Becoming a member of the Recording Academy is no mere title or honorific. Academy members directly impact the global music community for the better. Without our Membership, the Recording Academy wouldn't exist at all.

By getting directly involved with the Academy's various divisions and initiatives, artists, creators and industry professionals can expand their participation in the music world to the next level. Our newest members, who just joined the Recording Academy as part of our 2023 New Member Class, perfectly embody this spirit. This newly inducted, record-breaking class represents a diverse group of 2,400+ music creators. In a demonstration of the Academy's commitment to remaking its overall membership, 50% of the new class are people of color, 46% of this year's class are under the age of 40, and 37% are women. See the full statistics surrounding the demographics of the 2023 New Member Class and a snapshot of the Recording Academy's 2023 DEI initiatives.

To celebrate our 2023 New Member Class, we're spotlighting some of our newest Recording Academy members, including Weyes Blood, Bedouin, Gera MX, and others. Learn more about the many reasons why they joined the world's leading community of music professionals.

Learn more about Recording Academy Membership and join now.

Read More: 50 Percent Of The Recording Academy's 2023 New Member Class Are People Of Color

*Weyes Blood | Photo: Neelam Khan Vela*

Weyes Blood

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Recorded music is my lifeblood. I wanted to see and be a part of the whole process that acknowledges some of the best recorded music of our times, and the Recording Academy is the best way to recognize the contributions of the wider music community.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

As someone who listens to a lot of music from the past, I look forward to exploring newer records on a more regular basis. I also look forward to listening to a wider variety of genres outside of my normal wheelhouse.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

I hope to contribute my weird perspective. As somebody who started in the DIY experimental music scene and collecting odd records, I feel like my input would come from a passionate and progressive place.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It means getting to shed light on people that pour their hearts and souls into a recording. I feel very privileged to be admitted. All my years of experiencing and transcending through music will be put to good use, and staying connected with music — not only as a songwriter and singer, but as a listener — is very important to me.

*Gera MX | Photo Courtesy of Gera MX*

Gera MX

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

I feel that one of my missions as an artist is to continue contributing to the growth of new talents who may have great opportunities like the ones I have had.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I look forward to continuing to meet new talents as well as experienced colleagues. Also, new professionals who can add to my vision. And, of course, maybe very soon to see a GRAMMY Award in my cabinet.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

I hope to continue giving you music for many more years, that it can reach new corners of the world and connect with new people.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It is very important to me. It is a milestone in my career and, for me, it means having reached a new level in my career.

It is great for me to become a member of the Academy and contribute to the mission of continuing to grow the name of all Mexican and Latino artists, creatives and professionals who contribute their grain of sand to this industry every day.

*Bedouin | Photo: Ben Price*

Bedouin

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Becoming a Recording Academy member was fueled by the desire to immerse and align ourselves with this vibrant community of exceptionally talented musicians. The electronic music industry has grown immensely in recent years, and we're honored to be a part of that growth. We're excited that artists in our genre are finally being recognized for their contributions to the history of music. 

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

We are so excited and honored for the opportunity to continue advocating for and shining a spotlight on the electronic music genre as Recording Academy members. Electronic music is a multibillion-dollar industry, yet it still struggles to get mainstream recognition.

As part of the Recording Academy, we look forward to being a representative of our genre and helping to further establish it alongside the other popular, more conventional genres. We hope to use this opportunity to bridge the gaps between genres, collaborating and exchanging ideas with fellow music professionals from various backgrounds.

This vibrant network provides a platform to push boundaries and redefine musical conventions.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

First and foremost, we hope to further champion diversity within the music industry — with a specific focus on music and musicians of Middle Eastern descent.

As a Recording Academy member, we have the unique opportunity to push for a more inclusive industry that reflects the global richness of musical traditions from all over the world. 

Additionally, we're excited to act as a representative for the electronic music space and will work to bring that community more respect, credibility and awareness overall. Electronic music is the moment, right now! And we're excited to be part of the movement that brings the genre into the spotlight.  

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It's a distinct privilege to be recognized alongside other professional creatives that share a deep dedication to their craft. After such a monumental year for our own artistic journey, to be accepted into the new member class of the Recording Academy is truly a capstone moment. 

Our sonic vision pulls from our diverse personal influences, Middle Eastern heritage and Western upbringing. To now receive this level of recognition from the world's leading society of music professionals — it's an honor to be not only a face for electronic music, but also for all Middle Eastern musicians.

*Rap-Unzel | Photo: Armani Lyons/Lyons Pride Photography*

Rap-Unzel

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

I was inspired to become an Academy member when I learned about the different ways I could get more involved in the industry through various membership opportunities. Being a part of an organization that celebrates artists and creatives is right where I want to be!

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I look forward to connecting with my fellow members and industry peers, as that's a way for me to continue my growth as an artist and be part of change. I feel there's always a takeaway and learning opportunity in everything I do, so I look to gain more knowledge from my experience as an Academy member!

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

As a new member, I'm excited to have the opportunity for my voice to be heard in new rooms! I hope to advocate for the many different lanes there are for artists, especially female rappers. There are so many different sounds and styles with space for all of them in the industry. I'm here to show my lane.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

As a songwriter and recording artist, my words mean a lot to me, and music is one of my first true loves. So, naturally, being a member of the Recording Academy means so much! It's important to me because I stand by the Recording Academy's mission, and I want to do my part in ensuring that the music community continues to thrive!

*Duncan Daniels | Photo: Yanran Xiong*

Duncan Daniels

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I plan to help bring more awareness to the vast community of Afrobeats artists based in the diaspora, most especially here in the U.S. I also look forward to connecting and collaborating with my peers to make some amazing music.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

I would love to contribute by mentoring younger, budding musicians who intend on growing their music industry knowledge and career.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It means that my peers saw my years of contribution to music as a whole and deemed me worthy to be a part of this prestigious body. It has been a great aspiration of mine ever since I started making music more than 20 years ago.

I never imagined I would get here, so it's still surreal. I also have a chance to submit my works and works of other great artists I know for GRAMMY consideration, and that's huge.

*OG Parker | Photo: Armen Kaleshian*

OG Parker

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Growing up, watching some of my favorite musicians at the top of their game [and being] appreciated and honored by their peers and music professionals within the Academy inspired me to hopefully be a part of such a coveted institution. For it to be a reality for me now, I'm extremely grateful and honored.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I hope to be a trusted voice of reason and help continue the tradition of greatness the Recording Academy has created by offering my expertise and love for amazing music.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

Being a new member of the Recording Academy, I hope to contribute my unique talents and experience and learn from and build with the legendary veterans that have helped make the Academy what it is; together, we [can] elevate it to even new heights.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

I will never take for granted being a part of the organization that provides the highest honor and award in music. I've given music all I have, and to continue to have the opportunity to push and advocate for musicians as a musician [myself], especially at this level, I am truly blessed and appreciative.

*Trousdale | Photo: Raea Palmieri*

Trousdale

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

The Recording Academy has such a long legacy of honoring music and artists that have inspired us, and we're so excited to become a part of that legacy. To be able to share the positivity that we try to spread with our music and inspire future artists is such an honor.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

As active members of the Recording Academy, we're really looking forward to the chance to meet new people and to share our voices within this community that shares our love of music. We are also really looking forward to the opportunity to cast our votes for the GRAMMYs in support of artists we love.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

The three of us have always been very proud of the fact that we write and produce and record the majority of the music we release. We really hope that as members of the Recording Academy, we can inspire other young women who are thinking about writing their own music and telling their own story.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

Art is how we make sense of the world and connect to other people, so it means the world to us to be able to voice the value of that art through the Recording Academy, to make sure it continues to be a pillar of connection in society.

4 Ways To Maximize Your Recording Academy Membership

It's been decades since Maren Morris first attended GRAMMY Camp all the way back in 2005 — nearly 20 years ago. Still, she remembers precisely how she felt then and how much of a "rare opportunity" it was.

She met luminaries like Jimmy Jam and Paul Williams, and the setting made the then-15-year-old feel legitimized and creatively elevated. "I learned how to peer into myself and learn what unique thing I had to bring to the table musically," she tells the Recording Academy.

Since then, Maren Morris has had an entire career: She won a GRAMMY, received 17 GRAMMY nominations, joined the country music supergroup the Highwomen, topped the Billboard country charts, and much more.

Morris just had a full circle moment — Recording Academy style. On Monday, Morris returned to GRAMMY Camp, the GRAMMY Museum's signature music industry camp for U.S. high school students, as a guest artist to celebrate the program's 20th anniversary, which takes place in Los Angeles this week. She joins viral NYC bass phenom Blu DeTiger and captivating New Jersey singer/songwriter Jeremy Zucker. Together, they are guiding students on their paths to a career in the music industry. 

"I think that the main thing I'm imparting is that they don't need to rush their art or building their fan base," Morris says. "With social media and trending sounds and dances every day, it's easy to feel like you're getting lost or not keeping up fast enough with what your peers are doing.

"Just stick to being authentic," she continues, "and people see that, no matter what time they arrive to the party for you."

Another one of Morris' pieces of advice: Don't confuse loyalty with complacency. She explains that she likes to "shake up my production or co-writing comfort by working with new people who bring things out of me I wouldn't normally in a more comfortable creative situation."

In the end, "Find people that listen to you," Morris concludes, "but also push you and your creativity to new areas of yourself." There's no place better to do exactly that than at GRAMMY Camp, where the mentee can one day become the mentor and guide the next generation of artists and music industry professionals.

The 20th annual GRAMMY Camp celebration is running now and concludes with the GRAMMY Camp Finale Student Showcase on Saturday, July 20, at the Ray Charles Terrace at the GRAMMY Museum. 

Applications for GRAMMY Camp 2025 will be available online in September.

Learn more about GRAMMY Camp.

The Recording Academy's Online Entry Process (OEP) for the 2025 GRAMMYs has opened today. The Online Entry Process is the window in which all recordings, videos, and more are submitted for consideration to be included on the ballot at the 2025 GRAMMY Awards, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards.

As the official kickoff to the upcoming GRAMMY season, the 2025 GRAMMYs Online Entry Process runs from today (Wednesday, July 17) through Friday, Aug. 30. All Recording Academy Members and Media Companies must submit their eligible recordings and releases for GRAMMY consideration during this period, regardless of the public release date.

The 2025 GRAMMYs will take place Sunday, Feb. 2, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.

For those looking to submit their music and works for GRAMMY consideration at the upcoming 2025 GRAMMYs, the Recording Academy has produced this helpful guide explaining the process and upcoming deadlines.

What is the Online Entry Process and how does it work?

Marking the first step toward participating in the GRAMMY Awards process every year, the annual Online Entry Process is the period when registered Media Companies and Recording Academy Members (both Voting and Professional Members) can submit music and works for GRAMMY consideration at the 2025 GRAMMYs.

While the total amount of entries varies each year, the Recording Academy can receive more than 20,000 eligible entries during a GRAMMY season. Once we receive submissions, each entry is individually and manually vetted by a member of the Recording Academy's Awards staff to determine its eligibility.

After submissions are received during the Online Entry Process, the Recording Academy's Voting Members vote on said submissions across two GRAMMY voting rounds: First Round Voting determines the nominees for the majority of the categories at the annual GRAMMY Awards, while Final Round Voting determines the ultimate GRAMMY winners.

The full participation in our annual GRAMMY Awards process — from the Online Entry Period to Final Round Voting — on behalf of the Recording Academy's Membership and the music industry at large is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the GRAMMY Awards, music's only peer-voted honor.

Who can submit entries during the Online Entry Process?

Only registered Media Companies and Recording Academy members (Voting and Professional) can make submissions for GRAMMY consideration through the Online Entry Process.

The Recording Academy defines a media company as a legitimate business entity whose core business function is to create, aggregate and promote audio and/or video content for multiple artists for commercial purposes, and that must have verifiable product in national U.S. commercial distribution on our approved streaming platforms within the current eligibility period. It cannot just be an imprint in name only for a single or small number of artists.

When does Media Company registration open?

Media Company Registration for the 2025 GRAMMYs is open now and closes August 23 at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET. Existing or new Media Companies may register here. Media Companies will receive further information by email pending registration approval. Reference the Online Entry Process resources for more information.

When does the Online Entry Process open?

The Online Entry Process for the 2025 GRAMMYs opens today (Wednesday, July 17) and closes Friday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET.

IMPORTANT: There is only one round in which to make entries during the Online Entry Process. We encourage everyone to submit their entries as early as possible so that the Recording Academy's Awards team can assist with any questions in a timely manner. If a recording is not formally submitted, it cannot be considered for a GRAMMY Award or a GRAMMY nomination.

What is the eligibility period for submissions for the 2025 GRAMMYs?

The eligibility period for the 2025 GRAMMYs is for recordings released Sept. 16, 2023, through Aug. 30, 2024. All releases must be available for sale, via general distribution, to the public by this date and through at least the date of the current year's voting deadline (final ballot) to be eligible for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards.

How do I submit recordings and releases for the 2025 GRAMMYs as a Recording Academy member?

1. Recording Academy members, follow these steps to submit your music and releases during the Online Entry Process for the 2025 GRAMMYs:

2. Log in to your Recording Academy Member dashboard and find the Submit To Online Entry Process button on the left side of your dashboard

3. Once logged in, please review the provided resource documents and begin making your entries

4. Make sure you submit your entries by the deadline: Friday, Aug. 30, by 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET

How do I submit recordings and releases for the 2025 GRAMMYs as a registered Media Company?

1. Registered Media Companies, follow these steps to submit your music and releases during the Online Entry Process for the 2025 GRAMMYs:

2. Visit the Entry Process & Registration Updates Page

3. Click MAKE ENTRIES HERE (will direct you to entry site)

4. Select MEDIA COMPANY LOGIN 

5. Once logged in, please review the resource documents and begin making your entries

6. Make sure you submit your entries by the deadline: Friday, Aug. 30, by 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET.

Who can vote for the 2025 GRAMMYs?

Each year, GRAMMY winners and GRAMMY nominees are determined as voted by the Recording Academy's Voting membership, which is composed of music creators, including artists, producers, songwriters, and engineers. Registered Companies are not permitted to vote in the GRAMMY Awards process.

Learn more about our GRAMMY Awards voting process and the full GRAMMY Awards process.

2025 GRAMMY Awards key dates:

Here is a list of all the key dates for the 2025 GRAMMYs:

Sept. 16, 2023 – Aug. 30, 2024
Product Eligibility Period
The period by which recordings are submitted for GRAMMY consideration. All releases must be available for sale, via general distribution, to the public by this date and through at least the date of the current year's voting deadline (final ballot) to be eligible for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards.

July 8, 2024 – Aug. 23, 2024
Media Company Registration Period
Media companies must apply for registration with the Recording Academy to submit recordings.

July 17, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2024
Online Entry Period
All eligible recordings must be entered prior to the close of the Online Entry Period, regardless of the public release date.

Oct. 4, 2024 – Oct. 15, 2024
First Round Voting
First Round Voting determines all the GRAMMY nominees for each GRAMMY Awards year.

Nov. 8, 2024
Nominees Announced for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards
Announcing the official nominees list for the 2025 GRAMMYs.

Dec. 12, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025
Final Round Voting
Determines the GRAMMY winners across all categories revealed on GRAMMY night.

Feb. 2, 2025
2025 GRAMMY Awards
Music's Biggest Night, recognizing excellence in the recording arts and sciences.

Upcoming Informational Webinars & Additional Resources

To ensure a seamless experience for our members, the Recording Academy's Awards team is hosting a live demo of the Online Entry Process and a tour of the new entry site on Wednesday, July 24, at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET. Register for the webinar now.

As well, the entry site has many helpful resources, including the 2025 GRAMMYs Category Description Guide, GRAMMY Guidelines and Definitions, Entering Tips, FAQ, and other documents that further explain how to successfully make your entries.

For additional support, reach out to the following resources:

877.637.6816 (Awards Helpline)
onlineentry@grammy.com

Early Entry Pricing

Recording Academy members can enjoy five courtesy entries for the Online Entry Process. After this, members can take advantage of Early Entry Pricing through Wednesday, July 31, where each additional entry will cost $40 per entry.

Registered Media Companies can take advantage of Early Entry Pricing through Wednesday, July 31, where each entry will cost $65. After this date, entry fees will increase.

For more information about the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season, learn more about the annual GRAMMY Awards process, read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section, view the official GRAMMY Awards Rules and Guidelines, and visit the GRAMMY Award Update Center for a list of real-time changes to the GRAMMY Awards process.

The Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, has proudly extended membership invitations to more than 3,900 music creators and industry professionals this week to join its 2024 New Member Class. 

The 2024 New Member Class, which exemplifies the Academy's commitment to reflecting today's diverse and dynamic music industry landscape, represents a significant step towards inclusivity and representation within the music industry. This year's 2024 class of invitees is 45% women, 57% people of color and 47% under the age of 40. With these new member invitees, the Recording Academy is on track to achieve its goal of adding 2,500 women Voting Members by 2025, reaching this milestone a year ahead of schedule. 

The deadline for accepting these invitations, and thus engaging in the full process for the 2025 GRAMMYs, is Wednesday, July 31. 2024 New Member Class invitees are encouraged to join our newly launched New Member Class broadcast channel to learn more about the Recording Academy and membership-related updates.

These invitations offer each potential new member an opportunity to power the Recording Academy's mission of cultivating the well-being of the music community, celebrating artistic excellence in the recording arts, advocating for creators' rights, investing in music's future through the GRAMMY Museum, and supporting music people in times of need through MusiCares.

The Recording Academy's membership invitation process is community-driven and peer-reviewed annually, focusing on two types of membership: Voting Membership for music creators and Professional Membership for music business professionals. Interested musicians and professionals must apply for membership by March 1 each year, and if approved by a peer review panel, they are invited to join the Recording Academy. (GRAMMY U is the third type of Academy membership and follows a distinct application process.)

To celebrate this milestone, many of the newly invited members have taken to social media to express their excitement and gratitude. Here are some highlights:

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For more information about the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season, learn more about the annual GRAMMY Awards process, read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section, view the official GRAMMY Awards Rules and Guidelines, and visit the GRAMMY Award Update Center for a list of real-time changes to the GRAMMY Awards process.

"Everything you like was created by a queer person," musician and DJ Aluna proclaimed near the end of "The Power In Pride: A Conversation Honoring The Resilience Of Black Queer Creatives." (A seemingly bold statement — until you do some digging.)

Ditto a Black person. As the Recording Academy's VP of DEI, Ryan Butler, pointed out, just about every American music genre flows back to that source. "There is no pop music in America that is not a derivative of the Negro spiritual," he said across from Aluna.

"The queerness has been the innovation in it, but the Black community has been the foundation of it," Butler concluded. "So, I think when you have the foundation and the innovation together, it's worth celebrating 365 days a year."

When considering those two truths, two more truths emerge. First, without the contributions of Black and queer people, our world — including our musical landscape — would be unrecognizable. Second, to celebrate only in February, for Black History Month — or June, for Pride Month and Black Music Month — would be a grave disservice to both wellsprings of genius. Honoring Black and queer creators, as Butler pointed out, requires the entire calendar year. 

These themes were paramount at "The Power of Pride," a candid conversation at the Live Nation building in Manhattan, just as summer kicked off. Tiffany Briggs Low, the Director of Corporate and Communications at Live Nation, moderated the discussion between Butler, Aluna, and third panelist Bryant K. Von Woodson II, VIP Relations at Chapter 2 Agency and Head of Communications at Queer Capita. Von Woodson II introduced himself as a "curator of people" who connects BIPOC folks with crucial opportunities; Butler, as an "angelic disruptor"; Briggs-Low called Aluna "our sister in green" and "the curator of the vibes."

Briggs-Low kicked off the conversation with a heavy, dual prompt: "I would love to hear about why you feel it's important for the world to continue celebrating both Pride and Black Music Month, and what does the intersectionality of Black and queer identities mean to each of you?"

"I think that theme months each year do serve as a reset," Aluna stated, "and have you looking internally, and looking at what you've done and haven't done, and how you feel. To me, the queer community and the Black community have given so much," she continued, "and my mission is for us to just turn that around — to be giving it back to ourselves. Because there is an abundance of things that we create — and we never stop creating — but we need to be fed, and the well is running dry. And that upsets me."

To Aluna — who is Black, straight, and an ally of the Black queer community — this nourishment comes from "creat[ing] space" within these communities, and fostering "spirituality and deep, deep connection."

To that question, Von Woodson II — who is Black and queer — paraphrased Maya Angelou: "Between both communities, I stand as one, but I also really acknowledge the 10,000," he said referring to the philosophy from Angelou's work that credits the collective experiences of communities and ancestors who came before. 

"I think that's what this month is about," he continued. "Celebrating the 10,000 that got me to be able to sit on this stage, to have this conversation with you, to sit up here with some beautiful Black people, and really speak about our lives and ourselves."

Butler, who is also Black and queer, calls that intersection "a superpower." Yet the world doesn't always treat it as such — to put it lightly. As Butler related, just last weekend, he entered a function in Malibu, where the host said, "I'm going to sit you at the table where all the rappers like to sit."

"I don't really give rapper," Butler mused dryly. "You shouldn't be profiled in that type of way, and I definitely experience it in the corporate environment, still. I don't think that it always feels like a safe space.

"But that's also a litmus test for me," he added. "I know that there are other [people] who may feel this way, and so it also helps me make sure that I'm constantly applying pressure."

Von Woodson II expounded on the importance of being his authentic self, in spaces that might stifle that. "There is no hiding that I am clearly Black, but also queer," he said, before showing off his proudly flamboyant style of walking into a room.

"As I work with my clients, and I work with new people, I think I show up as authentic as I can," he continued. "And I just lay it on them and say, 'You either take it or you don't.'"

Aluna, for her part, highlighted the unfairness of Black artists being pigeonholed as featured artists.

"If I need to be an example of what's possible for the next generation, they can't just see me as Disclosure featuring Aluna, DJ Snake featuring Aluna, Avicii featuring Aluna, because that gives the message that that's all we're worth," she said. "You can't get booked as an artist in your own right, because they just don't see you as an artist.

"Managers across the board, bookers, labels — they're just hankering after your essence, your soul," Aluna continued. "But without your Blackness."

In supporting Black and queer communities — which takes a plethora of forms, for all different kinds of people — Butler warned against performative gestures. Aluna decried "the colonial separation between Blackness and queerness."

And Butler left the audience with a truth bomb: "There are going to be times where you are going to have to shield me with your privilege that I don't have."

But for all these heavier-than-heavy topics of identity, justice and belonging, "The Power In Pride" felt celebratory and familial. As the conversation wound down, the beats were turned up, and the audience was geared to get out and uphold Black and queer genius and solidarity — 365 days a year.

The Recording Academy thanks its partners — Live Nation and Queer Capita — for their efforts to make this event possible.