Ashley Rivera Grieves Mothers Passing as Recording Academy Expands 2027 Grammy Categories

On June 16, Filipino internet star Ashley Rivera posted a tender tribute to her mother on Instagram, while the Recording Academy simultaneously announced sweeping changes to the 2027 Grammy Awards. Rivera’s heartfelt message, shared in a series of Instagram Stories, marked her mother’s death after a prolonged battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

In the stories, Rivera posted a photograph of her mother and wrote, “No more pain, Ma. May your heart and soul find peace & comfort.” She added, “I miss you so much. I love you forever,” and “I’m gonna miss holding your hand, Ma.” Philippine media outlets confirmed that her mother had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, a condition Rivera has previously described as a long and difficult fight.

Rivera first rose to prominence in 2011 with videos that parody the blend of Filipino English and local humor, amassing a large following on YouTube and TikTok. She has since crossed over into television, appearing in series such as Legally Blind and The Better Woman, and has been a regular on comedy programs Bubble Gang and Happy Together. Her Instagram account currently boasts more than 700 000 followers.

That same day, the Recording Academy announced that the 69th Annual Grammy Awards—scheduled for February 7, 2027 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles—will feature five new categories: Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best R&B Collaboration Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Traditional Folk Album, and Best Latin Song. The expansion follows member feedback and aims to recognize a broader spectrum of musical styles.

In addition to the new categories, the academy will allow artists to be submitted up to four times for the Best New Artist award, up from the previous limit of three. The change was prompted by the fact that past winners include Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, and Olivia Dean, and it may open opportunities for artists who have reached the former cap.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said, “The changes advanced by our Recording Academy members speak to the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts and creators shaping it. We’re excited to see these updates come to life in the year ahead as we celebrate the music people who are driving music forward.”

The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed simultaneously on Disney+ and Hulu, marking the first time the Grammys air on ABC since 1972. The arrangement follows a ten‑year deal with the Walt Disney Company that began in 2024.

The addition of categories such as Best Asian Pop Music Performance reflects the growing influence of Asian artists in the global market, while the expanded Best New Artist eligibility could encourage more diverse submissions. These changes come as the Recording Academy continues to adapt to shifting musical landscapes and the dominance of streaming platforms.

As Rivera mourns her mother’s passing, the entertainment industry simultaneously broadens its recognition framework. The 2027 Grammys will offer a wider platform for artists, and the new categories and rules signal a shift toward greater inclusivity. The impact of these developments will become clearer as nominations are finalized and the industry gears up for the February ceremony.