Recording Academy Amends “Best New Artist” Rules

Blame it on Lady Gaga. In the wake of the flamboyant pop star’s exclusion from its Best New Artist category at this year’s 52nd annual Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy has changed its rules to allow for leeway for artists previously nominated in the category. The changes will be in place for the upcoming 53rd annual Grammy Awards, which are set for Feb. 13.

Although Lady Gaga was certainly one of last year’s most popular new artists, she was ineligible for the best new artist nomination because her hit, “Just Dance” had been nominated in 2008 in the best dance recording category, before her career exploded with her debut release, The Fame. The rules state that previous Grammy nominees can’t be nominated for best new artist.

“There will be some changes so that particular situation won’t repeat itself,” said Recording Academy President Neil Portnow after Gaga’s headline-generating exclusion from the category.

The rule changes for 2011 will allow acts in a similar situation to be considered for best new artist, provided the act or group did not win a Grammy.

“More and more, the first release of a new artist is as a featured artist on someone else’s album, or the new artist may release a single long before the release of his/her/their entire first album,” the Recording Academy explained in a statement. “By current rules, if the other artist’s album or the new artist’s single receives a nomination, the new artist may never have the opportunity to compete in the best new artist category.”

“Every year, we diligently examine our awards process to ensure that it remains relevant within the current musical landscape,” Portnow said. “These eligibility amendments recognize present trends in music, and our Board of Trustees continues to demonstrate its dedication to keeping the Recording Academy a pertinent and responsive organization in our dynamic music community.”