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GRAMMY winners Antonio Sánchez, Linda Ronstadt, iLe, Kabaka Pyramid, White Sun with their awards
(Clockwise from left) Antonio Sánchez, Linda Ronstadt, iLe, Kabaka Pyramid, White Sun

Photos: Jason Kempin/WireImage; Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images; Amy Sussman/Getty Images; Benjo Arwas/Contour by Getty Images; Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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The Impact Of A GRAMMY Win: Life After The Award

What happens after Music's Biggest Night? GRAMMY winners Linda Ronstadt, White Sun, Kabaka Pyramid, iLe, and Antonio Sánchez reflect on their victories and discuss how winning a GRAMMY Award has impacted their careers.

GRAMMYs/Nov 7, 2024 - 04:57 pm

GRAMMY season is upon us  — which means voting for submitted works, watching the 2025 GRAMMY nominations on Friday, Nov. 8, and seeing who will take home golden gramophones at the 2025 GRAMMYs on Sunday, Feb. 2. 

Over 66 awards ceremonies, GRAMMY Awards have elevated careers, sparked cultural shifts, and cemented legacies. For artists, musicians and music industry professionals, a GRAMMY win can be a game-changing moment, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and enhancing global recognition. Often, a GRAMMY win becomes a pivotal milestone in an artist’s career. 

Learn more: How Much Is A GRAMMY Worth? 7 Facts To Know About The GRAMMY Award Trophy.

What happens after an artist or music professional wins a GRAMMY? For many, it's a life-changing moment, but the path that follows can be as unique as the music that earned them the accolade. 

Ahead of the 2025 GRAMMY Awards, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, five GRAMMY-winning artists — icon Linda Ronstadt, transformative artist White Sun, reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid, Puerto Rican singer iLe, and acclaimed jazz drummer Antonio Sánchez — discuss how winning a GRAMMY has affected their careers and creativity. 

Linda Ronstadt

Number of GRAMMY Awards: 11
First GRAMMY Won: Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)," 1976 GRAMMYs

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 A trailblazing figure, Linda Ronstadt is known for her remarkable versatility and powerful voice that transcends genres. Over four decades, Ronstadt broke boundaries not only in her music, but also in her advocacy for artists' rights and political causes.

Musically, Ronstadt defied industry norms by crossing over from rock and country, while also embracing diverse genres such as opera and jazz. Ronstadt honored her Mexican heritage via multiple Spanish-language albums, including 1987's Canciones de Mi Padre. That album highlighted traditional Mexican mariachi music and became the best-selling non-English language album in U.S. history, playing a key role in bringing Latin music into the mainstream spotlight. The album took home a golden gramophone for Best Mexican-American Performance at the 31st GRAMMY Awards.

Ronstadt has 11 career GRAMMY Awards, as well as a Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award. But her journey didn't end with the wins, the last of which came during the 63rd GRAMMY Awards for Best Music Film.

Ronstadt points to her early wins as the beginning of a new chapter characterized by continued growth and dedication. While the GRAMMY Award is recognition, it doesn't instantly transform an artist's skills or career. “Winning a GRAMMY did not make me a better singer," Ronstadt tells GRAMMY.com. "It took several more years of hard work to do that. But it is always nice to have your work validated.” 

Read more: Linda Ronstadt's Timeless Appeal

Antonio Sánchez

Number of GRAMMY Awards: 5
First GRAMMY Won:
Best Contemporary Jazz Album, Speaking Of Now, 2003 GRAMMYs

Drummer and composer Antonio Sánchez gained widespread recognition for his collaborations with jazz guitar legend Pat Metheny and icons such as Chick Corea and Gary Burton. Beyond jazz, Sánchez made a significant mark on film, most notably with his groundbreaking score for the 2014 Oscar-winning film Birdman, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. Sánchez's GRAMMY Awards reflect his ability to push the boundaries of music and have shaped his career.

"I’m humbled and honored to have received GRAMMY Awards, and they have certainly expanded an awareness of what I do to those unfamiliar," he explains. 

While Sánchez doesn’t believe anyone hires him solely because of his awards, the wins have undoubtedly brought more attention to his work. He recalls his first GRAMMY win over 20 years ago with The Pat Metheny Group: "I’ll never forget the moment I held it in my hands — and being surprised by its weight," Sánchez says. That win supercharged his passion for music, reinforcing his desire to surround himself with the highest caliber musicians and continue striving for excellence.

For aspiring musicians, Sánchez emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s creative process. "Try not to think of awards, accolades, or public opinion in your creative process," he advises. Instead, he encourages artists to focus on what they love and give it their all. For Sánchez, the pressure to deliver is always present, but he believes that pursuing awards should not be the goal. 

"Your virtue is its own reward — the best reward," he says, reminding artists that if they work hard enough, recognition and awards like the GRAMMYs will follow. 

Kabaka Pyramid

Number of GRAMMY Awards: 1
First GRAMMY Won: Best Reggae Album for The Kalling, 2023 GRAMMYs

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Kingston, Jamaica, native Kabaka Pyramid is known for blending traditional roots reggae with elements of hip-hop and dancehall. His music is celebrated for its socially conscious messages, tackling topics such as inequality, spirituality, and cultural empowerment. Kabaka's unique style and powerful lyrics have attracted a global audience, establishing him as a leading figure in modern reggae.

Kabaka acknowledges that winning a GRAMMY has impacted all aspects of his career. "I can say just about every area has been elevated to some degree," he shares. This success has led to everything from bigger financial offers to more shows, as well as  increased publicity and social media growth. He’s also had the chance to travel to new places and noted a greater respect within the industry.

However, with success comes challenges. Kabaka shared that he feels heightened expectations to perform, and notes that he's received some "absurd requests" to perform from people who want to benefit from their association with him. He added that some people who knew him before he won a GRAMMY now interact with him differently, which can feel strange at times.

The Kalling's GRAMMY win has given Kabaka Pyramid more inspiration and motivation to strive for greatness, though his approach to making music has not changed fundamentally. "It’s the same process as before, but more mindful of the details to ensure the standard is always being raised," he explains. The artist advises aspiring musicians to "stay grounded but reach for the stars.

"It's important to consciously know what you're about and what you stand for," he advises.

Read More: Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: Kabaka Pyramid On Embracing His Voice & The Bold Future Of Reggae

iLe

Number of GRAMMY Awards: 1
First GRAMMY Won:
Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for iLevitable, 2017 GRAMMYs

iLe possesses a powerful and distinct voice. Her solo career is defined by evocative lyrics and a style that fuses the traditional sounds of Latin America with modern musical elements.

Born Ileana Mercedes Cabra Joglar in Puerto Rico, iLe grew up surrounded by creativity, with a family deeply involved in the arts. During her teenage years, iLe collaborated with her siblings, René Pérez Joglar (Residente) and Eduardo Cabra (Visitante), to take on the role of lead singer for their group, Calle 13. Her commanding voice and captivating stage presence played a crucial role in defining the band's unique meld of hip-hop, rock, and traditional Latin music.

iLe says her win at the 59th GRAMMY Awards was an unexpected yet rewarding experience. The greatest reward was celebrating the achievement. "Working on an album is already hard enough, and every album you get to release is literally that: a release, a satisfaction, a transition into something new," she shares.

While the GRAMMY brought new opportunities, iLe emphasizes that she’s most thankful for the chance to continue making music. "I feel grateful to have had opportunities like this to expand my music, but I feel even more grateful to be doing what I love," she reflects.

iLe notes that the award didn’t change the themes she explores in her music, which are grounded in honesty and a deep connection to her culture. She encourages other Latin artists to work hard and stay authentic. "Don’t feel the need to turn into something you’re not just to feel some sort of approval or validation," she advises, adding that musicians should continue to explore their own paths and enjoy the journey.

White Sun

Number of GRAMMY Awards: 2
First GRAMMY Won: Best New Age Album for White Sun II, 2017 GRAMMYs

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White Sun seamlessly merges ancient yogic mantras with modern music to create a sound that’s both unique and meditative. Led by vocalist Gurujas, with multi-instrumentalist Adam Berry and percussionist Harijiwan, the group is known for their calming, spiritual music that promotes mindfulness and wellness. 

White Sun first won Best New Age Album at the 2017 GRAMMYs for White Sun II — the first all-mantra album to win the award — and their second win came in the renamed category six years later for Mystic Mirror. White Sun believes winning a GRAMMY broadened the recognition of their work.

"There is no question that our two GRAMMY wins gave us a bump in listenership," they note, explaining that they experienced a surge of interest following each win. The results go beyond new fans, however.

"Just like any other artist, every time we make a song, we aspire to create emotional impact, compelling melody, high production quality, and innovative lyricism," the group says, adding that  their music exceeds these goals by using frequencies that positively affect the body, resulting in "countless stories of physical and mental healing from all over the world." 

White Sun remains committed to their artistic integrity. Gurujas says winning the GRAMMY has only strengthened her resolve to "stay true to the creative force within me and honor the music above all else." She advises fellow artists navigating the post-GRAMMY experience to stay prolific, humble, and true to oneself. 

"If you fall into the trap of trying to create music you think other people want to hear, your success will be ephemeral, and your music will be forgotten," she warns, urging artists to focus on what they want to leave behind.

Latest News & Exclusive Videos

A graphic promoting the 2025 Recording Academy Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) GRAMMY Week event. The graphic features a photo of honoree Paul Robinson. The words "The 27th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative GRAMMY Week Luncheon" are written in black.
Paul Robinson, Warner Music Group’s executive vice president and general counsel, will receive the 2025 Entertainment Law Initiative Service Award during GRAMMY Week 2025.

Photo: Jimmy Fontaine

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Warner Music Group's Paul Robinson To Be Honored With 2025 Entertainment Law Initiative Service Award

Warner Music Group Executive Vice President & General Counsel Paul Robinson will be honored at the Recording Academy Entertainment Law Initiative's (ELI) annual GRAMMY Week event, which will also recognize the participants of the ELI Writing Competition.

GRAMMYs/Dec 5, 2024 - 02:00 pm

The Recording Academy Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) will honor Paul Robinson, Warner Music Group's executive vice president & general counsel, during its annual GRAMMY Week luncheon. Taking place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, during GRAMMY Week, and days ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs, the event will celebrate Robinson with the 2025 Entertainment Law Initiative Service Award, presented each year to an attorney who demonstrates dedication to supporting and advancing the music community through their service, in recognition of his contributions to entertainment law.

In addition to honoring Robinson, the event, an official GRAMMY Week 2025 event, will bring together the nation's leading entertainment lawyers to celebrate excellence and also recognize the winner and runners-up of the annual Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition.

GRAMMY Week is the Recording Academy's weeklong celebration comprising official GRAMMY Week events celebrating the music community and current GRAMMY nominees in the lead-up to the annual GRAMMY Awards. GRAMMY Week 2025  culminates with the 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, which take place live on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The 2025 GRAMMYs will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the telecast, the 2025 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy's YouTube channel.

Learn more about Paul Robinson below:

Paul Robinson’s contributions to the music industry extend beyond his role at Warner Music Group, where he joined the legal department in January 1995 as Associate General Counsel. After holding several senior roles, he was appointed Executive Vice President and General Counsel in December 2006. Robinson oversees WMG’s worldwide legal, business affairs, public policy, compliance, and corporate governance functions. Before joining WMG, he was an associate and later a partner at the New York City law firm of Mayer, Katz, Baker, Leibowitz & Roberts, representing corporate clients, artists, songwriters, and executives.

Robinson also serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). 

"As a part of its mission, the Recording Academy works to advocate for creators, and the Entertainment Law Initiative advances this through legal representation, celebrating the achievements of entertainment law practitioners, and providing year-round educational opportunities to cultivate future leaders in the field," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement. "Paul exemplifies these values, and we are proud to honor him with the ELI Service Award at the 2025 ELI GRAMMY Week Luncheon for his three decades at Warner Music Group, where he has championed fair practices and guided the industry through transformative changes."

Learn more about the Recording Academy Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) below:

Since its inception, the ELI has fostered dialogue on key legal issues shaping the music industry, while supporting future leaders in entertainment law through year-round education, mentorship opportunities, and significant scholarships for law students. Each year, the recipient of the Service Award is selected by the ELI’s Executive Committee, which supports the program by recognizing deserving leaders within the entertainment law community and mentoring aspiring professionals in the field. 

A cornerstone of the annual GRAMMY Week event is the annual ELI Writing Competition, which invites Juris Doctor and Master of Laws students from U.S. law schools to tackle a pressing legal issue in the music industry. Participants are challenged to craft a 3,000-word essay that presents a thoroughly researched analysis and a proposed solution. The following awards are then presented:

  • A $10,000 scholarship for the author of the winning paper

  • A $2,500 scholarship for each of the two runners-up

  • Publication of the winning paper in the American Bar Association's journal, Entertainment and Sports Lawyer

  • Travel and tickets to Los Angeles for the winner to attend the 2025 GRAMMYs, MusiCares Person of the Year event and the ELI GRAMMY Week Event

Learn more about the Recording Academy Entertainment Law Initiative and the 2025 GRAMMY Week luncheon.

Latest Recording Academy News & Initiatives

A graphic promoting the Recording Academy's GRAMMY Awards voting process. The words "GRAMMY Voter Journey" and "#SoundChoices" and the Recording Academy logo are written in white and gold on a sepia background with a photo of a hand holding a GRAMMY Award
Final Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs takes place from Thursday, December 12, 2024, through Friday, January 3, 2025.

Graphic Courtesy of the Recording Academy

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Your Vote, Your Voice: 6 Reasons Why Your GRAMMY Vote Matters

With Final Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs opening Thursday, Dec. 12, here are six key points underscoring the importance of your GRAMMY vote and participation in the annual GRAMMY Awards voting process.

GRAMMYs/Dec 4, 2024 - 05:27 pm

Editor’s Note: Updated Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, to reflect voting and awards information for the 2024 GRAMMYs.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated and republished on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, to reflect information about Final Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs.

The annual GRAMMY Awards voting process is more transparent than it's ever been. Every year, the Recording Academy continues to fine-tune this process to its purest form: a peer-to-peer vote, from one member of the global music community to another.

The GRAMMY is the music industry's highest honor. As the only peer-recognized award in music, the GRAMMY represents the recognition and respect that can only come from within the family of music people. Your vote is important. Beyond recognizing and celebrating your fellow peers, your GRAMMY vote has a practical and real-life impact on the music world and its creators.

We've already covered the nuts and bolts of the GRAMMYs voting process with a detailed guide explaining everything you need to know about Final Round GRAMMY Voting for the upcoming 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards. Today, we're taking a deep dive into some of the many reasons why your GRAMMY vote matters this year and every year.

The Power Is In Your Hands

No matter the context in which you vote — from state fairs all the way to presidential elections — does it ever feel like your ballot is just one drop in a vast ocean? To a degree, this is understandable: One vote can seem minor when placed among hundreds or thousands of other votes.

Through the lens of the annual GRAMMYs voting process, don't forget this reality: Every GRAMMY vote truly counts and every Recording Academy Voting Member matters. Your vote directly determines the outcome of the GRAMMY Awards, including all GRAMMY winners and GRAMMY nominees. This has been proven throughout the decades, and it's about to be underlined again.

Without your input, and that of the Recording Academy's wider Voting Membership, the GRAMMYs cannot happen — period. Becoming a Recording Academy Voting Member — stepping up to that responsibility — is no small assignment. By doing so, you become a steward of this important tradition and honor, and you continue the legacy of music's only peer-voted award.

But other than just keeping an awards show running, why is GRAMMY voting such an awesome responsibility?

Learn More: The Impact Of A GRAMMY Win: Life After The Award

Your Vote Can Influence The Future Of Music

Whether you've been a Recording Academy Voting Member for months or for decades, you undoubtedly know that the impact of a GRAMMY Award continues far beyond GRAMMY night. Your vote can make a career-defining difference in the lives of artists and creators and inspire future generations to evolve the music industry at large.

Every year, the annual list of GRAMMY nominees and GRAMMY winners creates ever-lasting, industry-shifting ripple effects across music, and it often dictates what happens next through your speakers and on stages. In fact, the so-called "GRAMMY Effect," a well-established music industry phenomenon in which many GRAMMY nominees and GRAMMY winners experience significant music sales boosts following GRAMMY night, has positively impacted the careers of past winners like Jon Batiste, Olivia Rodrigo and Chris Stapleton, among many others.

When it comes to music, you can make a difference across the music industry and in the lives of today's artists and creators with your GRAMMY vote. Just take a look at the artists leading music today; they partly got there because of people just like you and your GRAMMY vote. 

Your Vote Can Make GRAMMY History

Every vote has the potential to make GRAMMY history, and that's no different when it comes to the 2025 GRAMMYs. Your vote in every GRAMMY Category will contribute to these special moments in GRAMMY history.

Voting Allows All Voting Members To Be Heard

You're a member of the Recording Academy because of your genuine contributions to the music world and the distinct perspective you bring to this society of music creators. Your dedication to your craft is distinct, your voice is unique, and your GRAMMY vote is critical.

The fact of the matter is, we need you as a Voting Member to execute and evolve the annual GRAMMY Awards voting process. Our members are what make the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Awards special and impactful. Your GRAMMY vote represents your voice within the Academy, and its impact will influence the music industry at large for years to come.

Plus, for new members who just joined the Recording Academy, voting allows you to make your voices heard right away!

Voting Advances Diversity Across Music

The Recording Academy's 2024 New Member Class, initiated this year, reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion across the ethnicities, genres and crafts that power the music industry, a pillar held true all year long.

Recording Academy Voting Members are responsible for representing the music community and celebrating the creative accomplishments of their peers, especially within their direct genres and communities. To help ensure the quality of voting every GRAMMY season, members are directed to vote only in their areas of expertise and those in which they are a peer. Your vote represents and impacts your direct community of artists and creators. Thus, by becoming a member and by actively voting, you are ensuring the GRAMMY Awards truly reflect the diversity of our global music industry. 

Voting Is Not Just An Opportunity — It's A Responsibility

Being a Recording Academy Voting Member comes with many amazing perks: You can advocate to protect the rights of music makers and advance creators' interests on important policy matters via our Advocacy department; you can connect with fellow members through member-only initiatives and programs; you can run for a Recording Academy Board and/or participate on advisory committees; you can vote in Chapter elections; and so much more.

Some of the most impactful Recording Academy membership perks are directly tied to the GRAMMYs. As a Recording Academy Voting Member, you can participate in the GRAMMY Awards process on multiple levels, including: submitting your work and art for GRAMMY consideration; proposing rule changes to the awards process; and voting for the nominees and winners at the annual GRAMMY Awards.

Recording Academy Voting Members share an obligation to participate in the annual GRAMMY Awards voting process to help fulfill a vital part of the Academy's mission: to celebrate music and its makers. Ultimately, GRAMMY voting allows you to push our music industry forward and contribute to the ongoing evolution and legacy of the GRAMMY Awards.

Just like Recording Academy membership itself, GRAMMY voting is not just a privilege; it's a major responsibility each Voting Member holds. So, use your GRAMMY vote to make the impact you wish to see across the music industry.

More 2025 GRAMMYs News

Graphic about the Recording Academy's Final Round GRAMMY Voting period for the 2025 GRAMMYs. The words "Final Round GRAMMY Voting," "Dec. 12, 2024 - Jan. 3, 2025," "#SoundChoices," and the Recording Academy logo are written in white on a gold background.
Final Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs takes place from Thursday, December 12, 2024, through Friday, January 3, 2025.

Graphic courtesy of the Recording Academy

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How To Vote In The 2025 GRAMMYs: A Complete Final Round Voting Guide For GRAMMY Voters

Final Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs opens Thursday, Dec. 12. Read our GRAMMY voting guide for everything GRAMMY voters need to know, including key dates and deadlines, voting guidelines, and much more.

GRAMMYs/Dec 3, 2024 - 01:12 am

Editor’s Note: This article was updated and republished on Monday, Dec. 2, to reflect information about Final Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs.

Now that the 2025 GRAMMY nominations have been announced, the final phase of the GRAMMY voting season is in full swing. Ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs, which take place Sunday, Feb. 2, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, GRAMMY voters will vote on the artists, creators and releases who will take home the coveted GRAMMY Award on Music's Biggest Night.

This month, GRAMMY voters enter the final step in the GRAMMY Awards voting process: Final Round Voting. Taking place from Thursday, December 12, 2024, through Friday, January 3, 2025, Final Round Voting will ultimately determine the GRAMMY winners across all 94 Categories to be awarded at the 2025 GRAMMYs.

The Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, encourages our Voting Members to educate themselves on the GRAMMY voting process each year as they prepare to cast their ballots when GRAMMY voting opens. To help guide Voting Members through the GRAMMY voting process, we've put together a thorough and informative guide outlining all the key dates, deadlines and voting guidelines to know this year.

Here's everything you need to know about Final Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards.

Learn More: Who Are The Top GRAMMY Awards Winners Of All Time? Who Has The Most GRAMMYs?

ROAD TO THE 2025 GRAMMYs

As a member of the Recording Academy, you may be asked questions about the GRAMMY voting process. Equip yourself with the knowledge to explain the complete GRAMMY Awards process by visiting our interactive online resource, which breaks down the full GRAMMY Awards journey from beginning to end.

Below is an overview of the complete GRAMMY Awards process as related to the 2025 GRAMMYs.

KEY DATES: 2025 GRAMMYs

Key dates for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season are as follows:

Sept. 16, 2023 – Aug. 30, 2024
Product Eligibility Period
The period by which recordings are submitted for GRAMMY consideration. All releases must be available for sale, via general distribution, to the public by this date and through at least the date of the current year's voting deadline (final ballot) to be eligible for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards.

July 8, 2024 – Aug. 23, 2024
Media Company Registration Period
Media companies must apply for registration with the Recording Academy to submit recordings.

July 17, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2024
Online Entry Period
All eligible recordings must be entered prior to the close of the Online Entry Period, regardless of the public release date.

Oct. 4, 2024 – Oct. 15, 2024
First Round Voting
First Round Voting determines all the GRAMMY nominees for each GRAMMY Awards year.

Nov. 8, 2024
Nominees Announced for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards
Announcing the official nominees list for the 2025 GRAMMYs.

Dec. 12, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025
Final Round Voting
Determines the GRAMMY winners across all categories revealed on GRAMMY night.

Feb. 2, 2025
2025 GRAMMY Awards
Music's Biggest Night, recognizing excellence in the recording arts and sciences.

Learn More: How Much Is A GRAMMY Worth? 7 Facts To Know About The GRAMMY Award Trophy

HOW DOES GRAMMY VOTING WORK?

THE GRAMMYS ONLINE ENTRY PROCESS

The annual GRAMMY Awards journey begins with the Online Entry Process (OEP). During OEP, which this year took place from July 17 through Aug. 30, Media Companies and Recording Academy members submitted recordings, music videos/films and releases for consideration to be included on the 2025 GRAMMY Awards ballot. Submissions that were not formally submitted during OEP were not considered for the 2025 GRAMMYs.

Eligible releases must have been released during the Product Eligibility Period, which this year comprised the period between Sept. 16, 2023, through Aug. 30, 2024; all releases must be available for sale, via general distribution, to the public by this date and through at least the date of the current year's voting deadline (final ballot) to be eligible for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards.

SUBMISSIONS SCREENING

After the Online Entry Process, the Recording Academy's Awards Department and genre screening committees manually reviewed all entries to ensure they were categorized in the appropriate GRAMMY Categories. The purpose of genre screening committees is not to make artistic or technical judgements about the submissions, but rather to ensure each entry is eligible and placed in its proper Category.

FIRST ROUND VOTING & FINAL ROUND VOTING

Following OEP, the GRAMMY voting process begins with First Round Voting, which this year took place in October and determined the nominees at the 2025 GRAMMYs.

The annual GRAMMY voting process is divided into two phases: First Round Voting, which determines all the GRAMMY nominees for each GRAMMY Category each year, and Final Round Voting, which ultimately determines the GRAMMY winners across all Categories revealed on GRAMMY night. It is crucial for all Recording Academy Voting Members to actively participate in both First Round Voting and Final Round Voting. This will ensure that all eligible artists, musicians and creators are fairly evaluated based on their artistic and technical merits and will help the wider music community determine the leading music of the year, as voted on by their peers.

The ballots GRAMMY voters submit during Final Round Voting this month will determine the GRAMMY winners at the 2025 GRAMMYs, which will be announced live on the GRAMMY stage on Sunday, Feb. 2. Thus, it's essential for all GRAMMY voters to be involved.

WHO VOTES FOR THE GRAMMYS?

As the only peer-voted award in music, the GRAMMY Award is the highest honor in all of music. That's because GRAMMY nominees and GRAMMY winners are determined by Voting Members, who are composed of vetted and venerable performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists, and other creators currently working in the recording industry. Every GRAMMY vote affirms this prestige and strengthens the highest excellence in music and the recording arts and sciences.

Final Round Voting ballots are provided to Voting Members in good dues standing. To ensure the quality of GRAMMY voting, members are directed to vote only in their areas of expertise and those in which they are a peer: up to 10 GRAMMY Categories across three Fields, plus the six General Field Categories (Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best New Artist, Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical, and Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical). This process ensures the quality of the voting during the full GRAMMY Awards process.

Learn more about Recording Academy Membership and how to become a member.

Voting Members represent and celebrate the accomplishments of their peers in their genre. By voting only in Categories where they are a peer, GRAMMY voters help ensure the GRAMMY Awards reflect the diversity and excellence of our music community.

GRAMMY voters were selected amongst thousands of applicants for their expertise, skill, and diverse background. Your vote represents your voice within the Academy, and its impact will influence music history.

Read More: Your Vote, Your Voice: 6 Reasons Why Your GRAMMY Vote Matters

VOTE TABULATION

To maintain integrity in the voting process, ballots are collected and tabulated by the independent accounting firm Deloitte.

HOW ARE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS DETERMINED?

After GRAMMY voters submit their votes, the top five finalists in each GRAMMY Category are nominated for a GRAMMY Award, except for the General Field Categories of Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist, where the top eight finalists are the nominees.

HOW TO VOTE IN THE 2025 GRAMMYS

Recording Academy Voting Members can access their Final Round Voting ballot for the 2025 GRAMMYs via their member dashboard starting at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Final Round Voting closes at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on Friday, January 3, 2025.

Before voting opens, please make sure you have the correct email and password to login. If your credentials are invalid, reset your password. For further assistance, see the following contact info below:

VOTER TECHNICAL SUPPORT

PHONE: 866-992-9902 x403
EMAIL: grammys@yangaroo.com
HOURS: M-F, 5 a.m. — 5 p.m. PT / 8 a.m. — 8 p.m. ET (Note holiday schedule below.)

  • Dec. 24 & Dec. 31: 6 a.m. PT – 1 p.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET – 4 p.m. ET

  • Dec. 25, Dec. 26 & Jan. 1 – CLOSED

  • Final Round Voting: Thursday, December 12, 2024Friday, January 3, 2025  

AWARDS, FYC (FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION) & NON-TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

PHONE: 833-789-8683
EMAIL: votersupport@grammy.com

HOURS: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT / noon – 8 p.m. ET (Note holiday schedule below.)

  • Dec. 14, Dec. 15, Dec. 20, Dec. 21, Dec. 25 & Jan. 1 – CLOSED

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS:

PHONE: 866-794-3391
EMAIL: membership@grammy.com
HOURS 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT / noon – 8 p.m. ET

Learn More: The Impact Of A GRAMMY Win: Life After The Award

NEW CHANGES TO GRAMMY AWARDS CATEGORIES

In June, the Recording Academy shared a series of updates to the annual GRAMMY Awards process for the 2025 GRAMMYs, including adjustments to eligibility criteria, Category renaming, and submission guidelines updates for some Categories. All updates go into effect immediately at the 2025 GRAMMYs. Learn more about the GRAMMY Awards Categories changes as related to your areas of expertise ahead of casting your votes for the 2025 GRAMMYs.

Read More: GRAMMY Awards Updates For The 2025 GRAMMYs: Here's Everything You Need To Know About GRAMMY Awards Categories Changes & Eligibility Guidelines

GRAMMY BALLOT ESSENTIALS

The search and flexibility enhancements recently added to GRAMMY voting ballots will return for this GRAMMY season. The Category selection tool, which minimizes scrolling time and creates an easy-to-use ballot for each voter, will return for Final Round Voting this year.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL GRAMMY VOTING

Every GRAMMY voting season is unique. To help GRAMMY voters prepare for Final Round Voting, we've compiled a helpful guide of GRAMMY voting tips.

LISTENING TO NOMINATED RECORDINGS

During Final Round Voting, Recording Academy Voting Members can stream submitted recordings on select streaming services. The Recording Academy encourages all Voting Members to listen to all submitted recordings in the Categories in which they are voting to ensure intentional listening and thoughtful voting. This process will encourage respect and consideration for all creators and their submitted works on behalf of GRAMMY voters.

Learn More: Recording Academy Renames Best Song For Social Change Award In Honor Of Harry Belafonte

GRAMMY VOTING & SOLICITATION GUIDELINES

Each year, Recording Academy Voting Members drive the GRAMMY Awards process. The Recording Academy respects its Voting membership body and trusts that each Voting Member will uphold the GRAMMY standard of excellence by voting with integrity and discipline.

All Voting Members should only cast their votes based on the artistic and technical merits of the submitted recordings and products. This will ensure that the annual GRAMMY Awards process is fair and ethical for all creators and submitted works. Read the Recording Academy's Voting and Solicitation Guidelines and Voter Code of Conduct for additional information before submitting your GRAMMY votes.

VOTE WITH THE NEW "MY ACADEMY HUB" MOBILE APP

The Recording Academy is proud to provide Final Round Voting ballot access within the new "My Academy Hub" mobile app.* Visit your member dashboard anytime, anywhere right at your fingertips. Download the mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today and be sure to set up biometric login so you'll never have to remember your password again^.

Having issues? For questions and technical support regarding the app, please contact us at app@recordingacademy.com.

*The GRAMMY Voting process remains unchanged, and members will now be able to access their Final Round Voting ballots directly in their member dashboards via the "My Academy Hub" mobile app.

^Members in almost all locations, domestic and international, can download and use the mobile app. Please note the app is not currently available to members in China.

Learn More: The Recording Academy Adds More Than 3,000 Women GRAMMY Voters Since 2019, Surpassing Its 2025 Membership Goal

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For more information about the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season, learn more about the annual GRAMMY Awards process; read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section; view the official GRAMMY Awards Rules and Guidelines; and visit the GRAMMY Award Update Center for a list of real-time changes to the GRAMMY Awards process.

Cast your GRAMMY votes for the 2025 GRAMMYs once Final Round Voting opens Thursday, December 12, 2024, and make sure to watch Music's Biggest NightSunday, Feb. 2, to see who wins the GRAMMY gold.

2025 GRAMMYs: Meet The Nominees

Photo of producer, engineer, mixer, and five-time GRAMMY winner Jimmy Douglass in his studio surrounded by production gear.
Producer, engineer, mixer, and five-time GRAMMY winner Jimmy Douglass is the honoree of the 2025 Producers & Engineers Wing GRAMMY Week Celebration

Photo: Federico Vélez

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The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing To Honor Jimmy Douglass During GRAMMY Week 2025 Celebration

The Producers & Engineers Wing will host an unforgettable celebration honoring the groundbreaking career of five-time GRAMMY winner Jimmy Douglass. Taking place Jan. 29, 2025, ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs, the event is an official GRAMMY Week 2025 event.

GRAMMYs/Nov 20, 2024 - 01:59 pm

The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing will honor legendary producer, engineer, mixer, and five-time GRAMMY winner Jimmy Douglass at its annual GRAMMY Week Celebration, which is set to take place Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, days ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs. The celebration, an official GRAMMY Week 2025 event, will be held at The Preserve LA in East Hollywood and will salute Douglass’ extraordinary contributions to the music industry and his enduring impact on modern sound.

In addition to honoring Douglass, the event will also celebrate the year-round work of the Producers & Engineers Wing and its members, who work together to advise the Recording Academy on technical best practices, advocate for the rights of music creators, and shape the future of the recording field.

GRAMMY Week 2025 culminates with the 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, which take place live on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The 2025 GRAMMYs will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the telecast, the 2025 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy's YouTube channel.

Learn more about Jimmy Douglass below:

Known as "The Senator," Douglass is a five-time GRAMMY winner and 11-time GRAMMY nominee whose prolific career began in the early '70s at Atlantic Records studios in New York City. Starting as a part-time tape duplicator while still in high school, he quickly rose through the ranks, learning from legendary figures like Tom Dowd, Arif Mardin, Jerry Wexler, and Ahmet Ertegun. He went on to work with major Atlantic Recording artists such as Aretha Franklin, Hall & Oates, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, Foreigner, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC, among many others. By the 1980s, Douglass expanded his repertoire by taking on production roles; he engineered and produced established artists including The Rolling Stones, Slave, Odyssey, Roxy Music and Gang of Four.

In the early 1990s, Douglass refined his skills by working on jingles and post-production, a period that honed his ability to work efficiently while capturing the essence of each project. This foundation proved pivotal when he began a groundbreaking partnership with Timbaland in 1994, for whom he served the main engineer for more than a decade. Together, they collaborated on classic projects by Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, and others, shaping the sound of contemporary R&B and hip-hop.

In the 2000s, Douglass continued to innovate. He engineered and mixed more Timbaland-produced projects from artists including Snoop Dogg, Bjork and GRAMMY-winning albums for Justin Timberlake. Among the artists he also mixed are Rob Thomas, Sean Paul, Kanye West, Ludacris, Al Green, John Legend, and Duran Duran.

Renowned for bringing unconventional techniques into the studio and encouraging artists to transcend genre restrictions, he is credited with bringing a raw edge to sound and specifically bringing a heavy funk-bass sound into rock music.

Douglass remains at the forefront of the industry, leveraging his decades of experience to push creative boundaries while inspiring countless artists. His versatility and technical mastery have solidified his status as one of the most respected producers, engineers and mixers in the world.

"Our P&E Wing proudly celebrates GRAMMY Week each year with a special evening that unites producers, engineers and artistic professionals to honor a truly deserving creator," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement. "This year, we're thrilled to pay tribute to the extraordinary Jimmy Douglass, who has led groundbreaking creative and technical efforts in the recording industry, encouraging artists to transcend genre boundaries and contributing to iconic musical projects that will resonate for generations."

 "Throughout his illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Jimmy's visionary approach to producing, engineering and mixing has shaped some of music's most iconic recordings. Jimmy consistently pushes the boundaries of sound by bringing unconventional techniques into the studio while inspiring countless artists along the way," Maureen Droney, Vice President of the Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing, echoed the sentiment in a statement. "On behalf of the Producers & Engineers Wing, we are delighted to dedicate our 2025 event to Jimmy and his amazing career."

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