Addison Rae & 3,600 Invited to 2026 Grammys | Recording Academy
Addison Rae, Joey Badass & Nikki Glaser Invited too Join the Grammy Academy
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Addison Rae’s ascent in the music industry continues, and it’s reaching new heights. The TikTok star turned pop singer is among nearly 3,600 music professionals invited to become members of the Recording Academy, the association behind the Grammy Awards. This invitation comes on the heels of Rae’s breakout singles, including “Diet Pepsi,” and recognition from established artists like Charli XCX and Lana Del Rey, positioning her as a potential contender for Best New Artist at the 68th Grammy Awards next year.
A New Wave of Grammy Voters
The recording Academy’s invitation list isn’t limited to rising pop stars. This year’s class of invitees represents a intentional effort to diversify its membership, welcoming a broad spectrum of talent including rapper Joey Badass, singer Mariah the Scientist, comedian Nikki Glaser, the K-pop group Katseye, and the regional Mexican band Grupo Firme.
Approximately 2,600 of these invitees will be offered voting membership,joining the Academy’s existing 13,000 members. This influx of new voices is part of a larger initiative to address long-standing criticisms regarding the Academy’s demographics – specifically, concerns that its voting body was historically too old, too male, and too white.
The Academy’s Push for Relevance and Diversity
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has been vocal about the need for a more representative and “relevant” electorate. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Mason explained the Academy is not onyl actively recruiting new members but also reviewing existing membership, shedding voters who no longer meet the organization’s qualifications. He cited examples of voters whose primary contributions were decades ago, emphasizing the importance of a voting body engaged with the current music landscape.
This year’s invitees demonstrate significant progress towards those goals. The academy reports that 49% of the new invitees are women, 56% are people of color, and a substantial 60% are under the age of 40. This represents a significant shift and a commitment to reflecting the diversity of the music industry and its audience.
Reactions and Next Steps
Addison Rae expressed her gratitude, calling the invitation “a huge honor” and stating she feels “so lucky to be surrounded by talent and poise that inspires me to create fearlessly.” Nikki Glaser, known for her sharp wit, playfully acknowledged the honor, referencing a memorable moment from February’s Grammy show: “This is the greatest thing the Grammys have given me since the half of Benson Boone’s tuxedo I kept.”
Those invited have until July 31st to accept their invitations. First-round voting for the 68th Grammy Awards – where nominations will be determined - opens on October 3rd. The ceremony itself is scheduled for February 1st at Crypto.com arena in downtown Los Angeles. The changes to the Academy’s membership promise a potentially dynamic and representative awards season.