The 2026 Grammy Awards nominations are out, featuring stars like Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and more. Explore key highlights, surprises, major categories, and what to expect at the February 1 ceremony in Los Angeles.
2026 Grammy Awards Nominations: Full Breakdown, Highlights, Surprises and What Fans Should Expect
The Recording Academy has officially kicked off the 2026 Grammy Awards season, and the buzz is already electric. With nominees spanning 95 categories, the upcoming ceremony promises to be one of the most star-packed and conversation-starting editions in recent years. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of The Recording Academy, opened the voting season with a streamed announcement that featured a mix of celebrities, musicians, and a few emotional moments tied to icons we lost this year.
The eligibility window for these awards stretched from August 31, 2024 through August 30, 2025, which means some late-2025 heavy hitters, including Taylor Swift’s blockbuster album “The Life of a Showgirl,” didn’t make the cutoff. Even so, the competition is intense, with a lineup that blends mainstream megastars, critical darlings, genre-breakers, and fresh newcomers now vying for the industry’s biggest honor.
The winners will be crowned live on Sunday, February 1, at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, and if the nominations are any indication, music lovers are in for a wild night.
Star-Studded Nomination Announcements
The Recording Academy leaned into personality and nostalgia this year by having big names introduce key categories. Sabrina Carpenter appeared with her now-signature curls, Sam Smith performed his announcement seated at a piano, and Sharon Osbourne appeared alongside her children to reveal nominees for Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance. The moment carried extra emotional weight, given the death of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne earlier this summer.
Chappell Roane, also rocking curls, shared an encouraging message for the artists competing for Best New Artist. And the category itself is stacked, featuring Addison Rae, Lola Young, and others looking to convert their breakout momentum into Grammy gold.
Doechii, meanwhile, brought her trademark energy to the rap and spoken word categories, introducing nominees that ranged from GloRilla and Kendrick Lamar to Tyler, The Creator. The mix of returning giants and rising voices reflects the Academy’s broader effort to represent the full spectrum of today’s hip-hop culture.
Song of the Year Becomes a Heavyweight Battle
One of the most headline-grabbing categories this year is Song of the Year. The lineup is loaded with artists from completely different corners of the industry, proving how wide the cultural impact of music has become. Iconic voices like Lady Gaga, global phenomenon Bad Bunny, inventive powerhouse Doechii, and even the fictional idol group from KPop Demon Hunters all earned spots on the list.
Yes, you read that right. The fictional band from the hit franchise made the cut, marking another fascinating moment where real-world awards collide with entertainment universes. The Grammys aren’t new to animated or fictional characters, but their inclusion this year fuels conversations about what constitutes musical influence in modern pop culture.
With this category alone sparking debates online, expect the Song of the Year moment at the ceremony to be one of the most talked-about outcomes of the night.
A Competitive Best New Artist Race
The Best New Artist category always brings surprises and internet debates, and 2026 is no different. Addison Rae, who transitioned from influencer to legitimate pop contender, finds herself competing alongside deeply respected singer-songwriter Lola Young. The category also features a diverse range of voices from alternative pop, R&B, indie, and viral-hit creators.
Chappell Roane’s pep talk during the nominations stream helped set the tone. This year’s nominees aren’t just newcomers; many are artists who have already built passionate fanbases, taken creative risks, and pushed genre boundaries. Winning this award has historically launched careers into a new stratosphere, so expect intense campaigning and fan engagement leading up to the ceremony.
Hip-Hop and Spoken Word Make a Strong Showing
Hip-hop continues to be one of the most dynamic landscapes in American music, and the 2026 nominations reflect that energy. Kendrick Lamar, who consistently redefines lyrical artistry, is back in the Rap Album lineup. Tyler, The Creator also secured nominations with his signature experimental flair, and GloRilla’s continued ascent keeps her squarely in the conversation.
Doechii introducing these categories felt fitting, since her genre-defying approach mirrors the evolution happening across hip-hop and R&B. The spoken word category also includes a surprising variety of nominees, from activists to authors to artists blending poetry with modern production.
Rock and Metal Honor the Past While Welcoming the Future
Sharon Osbourne’s announcement of the rock and metal nominees hit differently this year. With Ozzy Osbourne’s passing still fresh, fans were already feeling emotional. The nominees for Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance include both pioneering veterans and bold newer acts, showing how these genres continue to reinvent themselves even as they honor their roots.
The Academy has been pushing for broader recognition of rock and metal in recent years, and the 2026 list continues that trend.
What’s Next for the 2026 Grammy Awards
With the full nominations list now live on Grammy.com, fans are picking sides, predicting wins, and celebrating the recognition of their favorite artists. The ceremony on February 1 is expected to deliver a blend of heartfelt tributes, high-energy performances, surprise collaborations, and at least one viral moment that everyone will be talking about on Monday morning.
Between the emotional nods to icons, the bold inclusion of new voices, and the wild diversity of nominees, the 2026 Grammys are shaping up to be a can’t-miss event.
If the nominations are any indication, the music world is more vibrant, unpredictable, and creative than ever.
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