However, the Recording Academy has been actively working to address these issues by diversifying its voting body.
Over the past five years, the Academy has made significant strides in increasing diversity among its members. In 2019, a commitment was made to add 2,500 women to the voting body by 2025. Surpassing this goal ahead of schedule, the Academy has added over 3,000 female voting members, marking a substantial achievement in promoting gender equality within the organization.
Reforms at the Recording Academy began with the establishment of a task force focused on inclusion and diversity following controversial remarks made by a former CEO. Since 2019, approximately 8,700 new members have been added to the voting body, bringing the total number of members to over 16,000.
Under the new membership model, the Academy has seen a 63% increase in members who identify as people of color. The voting body now comprises more than 13,000 members, with intentional efforts made to ensure representation from various genres and underrepresented groups.
To become a voting member, individuals must demonstrate a primary career in music, provide recommendations from industry peers, and show a minimum of 12 credits in a single creative profession, with at least five obtained in the last five years. This rigorous process aims to maintain the integrity and relevance of the voting body.
Similar to the film industry, the Recording Academy has taken steps to address diversity concerns by actively engaging with underrepresented communities. Efforts to increase diversity have resulted in significant growth in voters from different racial backgrounds, including a 100% increase in AAPI voters, 90% increase in Black voters, and 43% increase in Latino voters.
While progress has been made, there is acknowledgment of the need for further growth. Currently, 66% of voting members are men, 49% are white, and 66% are over the age of 40. Moving forward, the Academy remains committed to ongoing efforts to enhance diversity and inclusivity within its voting body.
In conclusion, the Recording Academy aims to be the most relevant and representative of the music community, reflecting a dedication to fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry.
