DEBORAH DUGAN

Harvey Mason jr. knew there would be an uphill climb after taking over as the Recording Academy’s CEO.

Ousted Grammys CEO Deborah Dugan and the Recording Academy have reached a confidential settlement over why the former leader was let go from the organization.

Harvey Mason jr., can drop the interim from his title: He’s now the official president and CEO of The Recording Academy.

The Grammy Awards have changed its tune and voted to remove its nomination review committees — groups that determined the contenders for key awards at the coveted music show.

The Recording Academy is making changes to several Grammy Awards categories, including the often-debated best new artist title, as well as having nomination review committee members sign disclosure forms to prevent conflicts of interest. The academy announced new rules Wednesday that will affect the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, which will air live on Jan. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)NEW YORK The Recording Academy is making changes to several Grammy Awards categories, including the often-debated best new artist title, and having nomination review committee members sign disclosure forms to prevent conflicts of interest. The new rules announced Wednesday will affect the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, which will air live on Jan. 31, 2021. Dugan had said the awards show was rigged and muddled with conflicts of interest.

The academy said the decision was reached after "two exhaustive, costly independent investigations" about Dugan and her allegations. Dugan had been on administrative leave since mid-January, when she was ousted after a complaint of mistreatment from a longtime Recording Academy employee, which the academy said Monday was one of multiple complaints from people across the organization. Dugan said Monday that the academy's investigations did not include interviews with her, or address her claims of conflict of interest and voting irregularities. "So, instead of trying to reform the corrupt institution from within, I will continue to work to hold accountable those who continue to self-deal, taint the Grammy voting process and discriminate against women and people of color." The academy said it had engaged in some settlement discussions with Dugan but opted to fire her instead, and will begin the search for a new CEO.

Grammys honor Kobe Bryant at Staples CenterKobe Bryant's memory was in the hearts and minds of the artists at the Grammys Sunday night. But despite the news of his death, and the past 11 days of controversy surrounding the suspension of Grammy CEO Deborah Dugan, the focus was on celebrating the year's best music. Billie Eilish was the night's big winner. The 18-year-old is the youngest person ever to sweep the top four Grammys: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Kevin Frazier recaps the night's highlights.

Grammys honor Kobe Bryant at Staples CenterKobe Bryant's memory was in the hearts and minds of the artists at the Grammys Sunday night. But despite the news of his death, and the past 11 days of controversy surrounding the suspension of Grammy CEO Deborah Dugan, the focus was on celebrating the year's best music. Billie Eilish was the night's big winner. The 18-year-old is the youngest person ever to sweep the top four Grammys: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Kevin Frazier recaps the night's highlights.

Two days before the Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift ended speculation she would perform at the show. Swift will not attend the ceremony, Entertainment Tonight reported, despite being nominated for three awards: best pop vocal album, song of the year and best pop solo performance. Taylor Swift attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019, in Newark, New Jersey. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTVThe academy suspended Dugan last week, saying it's investigating allegations she created a hostile work environment, which she denies. "I think it's always been a little bit confusing," she said.

Top nominated artists included Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Talyor Swift, Ariane Grande and Beyonce. Lil Nas X, the rapper behind "Old Town Road" also received six nods on Wednesday. Swift's "Lover" is up for best pop vocal album, the title track to her most recent album is up for song of the year and she's earned a nomination for best pop solo performance for "You Need to Calm Down." "Old Town Road" - Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus. "7" Lil Nas X.