The 2026 Grammy nominations have officially landed, and this year’s list is packed with surprises, comebacks, and a few jaw-dropping firsts. From Lady Gaga’s dance floor revival to Kendrick Lamar’s genre-bending masterpiece, the Recording Academy is clearly rewarding bold moves and big risks.
Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem” Steals the Spotlight
Lady Gaga is back in the Grammy spotlight in a major way. Her latest album,
Mayhem, scored a whopping seven nominations, including the coveted
Album of the Year nod. The infectious single
“Abracadabra” is up for both
Record of the Year and
Song of the Year, while Gaga also notched her first-ever nomination in the
Best Dance Pop Recording category—a testament to her return to her dance roots.
Gaga’s collaboration with producer Circuit, who also earned seven nominations this year, has been a critical and commercial smash. After years of genre-hopping, Gaga’s return to the dance floor is being hailed as a triumphant homecoming.
Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” Makes History
Kendrick Lamar continues to rewrite the Grammy record books. Fresh off his historic 2025 win for “Not Like Us,” Lamar’s surprise-release album
GNX is now up for
Album of the Year and is considered a lock for
Best Rap Album. His collaboration with SZA,
“Luther,” is nominated for
Record of the Year and
Melodic Rap Performance, riding high as a #1 hit.
With 66 career nominations and 22 wins, Kendrick’s influence on the industry is undeniable. Critics are calling GNX his boldest work yet, and the Academy seems to agree.
Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and More: The Contenders
The 2026 nominations are stacked with global stars and fresh faces:
-
Bad Bunny’s album
Debi Tirar Mas Fotos is up for
Album of the Year, cementing his status as a global pop powerhouse.
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Billie Eilish returns with “Wildflower,” earning a
Record of the Year nomination.
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Elton John & Brandi Carlile’s “Who Believes in Angels” is another major contender in the top categories.
-
Rosé & Bruno Mars’s “Apt.” is nominated for
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and is a dark horse for
Record of the Year.
Best New Artist: A Fresh Crop of Talent
This year’s
Best New Artist category is one of the most diverse in recent memory. Nominees include:
-
Ella Langley-
The Marias-
Mk.gee-
PinkPantheress-
Addison Rae-
Sombr-
Zach Top-
Alex WarrenThe field is wide open, with several viral sensations and genre-bending newcomers vying for the trophy.
What This Means for the Music Industry
The 2026 Grammy nominations reflect a music industry in flux—one that’s embracing innovation, cross-genre collaborations, and global influences. The Academy’s willingness to recognize dance, Latin, and rap artists in the top categories signals a shift toward a more inclusive and adventurous future.
Key Takeaways
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Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar are the year’s most-nominated artists, each with multiple nods in major categories.
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Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Elton John & Brandi Carlile round out a fiercely competitive Album and Record of the Year race.
- The
Best New Artist category is packed with viral stars and genre disruptors.
- Producers like
Circuit and
Jack Antonoff are also making headlines with multiple nominations for their behind-the-scenes work.
As the countdown to the 68th Annual Grammy Awards begins, all eyes are on these nominees to see who will take home music’s biggest prizes—and who will deliver the night’s most unforgettable moments.
Sources
1. 2026 Grammy Predictions: Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny ...
2. Google
3. 2026 GRAMMYS Nominations: Watch Live Here - YouTube
4. 68th Annual Grammy Awards - Wikipedia
