Grammys: Recording Academy President Neil Portnow on Creating a Supersized, More Inclusive Awards Show
Expanding the four main Grammys categories, he said, ”has the ability to impact issues of diversity and inclusion, which is obviously high on our agenda“
In February, Neil Portnow will oversee his 17th and final Grammy Awards as president of the Recording Academy.
Portnow, who is stepping down as president when his contract expires in the summer of 2019, spoke to TheWrap about this year’s nominations, and about the changes the academy has made to make its committees more diverse and to expand the number of nominees in the Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist categories.
You expanded the number of nominees in the four general categories from five to eight nominees this year. Why?
One of the things we do every year is to review the awards process. How the categories are working, are we getting enough entries? We have a formalized committee of the board that meets once a year. And typically there are big debates and discussions. In the case of the general field, the four categories where we expanded, they are the categories that typically get the largest number of entries, because they’re the broadest.
So number one, we know that we get a lot of entries in those categories. Number two, in terms of the ability to have a diverse slate of nominees in those categories, this definitely opens that up. We think that’s going to be a good thing. We certainly think that it has the ability to impact issues of diversity and inclusion, which is obviously high on our agenda. And the truth is, because we’re only part of the way though the overall process, we have to wait until February to see how this all plays out. And then we’ll be reviewing.
When the Oscars changed the number of Best Picture nominees from five to 10, they also changed the final voting system to ranked choice or preferential voting. The idea was that it would make it harder for a film to win because of votes being split, and you wouldn’t get a winner who might have only 15 or 20 percent of the vote. Have you made any adjustments to the voting system in the expanded categories?
We have not taken that step at this point – but again, we’re always looking at things like that. We had done a study five or six years ago, and there were a couple of different systems of counting that were interesting to us.
We chose to not make the change, but that’s the kind of thing that we do like to look at. Because the landscape changes, and there are many elements that may inform making a change.
You changed the composition of your nominating review committees this year to make them more inclusive with regard to race and gender, and now we see more female artists in the top categories than usual. Do you think the nominations are related to the changing committees, or was it just a particularly strong year for women in music?
As you know, we formed a task force last year, and we have a great group of people that have a lot of experience and a lot of perspective, and we’ve been working closely with them on a whole variety of things, this being one. I think the point here is that process is so important when it come to diversity and inclusion. Sometimes it isn’t even so much about the end result – it’s “How did you arrive, what is the process to get there?”
What’s key is that the process not have any barriers and be open to diversification and inclusion. We wanted to make sure in this part of the process, those groups were appropriately diverse. We also felt the same, frankly, for our national committees that make national policy.
We exceeded expectations as far as how those committees were diversified. They’re the most diverse they’ve ever been in our history. And that was part of the mix in this year’s process that arrived at the nominations.
I haven’t run the numbers year over year in terms of male v. female artists in these categories, but my gut reaction is that it’s a huge variable in any given year. A lot of it has to do with who’s making music in any given year, and what’s the level of quality and excellence of that music?
Clearly there were great records and great music from amazing women artists this year, and it’s very gratifying that it’s recognized here. But diversity and inclusion is an incredibly important topic that’s on the minds of many of us in the country and in the world, and it’s not limited to the entertainment industry. It’s an important issue that needs lots of work.
Part of what happened with this year’s nominations, I think, is indicative of the work we’ve been doing, but also of the consciousness that people have today. We’re an organization of artists and creators, and creators tend to have an awareness and social consciousness. They keep their heads above water.
All 62 Grammy Best New Artist Winners, From The Beatles to Adele to Milli Vanilli (Photos)
The Grammys have honored some major stars early in their careers -- and also some head-scratchers (Debby Boone over Andy Gibb and Foreigner?)
1960: Bobby Darin • Also nominated: Edd Byrnes; Johnny Restivo; Mark Murphy; Mavis Rivers
A smart choice of future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer behind such hits as "Splish Splash" and "Mack the Knife."
1961: Bob Newhart • Also nominated: Joanie Sommers; Leontyne Price; Miriam Makeba; The Brothers Four
The three-time Grammy-winning comedian went on to become a huge TV star.
1962: Peter Nero • Also nominated: Ann-Margret; Dick Gregory; The Lettermen; Timi Yuro
The pianist and pops conductor had a long and distinguished career.
1963: Robert Goulet • Also nominated: Allan Sherman; Peter, Paul and Mary; The Four Seasons; The New Christy Minstrels; Vaughn Meader
How could Grammy voters pass over Frankie Valli's The Four Seaons or the folk legends Peter, Paul and Mary?
1964: The Swingle Singers • Also nominated: John Gary; Trini Lopez; The J's with Jamie; Vikki Carr
The classical chorus wins over singer-guitarist Trini Lopez? Um, OK.
1965: The Beatles • Also nominated: The Beatles Antonio Carlos Jobim; Astrud Gilberto; Morgana King; Petula Clark
Yeah, we've heard of these guys.
1966: Tom Jones • Also nominated: Glenn Yarbrough; Herman's Hermits; Horst Jankowski; Marilyn Maye; Sonny & Cher; The Byrds
The Welsh singer seemed old-fashioned even at the time -- especially compared to the Byrds.
1968: Bobbie Gentry • Also nominated: Harpers Bizarre; Jefferson Airplane; Lana Cantrell; The 5th Dimension
(No award given in 1967.) The country star was one of the genre's first to write her own material.
1969: José Feliciano • Also nominated: Cream; Gary Puckett & The Union Gap; Jeannie C. Riley; O. C. Smith
Feliz Navidad!
1970: Crosby, Stills & Nash • Also nominated: Chicago; Led Zeppelin; Oliver; The Neon Philharmonic
1971: The Carpenters • Also nominated: Anne Murray; Elton John; Melba Moore; The Partridge Family
Poor Elton. At least the Partridge Family didn't win.
1972: Carly Simon • Also nominated: Bill Withers; Chase; Emerson, Lake & Palmer; Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds
1973: America • Also nominated: Eagles; Harry Chapin; John Prine; Loggins and Messina
The Eagles were robbed!
1974: Bette Midler • Also nominated: Barry White; Eumir Deodato; Marie Osmond; Maureen McGovern
Bette over Barry White? Interesting...
1975: Marvin Hamlisch • Also nominated: Bad Company; David Essex; Graham Central Station; Johnny Bristol; Phoebe Snow
Another old-fashioned choice.
1976: Natalie Cole • Also nominated: Amazing Rhythm Aces; Brecker Brothers; KC and the Sunshine Band; Morris Albert
Unforgettable.
1977: Starland Vocal Band • Also nominated: Boston; Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band; The Brothers Johnson; Wild Cherry
Who?
1978: Debby Boone • Also nominated: Andy Gibb; Foreigner; Shaun Cassidy; Stephen Bishop
Another boring, safe choice that snubs legends like Gibb and Foreigner. Doesn't feel like the first time the Grammys have gone the wrong way.
1979: A Taste of Honey • Also nominated: Chris Rea; Elvis Costello; The Cars; Toto
Really?! You pass over Elvis Costello and The Cars for the "Boogie Oogie Oogie" duo?
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1980: Rickie Lee Jones • Also nominated: Dire Straits; Robin Williams; The Blues Brothers; The Knack
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1981: Christopher Cross • Also nominated: Amy Holland; Irene Cara; Robbie Dupree; The Pretenders
The "Sailing" guy bests the Pretenders? Take me away.
1982: Sheena Easton • Also nominated: Adam and the Ants; James Ingram; Luther Vandross; The Go-Go's
Love Sheena, but Luther and the G0-Gos made a bigger impact.
1983: Men at Work • Also nominated: Asia; Jennifer Holliday; Stray Cats; The Human League
1984: Culture Club • Also nominated: Big Country; Eurythmics; Men Without Hats; Musical Youth
Boy George vs. Annie Lennox.
1985: Cyndi Lauper • Also nominated: Corey Hart; Frankie Goes to Hollywood; Sheila E.; The Judds
The Grammys got this one right.
1986: Sade • Also nominated: A-ha; Freddie Jackson; Katrina and the Waves; Julian Lennon
1987: Bruce Hornsby and the Range • Also nominated: Glass Tiger; Nu Shooz; Simply Red; Timbuk3
1988: Jody Watley • Also nominated: Breakfast Club; Cutting Crew; Terence Trent D'Arby; Swing Out Sister
1989: Tracy Chapman • Also nominated: Rick Astley; Take 6; Toni Childs; Vanessa L. Williams
At least the Grammys didn't Rick-roll Tracy Chapman.
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1990: [Milli Vanilli] • Also nomianted: Indigo Girls; Neneh Cherry; Soul II Soul; Tone Lōc
Granted, the Grammys rescinded the award after the pop duo Milli Vanilli were exposed as lip-syncers of other vocalists. But the fact that they beat great artists like Indigo Girls and Tone Lōc in the first place is embarrassing.
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1991: Mariah Carey • Also nominated: Lisa Stansfield; The Black Crowes; The Kentucky Headhunters; Wilson Phillips
One year after the Milli Vanilli debacle, Grammy voters got it right.
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1992: Marc Cohn • Also nominated: Boyz II Men; C+C Music Factory; Color Me Badd; Seal
Another vanilla choice in a year in which Boys II Men and Seal were both contenders.
1993: Arrested Development • Also nominated: Billy Ray Cyrus; Jon Secada; Kris Kross; Sophie B. Hawkins
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1994: Toni Braxton • Also nominated: Belly; Blind Melon; Digable Planets; SWV
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1995: Sheryl Crow • Also nominated: Ace of Base; Counting Crows; Crash Test Dummies; Green Day
Green Day gets no love.
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1996: Hootie & the Blowfish • Also nominated: Alanis Morissette; Brandy; Joan Osborne; Shania Twain
Guess Darius Rucker's band name didn't effectively warn Grammy voters that it would not withstand the test of time.
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1997: LeAnn Rimes • Also nominated: Garbage; Jewel; No Doubt; The Tony Rich Project
1998: Paula Cole • Also nominated: Erykah Badu; Fiona Apple; Hanson; Puff Daddy
I don't wanna wait... for my career to be outshone.
1999: Lauryn Hill • Also nominated: Andrea Bocelli; Backstreet Boys; Dixie Chicks; Natalie Imbruglia
What a really strong year for new artists.
2000: Christina Aguilera • Also nominated: Britney Spears; Kid Rock; Macy Gray; Susan Tedeschi
Xtina beat Britney!?
2001: Shelby Lynne • Also nominated: Brad Paisley; Jill Scott; Papa Roach; Sisqó
Lynne wins on her sixth studio album -- and beats future country superstar Brad Paisley?
2002: Alicia Keys • Also nominated: David Gray; India.Arie; Linkin Park; Nelly Furtado
2003: Norah Jones • Also nominated: Ashanti; Avril Lavigne; John Mayer; Michelle Branch
Whatever happened to Norah Jones?
2004: Evanescence • Also nominated: 50 Cent; Fountains of Wayne; Heather Headley; Sean Paul
2005: Maroon 5 • Also nominated: Gretchen; Wilson; Los Lonely Boys; Joss Stone; Kanye West
It's a wonder Yeezy didn't storm the stage to demand a recount.
2006: John Legend • Also nominated: Ciara; Fall Out Boy; Keane; Sugarland
2007: Carrie Underwood • Also nominated: Chris Brown; Corinne Bailey Rae; Imogen Heap; James Blunt
2008: Amy Winehouse • Also nominated: Feist; Ledisi; Paramore; Taylor Swift
Sorry, TSwift. Hard to argue with this choice of a gone-too-soon legend.
2009: Adele • Also nominated: Duffy, Jonas Brothers, Jazmine Sullivan, Lady Antebellum
2010:Zac Brown Band • Also nominated: Keri Hilson, MGMT, Silversun Pickups, The Ting Tings
2011: Esperanza Spalding • Also nominated: Drake, Florence and the Machine, Justin Bieber, Mumford & Sons
Another head-scratcher.
2012: Bon Iver • Also nominated: J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex, The Band Perry
2013:Fun • Also nominated: Alabama Shakes, Hunter Hayes, Frank Ocean, The Lumineers
Does anyone even remember Fun?
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2014:Macklemore & Ryan Lewis • Also nominated: Ed Sheeran, James Blake, Kacey Musgraves, Kendrick Lamar
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2015:Sam Smith • Also nominated: Bastille, Brandy Clark, Haim, Iggy Azalea
2016:Meghan Trainor • Also nominated: Courtney Barnett, James Bay, Tori Kelly, Sam Hunt
2017: Chance the Rapper • Also nominated: Kelsea Ballerini, The Chainsmokers, Maren Morris, Anderson Paak
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2018: Alessia Cara • Also nominated: Khalid; Lil Uzi Vert; Julia Michaels; SZA
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2019: Dua Lipa • Also nominated: Chloe x Halle; Luke Combs; Greta Van Fleet; H.E.R.; Margo Price; Bebe Rexha; Jorja Smith
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2020:Billie Eilish • Also nominated: Black Pumas; Lil Nas X; Lizzo; Maggie Rogers; Rosalía; Tank and the Bangas; Yola
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2021: Megan Thee Stallion • Also nominated: Ingrid Andress, Phoebe Bridgers, Chika, Noah Cyrus, D Smoke, Doja Cat and Kaytranada
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2022: Olivia Rodrigo • The "Driver's License" singer was the obvious choice in a field that included Arooj Aftam, Jimmie Allen, Baby Keem, Finneas, Glass Animals, Japanese Breakfast, The Kid Laroi, Arlo Parks and Saweetie.
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The Grammys have honored some major stars early in their careers — and also some head-scratchers (Fun over Frank Ocean and the Lumineers?)
The Grammys have honored some major stars early in their careers -- and also some head-scratchers (Debby Boone over Andy Gibb and Foreigner?)