Music industry gears up for Grammy nominations

World

Four of the major categories are being expanded this year, which could mean more recognition for women and BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) artists.

Song and album of the year are among the categories which will now have eight nominees, instead of five.

The change comes after the Recording Academy created a diversity task force in response to criticism that the winners are usually disproportionately white and male.

The categories which have been expanded are album of the year, record of the year (for best overall song), song of the year (which is specifically for songwriting) and best new artist.

The other categories will continue to include five nominees.

Image caption Bruno Mars walked away from this year s Grammys with six awards

Bruno Mars swept last year s awards and caused something of an upset when he won the album of the year prize over Kendrick Lamar.

Jay-Z and Beyonce could get a nod in the album of the year category this year for their joint album, Everything is Love.

Drake is another likely nominee for his 25-track double album Scorpion, while Grande s fourth album Sweetener and Cardi B s debut Invasion of Privacy could also be recognised.

Because of the qualification dates, Taylor Swift could snag nominations for Reputation despite it being released more than a year ago.