Grammys set a date for Los Angeles return, announce award changes

The 61^st Grammys are returning to Los Angeles in 2019, to be held at the Staples Center on Sunday, February 10.

The Recording Academy announced that nominations in 84 categories will be unveiled on December 5.

They honour records that were issued between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018.

They will be broadcast live in Australia and replayed in prime time by one of the free-to-air channels.

In 2018, the Grammys moved to New York’s Madison Square Garden for its 60^th anniversary after 14 years at the Staples Center.

The 2019 event has already introduced changes in the wake of this year’s fierce criticism of a lack of gender diversity and inclusion.

The only woman nominated for album of the year was Lorde and she was not invited to perform as a featured artist.

Only Alessia Cara made it to the televised segment after winning best new artist.

Six music industry power players sent an official letter to the Academy, demanding changes.

A task force was set up including some of America’s most powerful female music executives including UMG EVP Michele Anthony and Sony Music EVP Julie Swidler.

In 2019, the number of nominees in its four most major categories expand from five to eight.

They cover album, record and song of the year and best new artist.

Record of the year now recognises singles as well, while the song prize is for songwriters.

The 2019 ceremony will also be the last by long time Academy president/CEO Neil Portnow.

He virtually fell on his sword when his response to the diversity furore was for women artists to “step up” if they wanted greater representation –which he later apologised for.

In April, former MusiCares VP Dana Tomarken accused Portnow of shifting some of the money the Academy used for charity to offset losses from the awards’ one-off move to New York.

The respected and liked Portnow denied the charges. But not long after he announced he was stepping down.