Kendrick Lamar is emerging as the frontrunner in the 2026 Grammy nominations, with nine nods already announced across major categories. His latest album, The Death of Slim, continues to generate critical acclaim and audience momentum, landing him in contention for Album of the Year, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video.
While the full list of nominees is still unfolding, Lamar’s early lead signals another strong showing for the Compton-born artist, who won five Grammys last year for “Not Like Us.” With 66 career nominations and 22 wins to date, he’s already among the most recognized artists in Grammy history—and this year’s tally could push him even further.
His presence across categories also reflects how genre boundaries continue to blur. Lamar’s work isn’t confined to rap, it’s cinematic, poetic, and layered with jazz, funk, and spoken word. That range is part of why Grammy voters keep returning to him. He’s not just making hits—he’s shaping the sound of a generation.
Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut stay in the mix
Lady Gaga is also making waves with seven nominations so far, including Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Song Written for Visual Media. Her work on the Joker: Folie à Deux soundtrack is drawing attention for its theatrical depth and vocal range, continuing her streak of genre-defying Grammy runs.
Gaga’s ability to move between pop, film, and performance art has made her a fixture in Grammy conversations for over a decade. This year, her nominations reflect both her vocal power and her storytelling instincts, especially in categories that reward emotional complexity and sonic experimentation.
Producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut are matching Gaga’s count, each with seven nods. Antonoff’s collaborations with Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey have landed him in Album and Song of the Year conversations again, while Cirkut’s production credits with Doechii and Sabrina Carpenter are helping shape the sound of 2025’s biggest hits.
Their nominations also highlight how behind-the-scenes talent continues to drive Grammy narratives. Producers aren’t just supporting artists, they’re curating entire sonic worlds. And voters are paying attention.
Sabrina Carpenter and Leon Thomas gain momentum
Sabrina Carpenter is having a breakout Grammy season, with six nominations already confirmed. Her single “Espresso” and full-length album are earning praise for their vocal clarity and pop sensibility, placing her in the running for Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance.
Carpenter’s rise has been steady, but this year marks a shift. She’s no longer just a promising voice—she’s a contender. Her blend of playful lyricism and polished production is resonating with both fans and critics, and her Grammy recognition feels like a natural next step.
Leon Thomas is also gaining traction, with six nominations that span Best R&B Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. Known for his behind-the-scenes work with artists like SZA and Giveon, Thomas stepped into the spotlight this year with a solo project that blends alternative R&B and cinematic production.
His nominations reflect a growing appreciation for artists who straddle multiple roles, writer, producer, performer. Thomas isn’t just making music, he’s building soundscapes that feel intimate and expansive at the same time.
Bad Bunny, Doechii, and others build strong cases
Bad Bunny continues to be a Grammy favorite, with six nominations so far across Latin and general categories. His album Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana and a high-profile collaboration with Travis Scott are keeping him in the spotlight, especially in Best Música Urbana Album and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
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His global reach and genre-blending style have made him a consistent presence at the Grammys, and this year’s nominations suggest that his influence is still growing. Whether he’s rapping over trap beats or singing ballads, Bad Bunny’s versatility keeps him in the conversation.
Doechii, who helped announce the nominations during the Recording Academy’s livestream, is also gaining recognition in Best Rap Performance and Best New Artist. Her genre-fluid style and sharp lyricism have made her one of the most exciting voices in hip-hop right now.
Mixing engineer Serban Ghenea is matching their nomination count, with six nods tied to his work on albums by Olivia Rodrigo, Sam Smith, and Chappell Roan. While his name isn’t always front-facing, his technical influence is felt across some of the year’s most polished releases.
New categories and Grammy shifts
This year’s Grammys introduced two new categories: Best Album Cover and Best Traditional Country Album. The latter replaces the broader Best Country Album category, allowing voters to distinguish between contemporary and heritage sounds.
With 95 categories in total, the 2026 Grammy nominations are shaping up to be one of the most expansive and inclusive yet. The early list reflects a mix of legacy acts and rising stars, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks.
Artists like Lizzo, Chappell Roan, and Sam Smith have also entered the conversation, each earning nominations in pop and performance categories. Roan’s theatrical debut album is drawing praise for its boldness and vulnerability, while Lizzo’s continued evolution as a performer and activist keeps her in the spotlight.
The Recording Academy’s nomination process is still underway, and surprises are likely. As more categories fill out, expect shifts in momentum, especially in competitive fields like Best New Artist and Album of the Year.
What to watch as nominations unfold
With Kendrick Lamar currently leading, all eyes are on how the major categories will fill out. Album of the Year is already shaping up to be competitive, with entries from Taylor Swift, SZA, Billie Eilish, and others expected to join Lamar’s The Death of Slim.
Best New Artist could go in several directions, with Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, and Leon Thomas all building strong cases. As more nominations roll in, the field will likely expand—and surprises are still possible.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Los Angeles on February 1, 2026. Until then, the nomination process continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into the sounds and stories that defined the past year.
