The Grammys are decided by music professionals, not by streaming numbers or fan votes. Here is how the process works, from submission to trophy.
How does a song or album get entered?
Members of the Recording Academy and record labels submit recordings released during the eligibility year, which ends in late summer. Screening committees then check each entry for eligibility and category placement. They do not judge artistic quality.
Who votes?
Only Recording Academy voting members can vote. They must show a primary career in music, two recommendations, and verifiable credits. Members are asked to vote only in the genres where they are peers of the nominees.
How are nominees and winners picked?
First-round voting produces a short list of finalists in each category, typically five. In craft categories, committees of working professionals decide the finalists. After nominations are announced, voting members cast final ballots, and the recording with the most votes wins.
Which categories honor Gospel and Christian music?
There are five:
- Best Gospel Performance/Song
- Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
- Best Gospel Album
- Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
- Best Roots Gospel Album
Gospel covers traditional, roots, and contemporary gospel. Contemporary Christian music includes pop, rap/hip-hop, Latin, and rock. Roots gospel includes country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and Americana. Albums must be mostly newly recorded vocal music, with more than 75% of playing time in the category's style under current rules. In the performance categories, songwriters are honored alongside artists.
For believers, these categories put worship and gospel music on music's biggest stage, a reminder that songs written for God can reach the world.
