Editor’s Note: Updated Thursday, July 31, to add the 2026 GRAMMYs Online Entry Process Webinar For GRAMMY U Members video.
The Recording Academy's GRAMMY U is celebrating its 20th anniversary. To honor this major milestone, GRAMMY U members can participate in the GRAMMY Awards process for the first time ever this year. That's right: Eligible GRAMMY U members can now submit their original music for consideration in the 2026 GRAMMYs, which take place Sunday, Feb. 1. Nominations for the 2026 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, will be announced Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
This expansion marks an incredible opportunity for emerging artists to be recognized on the road to Music's Biggest Night.
"We are so excited to welcome entries from GRAMMY U members for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, in honor of GRAMMY U's 20th anniversary," Michael Almanza, Senior Director of Awards for the Recording Academy, said. "The Online Entry Process marks the first step in the GRAMMY Awards process, and we look forward to having these emerging music creators and professionals participate by submitting their own product for the very first time."
This major development, one of several game-changing updates set to debut at the 2026 GRAMMYs, marks a historic moment for GRAMMY U. The change follows GRAMMY U's membership expansion in 2023, which saw the Recording Academy open its eligibility to allow all individuals ages 18-29 who are actively taking an alternate path toward a career in music to apply for GRAMMY U membership, creating a more inclusive space for the future leaders and creative pioneers of the industry.
The expansion of GRAMMY U is a reflection of the Recording Academy's ongoing mission to diversify its membership body and commitment to evolving with the ever-changing musical landscape. The Recording Academy has already made significant strides in this area: Currently, GRAMMY U has nearly 8,000 members, representing over 500 schools in more than 50 countries. GRAMMY U also facilitated more than 950 mentorship pairs in its 2024-25 Mentorship Program, including 25 internationally. Read our 2024 GRAMMY Impact Report to explore how the Recording Academy and GRAMMY U champion diversity within its membership body and across the music industry on a year-round basis.
To help guide GRAMMY U members through the submission process, GRAMMY.com has put together a quick guide covering all the essential information, including key dates and deadlines.
The Recording Academy's Awards team also hosted a special webinar to help GRAMMY U members navigate the submission process. Watch the webinar in full below or email onlineentry@grammy.com with questions.
In addition, GRAMMY U members can visit the GRAMMY U OEP resource hub for helpful videos and tips on the process.
Watch the 2026 GRAMMYs on Sunday, Feb. 1, and see the full list of nominees announced on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
The GRAMMY Awards are the only peer-voted honor in music, with nominees and winners voten on solely by Recording Academy Voting Members, which comprise qualified artists, producers, engineers, and composers. The annual GRAMMY Awards process begins with the Online Entry Process (OEP), the window in which all eligible recordings, videos and more are submitted for consideration to be included on the GRAMMY Awards ballot.
Key Dates & Deadlines
Online Entry Process Window
The 2026 GRAMMYs Online Entry Process window for GRAMMY U members is from Wednesday, July 16, 2025, through Wednesday, July 30, 2025. All GRAMMY U members must submit their eligible recordings for GRAMMY consideration during this period.
IMPORTANT: There is only one round in which to make entries during the Online Entry Process. Late entries will not be accepted. We encourage everyone to submit their entries as early as possible so that the Recording Academy's Awards team can assist with any questions in a timely manner. If a recording is not formally submitted, it cannot be considered for a GRAMMY Award or a GRAMMY nomination.
Product Eligibility Period
Only music released between Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, through Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, will be eligible to qualify for GRAMMY consideration at the 2026 GRAMMYs. This is known as the Product Eligibility Period. 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 2026 GRAMMY Awards.
GRAMMY U members may submit their entries by logging in to their member profile. Only active GRAMMY U members in good standing with original, eligible music and product released during the eligibility window will be able to submit.
To prepare, members should ensure their submissions are:
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Released during the Product Eligibility Period (see dates above)
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Available on an approved digital streaming platform or via general distribution
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Supported in a liner notes document that includes project titles, release date, and credits for producers, songwriters and featured musicians
NOTE: For most Categories, only streaming links are accepted, and a downloadable file is not valid for submission.
GRAMMY U members are allowed to submit up to five different entries each, spanning the General Field Categories like Record Of The Year or Best New Artist; genre-specific Categories like Best Alternative Music Performance; and Craft Categories like the brand-new Best Album Cover. Each entry requires a $20 fee, and submissions will only be considered complete upon receiving a confirmation email.
What Happens After Submission?
After submission, the Recording Academy's Awards team verifies eligibility of all submissions, which are then screened for proper Category placement before the first round of GRAMMY voting. Prior to the first round of GRAMMY voting, GRAMMY U members will be notified of their final Category placements.
From there, submissions will be voted on in two rounds of GRAMMY voting:
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First Round Voting: Oct. 3, 2025 – Oct. 15, 2025
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First Round Voting determines all the GRAMMY nominees for each GRAMMY Awards year
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Nominees Announced for the 2026 GRAMMY: Nov. 7, 2025
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Final Round Voting: Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026
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Final Round Voting determines the GRAMMY winners across all Categories revealed on GRAMMY night
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All 2026 GRAMMYs Winners Revealed: Feb. 1, 2026
IMPORTANT: GRAMMY U members cannot vote in either of the two GRAMMY voting rounds. Only Recording Academy Voting Members can vote.
Once submitted, members may wish to promote their music — but it's crucial to follow the For Your Consideration (FYC) policies to avoid disqualification.
Permitted FYC communications may include emails, mailings, invitations, social media, websites, and print ads and require an opt-out option. FYC communications may not violate any of the Recording Academy's guidelines. For example, FYC communications may not:
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Use Recording Academy or GRAMMY Awards logos or trademarks
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Include chart stats, streaming numbers, sales figures, or personal pleas
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Reference the GRAMMY Award year or the telecast number, e.g. 2022 GRAMMYs or 65th GRAMMY Awards
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Include entry list numbers or Category numbers
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Cast a negative light on other competing recordings
Read the full list of FYC guidelines, rules and policies.
Not A GRAMMY U Member Yet?
There's still time to join! Artists and creators must apply to become a GRAMMY U member by Friday, July 11, 2025, at GRAMMYU.com in order to be eligible to submit during the submission window for the 2026 GRAMMYs.
Learn more about the annual GRAMMY Awards process. Read our frequently asked GRAMMY questions (FAQ) section. View the official GRAMMY Awards Rules and Guidelines for the 2026 GRAMMYs. And visit the GRAMMY Award Update Center for a list of real-time changes to the GRAMMY Awards process.