Kendrick Lamar is owning the 2026 Grammy nominations right now. He's snagged nine nods for his album GNX. Fans are totally hooked on how this drop is flipping the music scene upside down. Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut are right behind with seven each. Sabrina Carpenter, Leon Thomas, Serban Ghenea, and Bad Bunny each pulled in six. But the real buzz is around the big categories. Lamar, Gaga, Carpenter, and Bad Bunny are going head-to-head in Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Tyler, the Creator are jumping in too.
Anyway, the Recording Academy dropped the nominees on YouTube on November 7. The main show rolls into Los Angeles on February 1. CBS and Paramount+ will stream it live. Most importantly, eligibility covered August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025. That's why Taylor Swift's newest didn't make it.
Top Contenders in Key Categories
The Album of the Year has some serious heavy hitters. Bad Bunny shows up with DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. Justin Bieber drops Swag. Sabrina Carpenter brings Man's Best Friend. Clipse comes through with Let God Sort Em Out. Lady Gaga unleashes Mayhem. Kendrick Lamar rolls out GNX. Leon Thomas offers Mutt. Tyler, The Creator hits with Chromakopia. That said, Song of the Year spotlights some real gems. Lady Gaga belts out Abracadabra. Doechii nails Anxiety. Rosé and Bruno Mars link up on APT. Bad Bunny fires off DTMF. Huntr/x, featuring Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, glows with Golden from KPop Demon Hunters. Kendrick Lamar and SZA team up on Luther. Sabrina Carpenter sings Manchild. Billie Eilish delivers Wildflower.
On the other hand, Record of the Year cranks up the vibe. Bad Bunny kicks it off with DtMF. Sabrina Carpenter follows up with Manchild. Doechii throws in Anxiety. Billie Eilish adds Wildflower. Lady Gaga sparkles with Abracadabra. Kendrick Lamar and SZA bring Luther. Chappell Roan drops The Subway. Rosé and Bruno Mars hype APT.
Rising Stars and Alternative Vibes
Best New Artist shines on the newcomers. Olivia Dean is making waves. KATSEYE is turning heads. The Marias are wowing folks. Addison Rae is grabbing eyes. Sombr adds that enigmatic touch. Leon Thomas looks solid. Alex Warren hits home. Lola Young brings the spark. Meanwhile, alternative fans are pumped about the lineup.
Bon Iver, The Cure, Wet Leg, and Hayley Williams are squaring off against Tyler, the Creator for Best Alternative Music Album. Plus, Golden from KPop Demon Hunters racks up four nods. Overall, this year's noms blend styles and throw in some curveballs. Music fans are hunting for Grammy winners' predictions. They're chatting up top Grammy artists 2026. The hype is building for those live sets. Still, these nominations showcase a wild mix of sounds. They stretch limits in pop, hip-hop, and more.
