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The anticipation for the 2026 Grammy Awards has intensified with the announcement of this year’s nominations, which feature a diverse range of talent within the music industry. Leading the nominations is renowned rapper Kendrick Lamar, who has received nine nominations, underscoring his artistic influence in hip-hop.
This year’s ceremony is scheduled for February 1 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Lamar will compete for prestigious titles such as Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed album, GNX.
This marks a significant milestone, as it is the third time he has been nominated in these categories simultaneously.
Kendrick Lamar’s historic nominations
With these nominations, Kendrick Lamar seeks his first win in the Album of the Year category.
If he wins, GNX would be only the third rap album to receive this honor, following Outkast in 2004 and Lauryn Hill in 1999. Lamar boasts a remarkable total of 22 Grammy wins and 66 nominations throughout his career, reflecting his lasting impact on the music scene.
Competing with other top nominees
Following Lamar are prominent artists such as Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Canadian producer Cirkut, each with seven nominations. Lady Gaga’s standout tracks, including Abracadabra and her album Mayhem, are contenders for major awards.
Her versatility is highlighted by nominations in both Best Dance Pop Recording and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Bad Bunny’s album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, makes history as only the second all-Spanish language album nominated for Album of the Year.
This follows his previous album, Un Verano Sin Ti, which was the first to achieve such recognition. Bad Bunny’s rise is further emphasized by his role as a Super Bowl halftime show headliner and his nominations for Song of the Year and Best Global Music Performance.
Noteworthy changes and the nomination process
The Recording Academy has implemented significant changes to the nomination process this year, especially in the country music category. Following Beyoncé’s historic wins for both Album of the Year and Best Country Album in 2025, the Best Country Album category has been divided into Best Traditional Country Album and Best Contemporary Country Album. This adjustment aims to better reflect the diversity within country music.
The nominees were announced during a live-streamed event featuring various talents, including Doechii, Gayle King, Lizzo, and Sam Smith. The eligibility period for this year’s nominations included recordings commercially released in the U.S. from August 31, 2025, to August 30, 2025, ensuring a broad selection of music was considered.
Looking forward to the ceremony
As the music community anticipates the Grammy Awards, attention will focus on Kendrick Lamar and his fellow nominees. The 2026 Grammy Awards promise an exciting evening filled with electrifying performances and the celebration of musical excellence. With numerous artists like Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyler, the Creator also in contention, this year’s ceremony is poised to be memorable.
