Grammy changes to Best New Artist category eliminates Post Malone, Cardi B
The last year saw #1 success and global expansion for Post Malone and Cardi B – but that won’t be acknowledged when the Recording Academy announce Grammy nominations on December 5.
After some apparently fiery discussions to make it more relevant, the Academy has made changes on to its Best New Artist category.
Post Malone has been disqualified because he’s gone past new’ status as his success is deemed to have started two years ago, with the 2016 release of his chart hit debut album, Stoney.
The new rule means that “any artist with a previous Grammy nomination as a performer” cannot be considered for Best New Artist.
This knocks out Cardi B too, who this year received two nominations, for best rap song and best rap performance, for her #1 single Bodak Yellow.
Both went to Kendrick Lamar instead.
Cardi B and Post Malone were apparently submitted for Best New Artist at the 2018 Grammys but didn’t earn a nomination. Malone missed out on one by one vote.
SZA, Khalid, Lil Uzi Vert, and Julia Michaels received noms, and Alessia Cara took the trophy.
The Best New Artist category is expected to be expanded for the 2019 event, with space for eight nominees instead of the traditional five.
Post Malone is also expected to raise eyebrows elsewhere: an inside source claims his Beerbongs & Bentleys album has been deemed by the Recording Academy to be “pop” and not “rap”.
The first round of voting for the nominations begins on October 17.
The February 10 ceremony will be telecast around the world.