Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position".
Beginning with the 1995 ceremony, the name of the award was changed to Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
[3] The Academy has cited a lack of eligible recordings in the female rock category as the reason for the mergers.
[4] While the award has not been presented since the category merge in 2005, an official confirmation of its retirement has not been announced.
Melissa Etheridge and Alanis Morissette have been presented the award two times each.