Sam Smith, the acclaimed non-binary pop superstar known for their soulful voice and boundary-pushing artistry, has once again ignited passionate debate across the music industry. This time, the criticism targets the prestigious Grammy Awards, specifically the 2026 ceremony.
Smith has publicly called out the Recording Academy for maintaining what they describe as an outdated binary structure in certain categories, arguing that the absence of dedicated recognition for LGBTQ+ artists—particularly those who identify outside the traditional male and female labels—represents a significant oversight in an era demanding greater inclusivity.
In a series of recent statements shared on social media and in interviews, Smith expressed deep frustration with the current framework. They pointed out that while many major Grammy categories, such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist, have long been gender-neutral, several performance-based fields still retain gendered distinctions in subcategories (like Best Pop Solo Performance or others tied to vocal styles). Smith argued that this setup inadvertently sidelines non-binary, genderqueer, and other LGBTQ+ artists who do not fit neatly into male or female boxes.
“It’s unfair in 2026 to force artists to compete in categories that don’t fully reflect who they are,” Smith reportedly stated. “The Grammys have made progress, but we need a specific category—or categories—that celebrate LGBTQ+ excellence without requiring anyone to compromise their identity.”
The singer demanded immediate action from the Recording Academy organizers, urging them to introduce a dedicated LGBTQ+ artist or non-binary performance category as soon as possible. “Create it now,” Smith insisted. “Don’t wait for another cycle.
Music evolves, culture evolves, and awards must evolve too. This isn’t about special treatment—it’s about fair representation for everyone who contributes to this vibrant community.”
Smith’s comments arrive at a pivotal moment for the Grammys. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, featured notable updates, including the addition of Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover categories. These changes reflect the Academy’s ongoing efforts to adapt to shifting musical landscapes.
However, critics like Smith argue that more fundamental reforms are needed in the area of gender and identity representation. The Grammys eliminated most gendered categories back in 2012, a move hailed as progressive at the time.
Yet, as non-binary and trans artists gain prominence—from Kim Petras becoming the first openly trans woman to win a Grammy in 2023 alongside Smith for “Unholy”—some feel the system still falls short in fully embracing diverse identities.
Supporters of Smith’s position highlight how LGBTQ+ artists have long faced barriers in award circuits. Smith themselves made history as one of the first openly non-binary Grammy winners and has consistently used their platform to advocate for queer visibility.
Their debut album In the Lonely Hour (2014) broke ground by subtly weaving queer themes into mainstream pop, paving the way for future generations. More recently, collaborations like “Unholy” showcased bold, unapologetic expressions of sexuality and identity, earning both acclaim and controversy.
The call for an LGBTQ+-specific category has sparked mixed reactions. Advocates praise it as a necessary step toward equity, pointing to other awards shows that have experimented with inclusive formats. For instance, some film and television awards have moved toward gender-neutral acting categories to accommodate non-binary performers. Proponents argue that a dedicated Grammy category could spotlight underrepresented talent, much like genre-specific awards (e.g., Best Rap Album or Best Latin Pop Album) honor cultural contributions without diminishing overall competition.
On the other hand, detractors question whether adding identity-based categories might fragment the awards rather than unify them. Some worry it could imply that LGBTQ+ artists need “separate but equal” recognition rather than competing on the same playing field. Others note that the majority of Grammys categories are already open to all genders, allowing artists like Smith, Chappell Roan, or Doechii to earn nominations and wins across the board.
Recent ceremonies have seen strong LGBTQ+ representation, with queer women dominating major categories in 2024 and diverse nominees appearing in 2026 lists featuring artists like Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Smith’s bold stance echoes their past advocacy. In 2021, they criticized the Brit Awards for delaying the removal of gendered categories, emphasizing the need to “celebrate everybody.” Their current push for Grammy reform aligns with broader cultural conversations about identity in entertainment. As society continues to redefine gender norms, pressure mounts on institutions like the Recording Academy to lead rather than follow.
Whether the Grammys will heed Smith’s demand remains uncertain. The Academy has demonstrated willingness to evolve, as seen in recent rule tweaks expanding eligibility and adding new fields. A spokesperson has not yet issued a formal response to Smith’s latest comments, but industry insiders suggest internal discussions on inclusivity are ongoing.
For now, Smith’s headline-grabbing critique serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for full equity in music’s biggest night. As one of the most influential voices in pop, their words carry weight, compelling fans, fellow artists, and organizers alike to confront uncomfortable questions about who gets celebrated—and how. In an industry that prides itself on creativity and progress, the conversation Smith has reignited could shape the future of the Grammys for years to come.
