Revamp: Grammys to recognise stream-only singles

Academy announces rule changes accommodating new talent for next show

The panel behind the annual centre of all the glitz and glamour from the world of music has recently changed its rules, now allowing steam-only singles to be nominated in the ‘Best New Artist’ category, reported Rolling Stone.

According to the Grammy organisation, online releases such as Chance the Rapper’s Colouring Book can now become part of the most prestigious music award show. Previously, it was a set rule that for a song to be deemed eligible for nomination, the recording must either be playable or downloadable. This set a strong barrier for all stream-only releases, which, earlier could not be considered for the iconic golden gramophone trophy.



Various revisions to the Academy’s policies have been announced, the most impactful and significant of which was the inclusion of stream-only singles in the nomination eligibility criteria. The aforementioned single by Chance the Rapper soared to bag a spot among the Top 10 Billboard 200 songs recently, and had the rules not been changed, it would have remained largely unappreciated and unrecognised globally.

Other changes in the roster include alterations in the way ‘Best New Artist’ nominees are selected. Previously, contenders were required to release an album to be considered. However, they can now be deemed eligible if they have released between five to 30 tracks.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2016.

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