The Recording Academy has updated its rules for the 2026 Grammy Awards, introducing a new separate category for best album cover. This change comes just a day after Sabrina Carpenter sparked widespread discussion by revealing what is believed to be the cover for her upcoming album.
The academy announced that the categories for best recording package and best boxed or special limited edition package will be merged into a single best recording package category, while best album cover will become its own distinct category. The previous Grammy for best recording package was awarded to Charli XCX’s album “Brat,” whose cover quickly gained popularity in pop culture and memes.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said the changes reflect the organization’s goal to better represent the music community and recognize deserving creators accurately.
Carpenter unveiled her new album, Man’s Best Friend, along with its release date. The cover shows Carpenter in a black dress and high heels, kneeling in a dog-like pose while an unseen person pulls her hair. The image drew mixed reactions on social media, with some fans calling it demeaning and others seeing it as satirical.
If Carpenter releases the album as scheduled on August 29, it would qualify for the new best album cover category, since Grammy eligibility ends the following day.
Other changes for the 2026 Grammys include adding a best traditional country album category, while the existing best country album category will be renamed best contemporary country album. Notably, Beyoncé won best country album at the 2025 Grammys for Cowboy Carter.
The best new artist category has also been broadened to allow acts featured on previous album of the year nominees, provided they contribute less than 20% of the album’s music.
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with nominations announced on November 7.
