Grammys Add Categories in R&B, Latin Jazz

The Grammys have added three awards, bringing the total number of categories to 81. Following a now-dismissed lawsuit involving the removal of the Best Latin Jazz Album category last year, the Recording Academy has reinstated the award for next year's ceremony. The Academy also added awards for Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best Classical Compendium. Last year, the Academy axed 31 categories, dropping from 109 to 78 awards.

The Latin categories will also see a few changes, with Best Latin Pop, Rock, or Urban Album now split into two categories, Best Latin Pop Album and Best Latin Rock, Urban, or Alternative Album, while Best Banda or Norteno Album and Best Regional Mexican or Tejan Album have been fused into the Best Regional Mexican Music Album category. Also, the classical category Best Small Ensemble Performance is now Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance.

"With the focus squarely on ensuring the Awards process is pertinent within the current musical landscape, the Board of Trustees continues to demonstrate its passionate commitment to keeping The Recording Academy a relevant and responsive organization in our dynamic music community," said President/CEO of the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow. "Every year, we diligently examine our Awards structure, including evaluating proposals, to develop an overall guiding vision and ensure that it remains a balanced and viable process, as well as maintains the prestige of the highest and only peer-recognized award in music."

The 55th Grammy Awards will air on CBS on February 10th, 2013.