Unexpected Twists in 2026 Grammy Nominations Revealed
The nominations for the 68th annual Grammy Awards were unveiled on November 7, 2025, by the Recording Academy. Among the top nominees are Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bad Bunny, each receiving nominations for the prestigious album, record, and song of the year categories. Lamar leads the pack with nine nominations, marking his third instance of sweeping the top categories in the same year. This achievement echoes Gaga and Carpenter’s past wins in these categories.
Bad Bunny’s nominations for his song “DtMF” came as a surprise, which can be attributed to the Academy extending invitations to the Latin Recording Academy members. This inclusion led to a notable presence of Latin artists in the Grammy nominations.
Leading Nominees and Notable Achievements
- Kendrick Lamar: 9 nominations, aiming to surpass Jay-Z’s record of 25 Grammy wins.
- Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter: 7 nominations each, marking their second sweep of these top categories.
- Bad Bunny: Nominated for record and song of the year for “DtMF.”
The 68th Grammy Awards features 95 categories, showcasing a diverse range of artists. Interestingly, several popular artists experienced notable snubs. The Weeknd, who had previously boycotted the Grammys, was entirely shut out this year despite the successful release of his album “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” His absence continues a contentious relationship with the awards.
Surprises and Snubs in This Year’s Nominations
- Surprise Nominees:
- Leon Thomas received an album of the year nomination, alongside five other nominations including best new artist.
- KATSEYE earned nominations in two highly competitive categories.
- Justin Bieber was nominated for his album “SWAG,” alongside several other categories.
- Major Snubs:
- The Weeknd and his album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” received no nominations.
- Ravyn Lenae, despite a highly played track, was overlooked.
- Gracie Abrams was snubbed for her anticipated track “That’s So True.”
Jack Antonoff’s nomination tally was impressive, yet he was passed over for the producer of the year category again, raising eyebrows. His seven nominations reflect his ongoing prominence in the music industry, particularly in collaboration with Taylor Swift.
Looking Ahead to the Grammy Ceremony
The Grammy Awards will be held on February 1, 2026. With a rich variety of nominees and categories, excitement builds around potential surprises on the night. As artists gear up for the ceremony, discussions surrounding snubs and unexpected nominations continue to capture public interest.
As the music community anticipates the event, the twists and turns in this year’s nominations highlight the evolution of the Grammys and its response to the changing musical landscape.
