Grammy Nominations 2026: Complete Guide and Nominees List

Grammy Nominations 2026: The Wait Is Over

The music industry’s most anticipated announcement just dropped. On November 7, 2025, the Recording Academy unveiled the Grammy nominations 2026 and the list is packed with surprises, historic moments and well-deserved recognition.

Kendrick Lamar leads all nominees with nine nominations, followed by Lady Gaga with seven nods. This year’s ceremony promises to be one for the history books.

The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 1, 2026, at the iconic sports and entertainment venue in Los Angeles.Music fans worldwide will tune in to see who takes home the golden gramophone.

When Are the Grammys 2026?

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the popular arena in Los Angeles.The ceremony will broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount+ Premium.

This gives fans about three months to debate, predict and celebrate their favorite artists. The Grammy nomination announcement happened just yesterday, so the excitement is still fresh.

Kendrick Lamar Dominates the 2026 Grammy Nominations

Kendrick Lamar earned nine nominations, including nods for album, record and song of the year for his album GNX and single “Luther”. This marks his third time achieving nominations in all three top categories simultaneously.

The Compton rapper already has 22 Grammy wins under his belt. His 2026 nominations bring his career total to 66 nominations. After sweeping multiple categories at the 2025 Grammys with “Not Like Us,” Lamar shows no signs of slowing down.

His album GNX arrived as a surprise late in 2024, showcasing his artistic evolution. The project’s critical and commercial success made it an obvious Grammy contender from day one.

Lady Gaga’s Triumphant Return

Lady Gaga secured seven nominations for her album Mayhem, tying with producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut. This represents one of her strongest Grammy showings in years.

Gaga’s single “Abracadabra” earned nominations in multiple major categories. Her ability to reinvent herself while maintaining artistic excellence continues impressing both fans and industry professionals.

The pop icon has consistently delivered music that pushes boundaries. These Grammy noms recognize her ongoing influence on contemporary pop music.

Breaking Down the Major Categories

Record of the Year Nominees

The Record of the Year category features “DtMF” by Bad Bunny, “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter, “Anxiety” by Doechii, “Wildflower” by Billie Eilish, “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar with SZA, “The Subway” by Chappell Roan and “APT.” by Rosé and Bruno Mars.

This category recognizes the overall recording, including production, engineering and performance. It celebrates the complete team effort behind creating a hit record.

Album of the Year Contenders

The Album of the Year nominees are Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Justin Bieber’s Swag, Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out, Lady Gaga’s Mayhem, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, Leon Thomas’s Mutt and Tyler, The Creator’s Chromakopia.

Every nominee in this category would be a first-time Album of the Year winner. This makes the competition particularly exciting and unpredictable.

Song of the Year Recognition

Song of the Year nominees include Bad Bunny’s “DTMF,” Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower,” Doechii’s “Anxiety,” the KPop Demon Hunters hit “Golden,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT.,” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild”.

Unlike Record of the Year, this award specifically honors songwriting. The focus is on composition and lyrics rather than production.

Rising Stars: Best New Artist Nominees

The Best New Artist category includes Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, The Marias, Addison Rae, Sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren and Lola Young.

This category has launched countless careers over the decades. Past winners like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo have used this platform to achieve superstardom.

Leon Thomas: From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage

Leon Thomas earned six nominations, including Best New Artist, with his album Mutt. Many recognize him from television but his musical talents have always been his true passion.

Thomas has worked as a producer and songwriter for years, crafting hits for other artists. His Grammy nominations validate his decision to step into the spotlight as a solo performer.

His journey shows that artistic versatility pays off. Thomas represents artists who’ve paid their dues behind the scenes before claiming recognition.

Doechii’s Powerful Moment

Doechii secured five nominations, with her viral hit “Anxiety” earning nods for both Record and Song of the Year. After winning Best Rap Album last year, she’s back for more.

Doechii originally recorded “Anxiety” in 2019 for her self-released mixtape but re-recorded and officially released it in early 2025 after it went viral on TikTok. The song’s journey from underground demo to Grammy nominee demonstrates social media’s power.

Her nominations prove that authenticity resonates with audiences. Doechii’s willingness to be vulnerable about mental health struck a chord with millions.

Bad Bunny Makes History

Bad Bunny earned six nominations and became one of four artists nominated in all three top categories (album, record and song of the year). This marks a significant shift for Latin music at the Grammys.

For years, Latin artists faced challenges breaking into major Grammy categories. Bad Bunny’s nominations signal the Recording Academy’s evolving recognition of global music.

His album Debí Tirar Más Fotos showcases his artistic range. The project balances commercial appeal with cultural authenticity, a combination Grammy voters clearly appreciated.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Breakthrough Year

Sabrina Carpenter earned six nominations, joining Lamar, Gaga and Bad Bunny as nominees in the top three categories. Her album Man’s Best Friend and single “Manchild” dominated conversation throughout 2025.

Carpenter has evolved from Disney Channel star to serious musical force. Her Grammy nominations validate years of artistic development and hard work.

Young audiences particularly connect with Carpenter’s honest, relatable songwriting. Her success shows that authenticity beats manufactured pop formulas.

Historic Moments in the 2026 Grammy Nominations

ROSÉ and K-Pop’s Grammy Breakthrough

ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” made the Blackpink singer the first K-pop artist to receive nominations as a main performer in Record and Song of the Year. This represents a watershed moment for K-pop’s global influence.

The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack earned multiple nominations, with the hit single “Golden” nominated for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The Netflix film’s chart-topping soundtrack proved K-pop’s mainstream appeal.

New Grammy Categories Debut

The 2026 Grammys introduced two new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover. These additions recognize specialized artistry that previously lacked dedicated recognition.

The Best Album Cover category honors art directors whose visual work shapes an album’s identity. The Traditional Country Album category preserves recognition for country music’s roots while Contemporary Country Album celebrates evolution.

Comparing Nomination Leaders

Artist	Total Nominations	Key Categories
Kendrick Lamar	9	Album, Record, Song of the Year
Lady Gaga	7	Album, Record, Song of the Year
Jack Antonoff	7	Producer/Songwriter categories
Cirkut	7	Producer categories
Bad Bunny	6	Album, Record, Song of the Year
Sabrina Carpenter	6	Album, Record, Song of the Year
Leon Thomas	6	Album of the Year, Best New Artist
Doechii	5	Record, Song of the Year, Rap categories
SZA	5	R&B and collaboration categories
Tyler, The Creator	5	Album of the Year, Rap categories

YUNGBLUD’s First Grammy Nomination

YUNGBLUD is among the first-time nominees at the 2026 Grammys. The British artist has built a passionate fanbase through energetic performances and socially conscious lyrics.

His music blends punk rock, pop and hip-hop influences into something uniquely contemporary. YUNGBLUD’s nomination reflects the Grammy Awards’ increasing recognition of genre-defying artists.

Young audiences particularly connect with his messages about mental health, identity and social justice. His Grammy consideration acknowledges music’s power to address important cultural conversations.

Notable Grammy Snubs and Surprises

Not every expected artist received nominations. Taylor Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl was released outside the eligibility window, explaining her absence from the 2026 nominees list.

Unexpected nominees include Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the Dalai Lama and Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan in the Best Audio Book, Narration and Storytelling Recording category. These surprising inclusions show the Grammy’s broad scope.

Every year brings unexpected Grammy nominations that spark conversations. Surprising snubs generate even more discussion than the actual nominees sometimes.

The Grammy Nomination Process Explained

The Recording Academy’s voting members determine all Grammy nominees. These members include musicians, producers, engineers and other music professionals.

First-round voting took place from October 3-15, 2025, to determine nominees. Final round voting will run from December 12, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

The eligibility period for 2026 Grammy nominations ran from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025. Only music released during this window qualified for consideration.

Important Process Updates

For the first time, the 2026 Grammy ballots will be presented in randomized order rather than alphabetically. This change aligns with standard voting best practices and aims to reduce potential bias.

The Recording Academy continues refining its processes to ensure fair, meaningful recognition. These updates reflect ongoing conversations about how to best honor musical excellence.

Genre-Specific Highlights

Hip-Hop’s Strong Showing

Hip-hop artists dominate the 2026 Grammy nominations across multiple categories. Beyond Kendrick Lamar’s lead, artists like Tyler, The Creator, Clipse, GloRilla and JID earned recognition.

TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) had a particularly strong showing, with Kendrick Lamar, Doechii and SZA combining for 20 nominations. This reinforces the label’s position as a hip-hop powerhouse.

R&B Excellence

R&B artists like SZA, Summer Walker and Kehlani received multiple nominations. The genre continues evolving while maintaining its influence on contemporary music.

Leon Thomas’s six nominations span multiple categories, showcasing R&B’s versatility. His work demonstrates how the genre influences pop, hip-hop and beyond.

Global Music Recognition

Nigerian artists dominated the Best African Music Performance category, with Burna Boy’s “Love,” Davido featuring Omah Lay’s “With You,” and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat” all nominated.

Burna Boy earned two nominations total, including Best Global Music Album for “No Sign of Weakness,” making him the highest-nominated African artist.

How Grammy Nominations Impact Careers

Grammy nominations deliver tangible career benefits beyond prestige. Artists typically see streaming increases of 25-50% following nomination announcements.

Booking fees for live performances increase substantially for Grammy nominees. Tours become easier to sell and venues offer better terms.

Record labels use Grammy nominations prominently in marketing campaigns. The phrase “Grammy-nominated artist” appears in promotional materials and helps differentiate artists in crowded markets.

For younger artists like Doechii or Leon Thomas, Grammy nominations can accelerate career trajectories. They open doors to collaborations, endorsement deals and media opportunities.

Social Media Reactions to Grammy Nominations

Moments after the November 7 livestream reveal, artists began sharing reactions online, from emotional thank-you videos to all-caps messages and behind-the-scenes clips.

First-time nominees expressed disbelief in real time. Returning nominees like Laufey, Kehlani and Summer Walker celebrated another Grammy milestone.

Twitter, Instagram and TikTok exploded with Grammy conversation. Fans debated snubs, celebrated favorites and made predictions about potential winners.

Social media has transformed how people engage with Grammy nominations. Real-time reactions create viral moments and shape Grammy narratives beyond traditional media coverage.

What Makes the 2026 Grammys Special

This year’s ceremony promises several potential history-making moments. Every Album of the Year nominee would be a first-time winner in that category.

The debut of new Grammy categories adds fresh excitement. Best Album Cover and Best Traditional Country Album give specialized artists dedicated recognition.

K-pop’s breakthrough into major categories represents a cultural shift. The Recording Academy’s increasing recognition of global music reflects our connected world.

Grammy Night Predictions

Music fans love predicting Grammy winners. Online communities are already debating which artists will triumph on February 1, 2026.

Kendrick Lamar’s nine nominations make him a favorite across multiple categories. However, competition remains fierce in every field.

The Album of the Year race looks particularly unpredictable. With diverse nominees spanning hip-hop, pop, Latin and alternative music, any winner would make Grammy history.

Behind the Grammys 2026 Selections

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. emphasized the organization’s commitment to reflecting today’s diverse musical landscape. The 2026 nominations span 95 categories across 12 fields.

The Academy has actively worked to expand its voting membership. This effort aims to make the process more inclusive and representative of contemporary music.

Changes to Grammy rules continue addressing how music creation and distribution have evolved. The Recording Academy balances tradition with adapting to modern realities.

Why These Grammy Nominations Matter

The Grammy nominations 2026 reflect more than individual achievements. They capture a snapshot of where music stands right now.

The diversity of nominees shows how musical boundaries continue blurring. Artists no longer fit neatly into single genres and the Grammys increasingly recognize this reality.

Recognition for global artists highlights music’s universal language. Spanish-language tracks, K-pop hits and Afrobeats all compete alongside traditional American genres.

How to Watch the Grammy Awards Ceremony

The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ Premium. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on February 1, 2026.

A premiere ceremony earlier in the day will present most technical and genre-specific awards. The main broadcast focuses on major categories and performances.

Grammy performances often become more memorable than the actual award presentations. Expect collaborations between artists from different genres and special tributes.

The Business of Grammy Nominations

Grammy nominations represent significant marketing opportunities. Labels and management teams leverage nominations in promotional campaigns throughout the lead-up to the ceremony.

Streaming platforms create special Grammy-themed playlists. Radio stations increase airplay for nominated songs. The nominations essentially provide free promotion for months.

For independent artists, Grammy recognition validates their work against major-label competitors. It proves that quality music can succeed regardless of corporate backing.

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My Take on the Grammy Nominations 2026

After reviewing the complete list of nominees, I’m impressed by the Recording Academy’s progress toward genuine inclusivity. The Grammy nominations 2026 genuinely reflect today’s diverse musical landscape.

Kendrick Lamar’s dominance makes sense given his artistic excellence. However, the real story is how many different voices received recognition this year.

Leon Thomas’s six nominations represent a beautiful full-circle moment. Artists who’ve spent years crafting hits for others deserve their moment in the spotlight.

Doechii’s recognition feels especially meaningful. Her willingness to address mental health through “Anxiety” struck a chord that transcended genre boundaries.

Bad Bunny’s inclusion in all three top categories signals that the Grammy glass ceiling for Latin artists is finally cracking. About time.

The K-pop breakthrough with ROSÉ and the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack acknowledges what fans have known for years this music deserves recognition at the highest levels.

What excites me most is the Album of the Year category. Every nominee would be a first-time winner. This creates genuine suspense about who will prevail.

The new categories for Album Cover and Traditional Country Album show thoughtful evolution. The Grammys are recognizing specialized artistry while honoring musical traditions.

Will February 1, 2026, deliver perfect results? Probably not no awards show ever does. But these nominations suggest the Recording Academy is listening and adapting.

My advice? Use Grammy season to discover new music. Check out nominees you’ve never heard before. Let these nominations guide your listening without dictating your taste.

Ultimately, the Grammy nominations represent one industry perspective on musical excellence. Your personal connection to music matters infinitely more than any award. Trust your ears, celebrate artists you love and enjoy the music that moves you Grammy-nominated or not.

FAQs About Grammy Nominations 2026

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about the Grammy Awards nominations based on publicly available sources. All nominee details are subject to official confirmation by the Recording Academy. We do not claim ownership of any trademarks, artist names or official Grammy content mentioned herein. Readers are encouraged to verify information through the official Grammy Website for the most current and accurate details.