Updated: November 8, 2025
Grammy Nominations 2026 Nominees: Oh man, the Grammy nominations for 2026 just dropped yesterday, and I’m still buzzing from the reveals. If you’re anything like me—a total music junkie who’s been refreshing Twitter (or X, whatever) all morning—you know this is the moment when the industry’s pulse quickens. Announced on November 7, 2025, these nods celebrate the best of the past year, from chart-topping bangers to underground gems that deserve their spotlight. Kendrick Lamar is owning the conversation with a whopping nine nominations, edging out Lady Gaga’s seven and Bad Bunny’s six. It’s a mix of veterans flexing and newcomers shining, proving music’s never short on surprises. Whether you’re betting on your faves or just geeking out over the drama, here’s your ultimate guide to the 2026 Grammy nominees. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Album of the Year: Epic Projects That Defined 2025
Nothing gets the Grammy water cooler talk going like Album of the Year—it’s the big kahuna, the one that screams “this changed everything.” This year’s lineup is stacked with boundary-pushers and emotional heavy-hitters. Leading the pack is Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, a raw, introspective ride that’s got everyone quoting lines about legacy and hustle. Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS brings that signature reggaeton fire with vulnerable twists, while Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend serves up pop perfection laced with heartbreak anthems.
Don’t sleep on Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM, a chaotic glam-fest that’s equal parts theater and therapy, or Tyler, the Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA, blending jazz samples with his signature weirdness. Rounding out the eight: Justin Bieber’s SWAG (a slick return to form), Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out (nostalgic rap gold), Leon Thomas’s MUTT (soulful R&B vibes). These albums didn’t just drop; they reshaped playlists and sparked endless debates. If I had to pick a dark horse, it’s Clipse—Pusha T and Malice reuniting feels like a cultural reset.
Record of the Year: Singles That Had Us All Hooked
Record of the Year is where the hooks hit hardest—the tracks you blasted on repeat, sang in the shower, or ugly-cried to at 2 a.m. Bad Bunny kicks it off with “DtMF,” a sultry trap-reggaeton earworm that’s pure escapism. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” is that witty, empowering pop punch we’ve craved, and Doechii’s “Anxiety” flips mental health struggles into a fierce, funky bop.
Billie Eilish’s “WILDFLOWER” delivers her haunting whisper-scream magic, while Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” is a spellbinding electro-pop spell. Kendrick Lamar teams up with SZA for “luther,” a soul-stirring collab that’s already meme-famous. Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” channels queer joy with indie sparkle, and ROSÉ & Bruno Mars close it with “APT.,” a K-pop funk fusion that’s annoyingly catchy. This category’s a battlefield of genres, but if vibes win trophies, Chappell might just steal the show. It’s the kind of list that reminds you why music feels alive.
Best New Artist: The Rising Stars Ready to Explode
Ah, Best New Artist—the ultimate “who’s next?” crystal ball. This bunch is electric, full of voices that feel like they’ve been hiding in plain sight. Olivia Dean’s buttery soul could melt ice, while KATSEYE’s global girl-group energy screams future superstardom. The Marías bring dreamy bilingual haze, and Addison Rae? She’s trading TikTok dances for sultry synth-pop that’ll have you hooked.
Sombr’s brooding indie folk hits different, Leon Thomas (yep, the MUTT guy) layers R&B with jazz flair, Alex Warren’s heartfelt ballads tug at heartstrings, and Lola Young’s gritty UK grit rounds it out. With eight fierce contenders, it’s anyone’s game, but I’m rooting for Addison Rae—she’s proof that viral fame can birth real artistry. These nominees aren’t just new; they’re the blueprint for tomorrow’s icons.
Genre Spotlights: Pop and Rap Taking Center Stage
The 2026 Grammys aren’t skimping on variety, but pop and rap are flexing hard this year. In Best Pop Vocal Album, Justin Bieber’s SWAG battles Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, Miley Cyrus’s Something Beautiful (raw and redemptive), Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM, and Teddy Swims’s I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)—a therapy-session-in-song therapy we all need. It’s pop at its most vulnerable yet victorious.
Over in Best Rap Album, Kendrick’s GNX clashes with Tyler’s CHROMAKOPIA, GloRilla’s bold GLORIOUS, JID’s lyrical God Does Like Ugly, and Clipse’s comeback Let God Sort Em Out. Rap’s storytelling soul is on full blast here, with nods to street wisdom and wild innovation. Bad Bunny and SZA snagging cross-genre love shows how blurred those lines are now—pure 2025 magic.
Wrapping Up the 2026 Grammy Buzz: Who’s Your Pick?
What a ride, right? The 2026 Grammy nominations paint a vibrant picture of a year where vulnerability met virtuosity, and every genre got its flowers. From Kendrick’s dominance to the fresh blood in Best New Artist, this class is unforgettable. The ceremony hits February 1, 2026—mark your calendars, because you won’t want to miss the speeches, surprises, or that inevitable viral moment. Who’s carrying your vote? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I’m dying to hear. Until then, crank up these nominees and let the music do the talking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When were the 2026 Grammy nominations announced?
They dropped on November 7, 2025, via a live stream hosted by the Recording Academy—perfect timing for holiday playlist upgrades!
2. Who has the most Grammy nominations in 2026?
Kendrick Lamar tops the list with nine, including major nods for GNX and collabs. Lady Gaga’s right behind with seven—queen energy!
3. How are Grammy nominees selected?
It’s all about peer voting: Over 11,000 Recording Academy members nominate in their expertise areas, ensuring it’s an insider’s love letter to music.
4. Where can I watch the 2026 Grammy Awards?
Tune in live on CBS on February 1, 2026, or stream on Paramount+. Expect red carpet glamour and performances that’ll break the internet.