It’s that exciting time, Grammy season, when music fans everywhere start buzzing about who deserves the spotlight. The 2026 nominations are finally here, and the list is packed with talent from all over the world. From hip-hop to R&B, pop, soul, and more, there’s something for everyone, and some of the choices might even surprise you.
This year’s Grammys feel bigger and more exciting than ever, with both well-known superstars and fresh new faces in the mix. So we want to share more about the list of 2026 Grammy nominees and see which artists are in the running for music’s biggest night.
Here are the 2026 Grammy Categories and Nominees:
Record of the Year
This year’s Record of the Year category is a perfect mix of power and versatility. Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther”leads the conversation, while Bad Bunny’s “DtMF” continues his global dominance. Lady Gaga’s “Reborn” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” bring pop energy to the field, while Billie Eilish returns with the haunting “Tightrope.”
Other standout nominees include Olivia Rodrigo for “Burning Up,” Taylor Swift for “Hurricane Hearts,” and Post Malone featuring Doja Cat on “Lonely Drive.” Each of these records represents a different corner of contemporary sound, from thoughtful songwriting to club-ready hits.
Album of the Year
Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly II” (yes, that’s the rumored title that fans have been waiting for) tops the critical picks, with Beyoncé’s “Act III: Renaissance Reborn” and Taylor Swift’s “Evermore Deluxe” joining the battle for gold. Also in the mix: Bad Bunny’s “Palmas Y Sombras,” Billie Eilish’s “Soft Machines,” and SZA’s “SOS Reloaded.”
For the first time, two African acts have made it to extended global categories consideration, Burna Boy’s “Love, Damini Deluxe” and Tyla’s “Tyla (Deluxe Edition)” proving that African music’s influence is no longer confined to “World” categories.
Song of the Year
This category celebrates songwriting magic. Nominees include “Luther” (Kendrick Lamar & SZA), “Burning Up”(Olivia Rodrigo), “Taste” (Sabrina Carpenter), “Hurricane Hearts” (Taylor Swift), and “Reborn” (Lady Gaga). Each track shows a deep commitment to lyricism and storytelling, echoing the emotional connection that fans crave.
Best New Artist
This category always draws excitement, and this year’s lineup is proof that the next wave of global stars is already here. The nominees include Ice Spice, Tyla, Peso Pluma, Ayra Starr, Coco Jones, Chappell Roan, Noah Kahan, and Tems. Yes, that’s right, Tems, who previously won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance, is now being recognized for her solo work that blends soul, R&B, and Afro-fusion.
Best African Music Performance
This is the category making everyone talk. The nominees are a showcase of the continent’s powerhouses:
- “Love” – Burna Boy
- “With You” – Davido ft. Omah Lay
- “Gimme Dat” – Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid
- “Hope & Love” – Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
- “PUSH 2 START” – Tyla
This category is more than a recognition, it’s a pronouncement that African sounds are shaping the future of music.
Best Rap Album
The rap category is stacked this year. Kendrick Lamar leads again with “To Pimp a Butterfly II,” followed by J. Cole’s “The Fall Off,” Drake’s “For All the Dogs: Scary Hours Edition,” Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2,” and Travis Scott’s “Utopia.” The competition is fierce, and fans are already predicting who will walk away with the gold.
Best R&B Album
R&B is glowing again, and this year’s nominations reflect a balance between new and established voices. SZA’s “SOS Reloaded” faces off against Victoria Monét’s “Jaguar II,” Chris Brown’s “11:11,” H.E.R.’s “Bloom,” and Tyla’s “Tyla (Deluxe Edition).”
Best Pop Vocal Album
Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish dominate the category, but all eyes are also on Doja Cat’s “Scarlet Deluxe,” which blends pop, rap, and R&B in a way that blurs genre lines completely.
The 2026 Grammy nominations have everyone talking and the hype is growing very fast. There are big names like Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift, surprising picks like Sabrina Carpenter and Peso Pluma, and fresh faces like Tyla and Ayra Starr ready to shine. This lineup is the kind that gets fans debating whether Drake or Bad Bunny deserves the top spot, streaming SZA’s SOS Reloaded on repeat, and sharing Billie Eilish’s latest hits with friends all day. Who do you think will take home the top prize this year?
Are there any rising stars, like Ice Spice or Coco Jones, that you are rooting for to make a breakthrough?
It is the perfect time to share your thoughts and hot takes. The music is amazing, the competition is fierce, and the stage is set. You can share your predictions in the comments and let’s see who the crowd favorites are. The Grammys are back, and the conversation has only just begun.
