Top Predictions for the 2026 Grammys Nominations

The Grammy Awards always spark excitement and debate among music fans worldwide. As the 2026 Grammys approach, speculation about who will earn nominations is already heating up. This year promises to showcase a mix of established stars and fresh talent, reflecting the evolving music landscape. Let’s explore some of the top predictions for the 2026 Grammys nominations and what to expect from this prestigious event.

Grammy trophy on the center stage with spotlight

Artists Likely to Dominate the Nominations

Several artists have made waves in the past year with critically acclaimed albums and chart-topping singles. These musicians are strong contenders for multiple nominations:

• Lady Gaga: 7 nominations continues to redefine her sound and has released a highly praised album blending pop and indie influences. Her storytelling and production quality make her a favorite for Album of the Year and Song of the Year categories.

  
  

• Billie Eilish has evolved her style with a darker, more experimental approach. Her unique voice and artistic vision could earn her nods in both performance and production categories.

  
  

• Bad Bunny: 6 nominations has expanded the reach of Latin music globally. His genre-blending style and commercial success make him a strong candidate for Best Latin Album and possibly broader categories.

• Kendrick Lamar: 9 nominations, his artistic contributions and impactful music position him as a strong candidate for numerous wins, highlighting his talent and influence in the industry.

• Cirkut: 7 nominations

• Jack Antonoff: 7 nominations

• Leon Thomas: 6 nominations

• Sabrina Carpenter: 6 nominations 

  
  

These artists represent a blend of genres and styles, reflecting the Grammys’ increasing openness to diverse musical expressions.

Emerging Artists to Watch

The Grammys often highlight new talent that shapes the future of music. For 2026, several newcomers have gained attention:

• Olivia Rodrigo has continued to build on her breakout success with emotionally charged pop-rock songs that resonate with younger audiences.

  
  

• Rina Sawayama blends pop, rock, and R&B with bold themes, earning critical acclaim and a growing fan base.

  
  

• Giveon’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have made him a standout in the R&B scene.

  
  

These artists could receive nominations in Best New Artist and genre-specific categories, signaling their rising influence.

Genre Trends Influencing Nominations

The 2026 Grammys are expected to reflect current trends in music consumption and production:

• Genre fusion is more prominent than ever, with artists blending pop, hip-hop, Latin, and electronic sounds. This trend broadens the scope of nominations and introduces fresh categories or subcategories.

  
  

• Socially conscious music has gained traction, with songs addressing mental health, social justice, and personal empowerment. Such themes often attract attention from Grammy voters.

  
  

• Collaborations between artists from different backgrounds continue to create buzz and critical acclaim, increasing chances for nominations in collaborative performance categories.

  
  

Major Categories Nominations Are

• Album of the Year will feature a mix of commercial hits and critically acclaimed projects. Albums that push creative boundaries or tell compelling stories stand out.

  • DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS - Bad Bunny

  • SWAG - Justin Bieber

  • Man's Best Friend - Sabrina Carpenter

  • Let God Sort Em Out - Clipse, Pusha T & Malice

  • MAYHEM - Lady Gaga

  • GNX - Kendrick Lamar

  • MUTT - Leon Thomas

  • CHROMAKOPIA - Tyler, The Creator

• Record of the Year nominations include songs with strong production, vocal performance, and cultural impact.

  • DtMF - Bad Bunny

  • Manchild - Sabrina Carpenter

  • WILDFLOWER - Billie Eilish

  • Abracadabra - Lady Gaga

  • luther - Kendrick Lamar With SZA

  • The Subway - Chappell Roan

  • APT. - ROSÉ, Bruno Mars

• Song of the Year focuses on songwriting excellence, so tracks with memorable lyrics and melodies are front-runners.

  • Abracadabra

  • APT.

  • DtMF

  • Golden

  • luther

  • Manchild

  • WILDFLOWER

• Best New Artist will spotlight breakthrough performers who have made significant impressions within the eligibility period.

  • Olivia Dean

  • KATSEYE

  • The Marias

  • Addison Rae

  • Sombr

  • Leon Thomas

  • Alex Warren

  • Lola Young