The nearly 8,000 current members of Grammy U will be able to submit recordings during the upcoming Online Entry Process (OEP) period for the 2026 Grammy Awards. It’s the first time that Grammy U members have been allowed to enter recordings, though they still won’t be eligible to vote.
“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our members for the first time ever in Grammy U’s nearly 20-year history,” said Jessie Allen, Grammy U’s managing director. “We have so many incredibly talented members from all different backgrounds, fields and genres, and this special opportunity will not only give them firsthand experience with the Grammy Awards process, but also a coveted chance to be listened to, nominated and maybe even voted to win a Grammy Award by music’s best and most qualified creators. I can’t imagine a better way to kick off Grammy U’s upcoming 20th anniversary.
Grammy U members can submit any recordings, but the academy encourages them to use this opportunity to submit their own recordings.
While the same OEP eligibility requirements will apply to Grammy U members’ submissions as for Recording Academy voting and professional members and registered media companies, there will be a shorter window for submissions, a $20 fee per entry and a maximum of five entries per member.
Voting and professional members are allowed five “courtesy entries,” after which they must pay a fee per entry, which climbs as the weeks go by. Early entry pricing (July 16-Aug. 1) is $40 per entry; standard pricing (Aug. 2-22) is $75; and final deadline pricing (Aug. 23-29) is $125. Grammy U members do not receive any gratis entries.
Grammy U member entries must be submitted between July 16 and July 30. By contrast, the entry period for voting and professional members runs from July 16 to Aug. 29.
“As the entry period progresses, so does the daily number of entries the awards team processes,” says an academy spokesperson, by way of explaining the different submission period. “A dedicated two-week window for Grammy U submissions at the beginning of the entry period allows for the awards team to provide some extra attention and help to these first-time submitters.”
Grammy U members pay a fee of $50 for four years of membership. After those four years, the renewal fee is $50 annually, if the person is still eligible. (They meet that test if they are a full-time student of any age or are between 18-29 and actively pursuing a career in music.)
By contrast, voting and professional members pay an annual fee of $150. Media companies pay an annual fee of $180 to register with the academy.
The Recording Academy hasn’t decided if this will be a permanent change or just a one-time opportunity for Grammy U members. “This opportunity for Grammy U members to submit product is something we are very excited to implement for this year,” said a spokesperson. “We are taking it one step at a time and are looking forward to assessing how it goes for future years.”
Notable Grammy U alumni include three Grammy winners: Scott Hoying (Pentatonix), producer/engineer Sarah Tudzin and classical conductor Michael Repper, as well as Grammy-nominated gospel singer Elyse Victoria Johnson and singer/songwriter Leland.
Grammy U members have specifically curated programming and opportunities year-round, geared toward emerging artists and music professionals.
In April, Grammy U hosted its second New York Conference, which included a series of panels and industry-focused networking and career development opportunities for Grammy U members. The event featured Grammy winners Coco Jones and Laufey as keynote speakers, and closed with an exclusive artist showcase headlined by Grammy winner Samara Joy.
In 2024, Grammy U implemented more than 100 national and chapter programs nationwide for Grammy U members. Programs included a Masterclass with Halle Bailey during Grammy Week; a New York conference with Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Remi Wolf and Beanie Feldstein; a Fall Summit with Charli XCX and Troye Sivan; and more than 50 Grammy U Soundchecks – where members get behind-the-scenes looks into how artists prepare for tours and concerts – with artists such as Joy, Laufey, Gracie Abrams, Kacey Musgraves, Twenty One Pilots, Will Smith and Young Miko.
Additionally, Grammy U facilitates a mentorship program that connects the emerging music community with industry players. In 2024, Grammy U facilitated more than 950 mentorship pairs, with 25 international participants in countries including Brazil, Canada, India, Nigeria, Romania and the U.K.
Read more about Grammy U member benefits here.