The Recording Academy has unveiled the nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This year's list is headlined by Kendrick Lamar, who leads with nine nominations, followed closely by Lady Gaga with seven. While many familiar names appear, the absence of Taylor Swift—whose latest album missed the eligibility cutoff—has sparked conversation. Below, we break down the biggest contenders, surprises, and notable trends from this year's announcement.

Kendrick Lamar's Unstoppable Momentum

Kendrick Lamar, 38, has been a dominant force at the Grammys for over a decade. After sweeping five awards at the 2025 ceremony—including Record of the Year for his viral diss track “Not Like Us” against Drake—he returns with his sixth studio album GNX and the single “luther” featuring SZA. The project explores themes of identity, power, and resilience, and has earned nominations in all major categories: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Rap Album. Lamar’s ability to blend sharp social commentary with genre-bending production continues to resonate with voters. This marks his fifth time leading the nomination count, cementing his status as one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history—he now holds 22 career wins. Notably, his 2018 Pulitzer Prize for DAMN. remains the only time a hip-hop album has won that honor, underscoring his cultural impact.

Lady Gaga's Spectacular Comeback

After a foray into acting—including an Oscar-nominated role in A Star Is Born and a leading part in the upcoming thriller Joker: Folie à Deux—Lady Gaga returns to her music roots with MAYHEM, her sixth studio album. The project, described as a collection of pop anthems with dark, dramatic undertones, has earned seven nominations, including Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Music Video. Gaga has long been a Grammy favorite, with 13 wins across categories ranging from pop to dance. Her 2026 nod for Best Pop Solo Performance for the album’s lead single “Abracadabra” is particularly noteworthy, as it showcases her evolution as a vocalist and performer. At 39, she continues to push boundaries, and fans are eager to see if she can replicate the success of her 2019 album Chromatica, which won two Grammys. Gaga is also scheduled to headline a series of stadium tours in 2026, adding to her already busy year.

Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Leon Thomas Shine

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny earned six nominations, matching the tallies of Sabrina Carpenter and Leon Thomas. Bad Bunny’s latest album Debí Tirar Más Fotos has been praised for its fusion of reggaeton, Latin trap, and political commentary—particularly his critiques of U.S. immigration policies. His nominations include Best Música Urbana Album and Best Latin Pop Album, categories he has dominated in recent years. However, Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance in February has sparked backlash from supporters of President Donald Trump, who object to his Spanish-only lyrics and LGBTQ+ allyship. The controversy has only amplified his visibility, and a Grammy win could be a symbolic victory for Latinx artists. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Sabrina Carpenter continues her meteoric rise with six nominations for Short n' Sweet, including Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Espresso.” Carpenter’s blend of witty lyricism and retro-pop melodies has made her a streaming phenomenon. Leon Thomas, a relative newcomer in R&B, earned six nods for his debut album Electric Dusk, marking a breakthrough for the genre.

Surprises and Snubs

The absence of Taylor Swift is perhaps the biggest talking point. Her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, was released in October 2025—outside the eligibility window that closed on August 30. While Swift is likely to be a frontrunner in 2027, this year’s list feels notably lighter without her. Similarly, Spanish artist Rosalía’s fourth album Lux dropped just days before the deadline, ruling it out for consideration. Other notable names include Billie Eilish, who earned four nominations for her single “WILDFLOWER” from her upcoming album; Justin Bieber, who returns after four years with his album SWAG (five nominations); and the K-pop duo ROSÉ and Bruno Mars for their global hit “APT.” The soundtrack for Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters also scored three nominations for its lead single “Golden,” underscoring the growing influence of K-pop and animation in mainstream awards.

New Voters and Diversity Push

The Recording Academy added 3,800 new voting members this year, with an emphasis on youth and diversity. According to CEO Harvey Mason Jr., 58% of new members are people of color, and half are under the age of 39. This aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize the organization and better reflect the current music landscape. The Latin Recording Academy also invited its members to participate, a move that could benefit nominees like Bad Bunny and Karol G. The changes come after years of criticism over the Grammys’ lack of diversity, particularly in major categories. In 2025, only 30% of nominees were women, prompting the Academy to actively recruit more inclusive panels. The 2026 nominations show progress: women represent 42% of nominees in the top four categories, and artists of color account for 60% of overall nods. This shift is likely to influence voting outcomes and could lead to historic wins.

Looking Ahead to the Ceremony

The 68th Grammy Awards will air live on CBS on February 1, 2026, with performances expected from many of the nominees. Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Sabrina Carpenter are among the rumored acts, though the lineup has yet to be confirmed. The ceremony also coincides with Coachella, where Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter are scheduled to headline in April. With several tight races—especially for Album of the Year, where GNX and MAYHEM are the frontrunners—the night promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Fans and critics alike will be watching to see if Kendrick Lamar can extend his winning streak, if Lady Gaga can reclaim her pop throne, or if a newcomer like Sabrina Carpenter will spring an upset. Whatever the outcome, the 2026 nominations already reflect a vibrant, global, and ever-evolving music industry.

Source: leparisien.fr News