"While these shifts are small, collective action takes place when multiple companies, in multiple positions of gatekeeping, take action," the Initiative's founder and director,Among the findings, the 2020 Grammy nominees included the highest percentage of women in eight years — 20.5%, compared to just 7.9% in 2013 — across five major categories: Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year and Best New Artist.
She also hopes that the increase in female nominees will inspire more young women to pursue careers in music. "When you have an inclusive stage, it signals who belongs," she says. "People like Lizzo or Billie Eiliish are really illuminating to young [women] that this is a space they, too, could thrive in."
Annenberg researchers also updated their examination of 800 songs from the Billboard Hot 100 Year-End charts, from 2012 to 2019. Overall, women represent 21.7% of performers, 12.5% of songwriters and 2.6% of producers.
But not inclusive when it comes to age.