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The Recording Academy has officially released the nominations for the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, set to take place in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026. This year’s list reflects an exciting blend of established icons, breakthrough stars, and cross-genre innovators redefining the global music scene.
Kendrick Lamar Leads the Pack
Rapper Kendrick Lamar dominates the 2026 GRAMMY nominations with nine nods, the highest of any artist this year. His acclaimed album GNX and hit collaborations with SZA have positioned him as the artist to beat. Lamar’s mix of social commentary and lyrical depth continues to set the standard in contemporary hip-hop.
Following closely are Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut, each earning seven nominations. Bad Bunny and Sabrina Carpenter secured six nominations apiece, confirming their global dominance and creative momentum.
Major Categories and Nominees
Record of the Year
- Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
- Doechii – “Anxiety”
- Billie Eilish – “WILDFLOWER”
- Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
- Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA – “Luther”
- Chappell Roan – “The Subway”
- ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
This year’s lineup blends pop excellence with experimental artistry, showing how music continues to evolve across styles and cultures.
Album of the Year
- Bad Bunny – DeBí Tirar Más Fotos
- Justin Bieber – SWAG
- Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
- Clipse (Pusha T & Malice) – Let God Sort Em Out
- Lady Gaga – MAYHEM
- Kendrick Lamar – GNX
- Leon Thomas – Mutt
- Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia
From Latin fusion to experimental hip-hop and pop anthems, the diversity in this category underscores how global sounds are influencing modern music trends.
Song of the Year
- Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
- Doechii – “Anxiety”
- ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
- Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
- HUNTR/X – “Golden” (from KPop Demon Hunters)
- Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA – “Luther”
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
- Billie Eilish – “WILDFLOWER”
This category celebrates the songwriting brilliance behind some of the year’s most emotionally charged and globally streamed tracks.
Best New Artist
- Olivia Dean
- KATSEYE
- The Marias
- Addison Rae
- Sombr
- Leon Thomas
- Alex Warren
- Lola Young
The 2026 Best New Artist category captures a generation of fresh voices — blending pop, soul, indie, and experimental influences.
New GRAMMY Categories for 2026
The Recording Academy introduced two new categories this year:
- Best Traditional Country Album
- Best Album Cover Design
Additionally, the existing Best Country Album has been renamed Best Contemporary Country Album, to better distinguish modern country productions from traditional styles.
Trends and Surprises
- Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are notably missing this year due to release-date ineligibility.
- The nominations highlight an unprecedented international presence, with Latin, K-pop, and Afrobeats acts gaining strong recognition.
- Women and independent artists continue to see a rise in major categories, reflecting a more inclusive and evolving industry.
- Hip-hop and R&B dominate key categories, showing their cultural influence across the music landscape.
Industry Impact
The 2026 GRAMMY nominations reflect a broader shift in how global audiences consume and celebrate music. From streaming platforms to social media virality, the year’s biggest hits demonstrate that artistic authenticity and cultural storytelling continue to drive the industry forward.
Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga have used their music to shape cultural conversations, while new voices like Sabrina Carpenter and Doechii are redefining mainstream pop with innovative, emotionally raw storytelling.
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
Voting members of the Recording Academy will cast their final ballots before the awards ceremony in early 2026. Fans can expect powerful performances, surprise collaborations, and possibly history-making wins when the event airs live from Los Angeles.
With such a competitive lineup, the 2026 GRAMMYs promise an unforgettable celebration of global music excellence spotlighting artistry, creativity, and the ever-evolving sound of a new generation.
