One of the Grammy Awards‘ most aesthetically pleasing distinctions is returning more than 50 years after it silently vanished.
For the first time in 53 years, the Grammy Awards will feature the Best Album Cover category in 2026 after formally reintroducing it. The Siegel-Schwall Band won the category for their self-titled album in 1973, the last time it was used. Other finalists included David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane and Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon.
When the award category first appeared in the early 1970s, album art was still inextricably linked to the musical experience. It appears that sentiment is back at last.
“In the current digital era, album covers may have a greater influence than ever before,” stated Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, in a statement. Even if you never acquired the actual album, there’s a good chance that you will recognize the classic cover right away. There is no denying their cultural significance.
Even in a time when album covers are frequently reduced to thumbnails on streaming services, album covers still influence how people listen to music. It distinguishes between premium boxed sets, vinyl reissues, special editions, and even social media graphics and tour branding. The listening experience is intrinsically tied to the album artwork.
However, the album’s actual artwork has altered. Looking back at previous finalists reveals a lot of artistic imagery, frequently abstract illustrations. Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy is one example. However, portraiture is the main theme of this year’s nominations. The performers themselves are depicted on four of the five 2026 album cover candidates.
The idea of using portraits for album covers is not particularly new. After all, Bowie was depicted on the cover of Aladdin Sane. However, it’s the tendency that most accurately captures the situation of album art in the streaming era. Additionally, this year represents a significant change in the business as musicians take on the job of art director, primarily directing the album’s images.
