2025 is rapidly approaching its end, which means award season is right around the corner. After such an incredible year of releases, music lovers and fans all over have been wondering which projects would score nominations. At the end of last week, the Recording Academy announced their nominations for the 2026 Grammys. Let’s take a look at this year’s list, surprises and snubs.
The Big Categories
Leading the pack this year are Kendrick Lamar with nine nominations and Lady Gaga with seven. Both artists are nominated for album of the year, record of the year and song of the year. Without a doubt, Lamar and Gaga are more than deserving of these nominations after the massive years they’ve both had. Kendrick went on a huge tour and headlined the Superbowl Halftime show. To celebrate her album, Mayhem, Gaga returned to Coachella making it her second headline slot at the festival.
Joining the two stars in these major categories are Sabrina Carpenter for Man’s Best Friend and Tyler, The Creator for Chromakopia. Also in their company is Bad Bunny. His nomination for Debí Tirar Más Fotos makes him the first Spanish language act to be nominated in all three major categories. Also nominated for album of the year is Justin Bieber, Pusha T & Malice and Leon Thomas. A first time nominee made a lot of noise this year across the major categories. Leon Thomas landed his first set of Grammy nominations this year in the major categories as well as a nomination for Best New Artist. This category might be the most competitive we’ve seen in quite some time at the Grammys.
Best New Artist
This year’s Best New Artist nominations include The Marias, Sombr, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Addison Rae, Alex Warren and Katsetye. All of these artists had massive years whether they’ve been around for a couple of years like The Marias or just released their debut projects like Addison Rae. Personally, I can’t even pick a favorite because I am such a fan of everyone nominated this year. After Chappel Roan won this Grammy last year, I’m excited to see who the Recording Academy awards picks following such a massive talent winning the year prior.
Snubs
Each year, there are a handful of artists that don’t make this list of Grammy nominations that shock fans. Ravyn Lenae is an artist fans hoped they’d seen nominated in the Best New Artist category. After all her success with her hit “Love Me Not,” the singer scored no nominations at this year’s ceremony. Another surprise was The Weeknd’ saw no nominations after the massive year he had with Hurry Up Tomorrow.
Who are you rooting for at the 2026 Grammys? Are there any artists or projects that surprised you that were nominated?
