Yes. In the spring of 2009, both the A&N Committee and the Trustees unanimously approved a proposal to form a subcommittee charged with reviewing the GRAMMY Awards structure. After a year of diligent research, thoughtful discussion, and thorough evaluation, the subcommittee made its recommendations. The proposal was passed by the Board of Trustees and thus the new GRAMMY Awards structure was formed.

Categories were restructured as part of an all-encompassing, comprehensive vision of the overall GRAMMY Awards structure across all Categories and to create parity among Fields. The changes are parallel and consistent across all genres of music.

The evaluation and changes were undertaken across the entire GRAMMY structure, and all genres and Fields were addressed. The result is a greater parallel structure across Fields.

Yes, two other changes were part of this proposal:

Minimum entry thresholds per Category.
It is now expected that each Category shall have at least 40 artist entries. If a Category receives between 25 – 39 artist entries, only three recordings would receive nominations. If a Category receives fewer than 25 artist entries, the Category would not be presented that year (and entries would be moved to the next most logical Category). If a Category receives fewer than 25 entries for three consecutive years, the Category would be discontinued (and submissions would be entered in the next most appropriate Category).

Number of allowable Fields/Categories per Voting Member.
Previously, voters were allowed to vote in up to nine genre Fields plus the General Field on the first ballot and eight genre Fields plus the General Field on the second ballot. Now, voters may vote in up to 20 Categories in the genre Fields plus the four Categories of the General Field on each ballot.

Aside from changes detailed above, there will be very little difference in the voting process and the telecast from previous years. The entry process will remain virtually unchanged, and the dates for this year are:

Media Company/Record Label
First Round:     July 6 – 27, 2011
(For October 2010 – July 2011 releases)

Final Round:     August 17 – 31, 2011
(For August 2011 – September 2011 releases)

Recording Academy Members
One Round:     August 2 – 31, 2011
(For all releases).

No. The Latin GRAMMYs are presented by The Latin Recording Academy under their rules. Like The Recording Academy, The Latin Academy will continue to do its own annual review of its process and structure.