An old interview of Recording Academy Chief Executive Officer, Harvey Mason, has resurfaced online, sparking fresh conversations about how Grammy winners are selected.

The video has gained renewed attention following the outcome of the 68th Grammy Awards, where top Nigerian stars failed to secure any wins.

The discussion comes after a disappointing night for Nigeria’s Afrobeat heavyweights, including Burna Boy and Davido, who both lost in their respective categories.

Their absence from the winners’ list surprised many fans and reignited debates about how artists from outside the United States are judged at the prestigious awards.

In the resurfaced interview, Mason explained that Grammy wins are not determined by popularity, streaming numbers, record sales, or social media following.

Instead, he stressed that artistic quality is the sole factor considered by the Recording Academy.

According to him, Grammy decisions are made by Academy members who assess submitted music based on artistic excellence, a process he admitted can be subjective. Mason also revealed that eligibility to vote is currently limited to professionals working in the U.S., though he expressed hope that this would expand globally in the future.

“There’s no ‘best’ song or record,” Mason said. “Winning a Grammy depends on the judgment of the Academy members, not on popularity. That’s how you win a Grammy.”

See the video

Grammy Awards CEO shared how you can win a Grammy Award 🤔 pic.twitter.com/iVVjcLN5I4

— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) February 2, 2026