Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. made one thing clear to Recording Academy voters: “There is no room in our organization for such bias, rancor or mindless voting.”
The writer, producer and executive sent a letter to Academy Awards voters on Friday, urging them to vote with purpose for the 2025 show.
“Last Grammy season, I heard Grammy voters say they had not taken certain artists seriously since a performance they saw over a decade ago. I was shocked and upset by it. Our organization has no room for such bias, resentment or careless voting. What matters is the accomplishment and quality of the work during the year. That's all!” he wrote.
Mason Jr. added, “There should be no other reasons for your vote. If you take into account an artist's past work, reputation, race, gender, label, manager, number of friends on the project, or any of that stuff, then you're not doing your job. Please LISTEN and rate the music, as I know most of you already do!”
The 67th Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 2, 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with nominees announced on November 8. The first round of voting will take place from October 4 to October 15, with the final round of voting taking place from December 12 to January 3, 2025.
Beyonce and Taylor Swift are among the artists set to be nominated in the show, which will air live on CBS and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Read Mason Jr.'s full letter below.
To all Grammy voters:
Typically, I don't share any Grammy voting information until the ballots are released, but this year is different. I want to make sure you understand how important it is that you vote, and that you vote with intention and integrity.
Everyone knows the Grammy Awards are the most coveted awards in music because it's an honor bestowed by your peers. It's not a popularity contest. Nominees and winners aren't chosen by critics, fans, or Academy staff. They're chosen by you, the 12,000+ music creators who are voting members of the Recording Academy.
You are a Grammy voter. Your votes are tallied by Deloitte and published as the year's best in music, celebrated, and recorded in history. Your choices change the trajectory of people's careers and lives. So you owe it to your peers to vote intentionally, thoughtfully, with pride and purpose.
Last Grammy season, I heard Grammy voters say they had not taken certain artists seriously since a performance they saw over a decade ago. I was shocked and upset by it. Our organization has no room for such bias, resentment, or careless voting. What matters is the accomplishments and quality of the work during the year. That's all that matters.
Your vote should have no other considerations. If you are considering an artist's past work, reputation, race, gender, label, manager, number of friends involved in the project, or anything like that, you're not doing your job. I know most of you already do this, but please listen and rate the music. You are what makes the Grammys special.
Music is a force for good in the world. Music changes moods, opens hearts, and unites the world. Music moves us to action. And the Grammys are a way to honor those who work so hard to make music. Next February, those who make music all over the world, and all those who love music, will be watching to see who the Grammy voters will honor. All eyes will be on you, on us. I hope you will make your vote count. Don't wait until Grammy season, I hope you prioritize your responsibility now. I hope you will evaluate music carefully, prepare to vote mindfully and purposefully, and encourage your fellow voting members to do the same. Your peers in the music world are counting on you.
respectfully yours,
Harvey