The Weeknd, Alex Warren, Lorde, and More: Music’s Top Stars Shine
Music’s top stars have once again captured the spotlight this year with their remarkable contributions and fierce competition for the Grammys. Notable artists including The Weeknd, Alex Warren, Lorde, and others have made headlines, though many faced unexpected snubs. Here’s a closer look at the key events surrounding this year’s Grammy nominations.
The Weeknd’s Resurgence at the Grammys
The Weeknd returned triumphantly to the Grammys stage following a public feud with the Recording Academy. This conflict stemmed from his disappointment over not receiving nominations in 2021, which he labeled as evidence of the Academy’s “corruption.” In a statement, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledged The Weeknd’s criticisms and shared efforts to enhance transparency within the organization.
Despite these positive changes, The Weeknd’s latest release, *Hurry Up Tomorrow*, received no nominations for the 2026 Grammys. His collaboration with Playboi Carti, “Timeless,” also missed out on a record of the year nomination.
Alex Warren’s Achievements and Snubs
Rising star Alex Warren, who is signed with Atlantic Records, earned a nomination for Best New Artist. However, his hit single, “Ordinary,” which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks, received no nominations in other categories.
Country Music’s Notable Absences
This year’s nominations for best new artist notably lacked country representatives, despite several promising acts. Notables like Ella Langley and Megan Moroney both have seen radio success, with Langley winning significant accolades at the Academy of Country Music Awards and Moroney making history with a win at the MTV Video Music Awards.
- Ella Langley – *Still Hungover*
- Megan Moroney – *Am I Okay?*
Zach Top stood out with three Grammy nominations, including best traditional country album, yet was absent from the best new artist category.
Lorde’s Album and Missing Nominations
Lorde made a notable comeback with her album, *Virgin*, launched during the summer. Despite her loyal fanbase and a major concert tour, she did not receive any Grammy nominations for her recent work.
Other Surprising Snubs
Several other popular artists experienced unexpected snubs as well. Tate McRae, despite high expectations for her album *So Close to What*, garnered only one nomination. Miley Cyrus’s album, *Something Beautiful*, managed just a single nod for best pop vocal album, while her visual work failed to receive recognition.
Even the promising Gracie Abrams came up short, missing nominations for song and record of the year. Ariana Grande, although she had songs from her upcoming deluxe album, faced a similar fate with no nominations this year.
New Faces in Grammy Nominations
This year’s nominations brought surprises, including a nod for Timothée Chalamet, who earned recognition for best compilation soundtrack with *A Complete Unknown*. Meanwhile, Tyler, The Creator received a nomination in the alternative category, reflecting his evolving artistry.
The hardcore band Turnstile enjoyed notable success, securing five nominations, the highest received by the group for a single album.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Grammys, this year’s nominations underscore the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry where competition remains fierce, and surprises abound.
