The Recording Academy has announced the nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards, with Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga leading the pack in total nominations. In a groundbreaking moment for the music industry, a K-pop song has been nominated for Song of the Year for the first time in Grammy history, highlighting the genre's expanding global influence and mainstream acceptance.
Australian artists are making a strong showing at this year's awards, with three prominent acts securing nominations across various categories. Amyl and the Sniffers, Tame Impala, and Rüfüs Du Sol have each earned recognition for their contributions to the music landscape, representing the diverse and thriving Australian music scene on the international stage.
Kendrick Lamar dominates the nominations with nine nods for his latest album "GNX," positioning him as a frontrunner for Album of the Year. He faces stiff competition in this prestigious category against Tyler, the Creator, Clipse, Pusha T & Malice, and Bad Bunny. Lady Gaga follows as the second most-nominated artist with seven nominations for her album "Mayhem," solidifying her status as a versatile performer across multiple musical genres.
The Song of the Year category showcases an impressive array of contemporary talent, featuring nominees including Lady Gaga, Doechii, Rosé & Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny, Hunter/x, Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish. This diverse lineup represents various musical styles and demonstrates the evolving landscape of popular music. The Album of the Year category includes Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse, Pusha T & Malice, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, the Creator, and Leon Thomas.
The Best New Artist category highlights emerging talent with nominees including Olivia Dean, Katseye, The Marias, Addison Rae, Sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Lola Young. These artists represent the next generation of musical performers across genres including pop, R&B, rock, dance/electronic, and country music.
This year's nominations reflect the increasingly international scope of the music industry, with artists from various countries and cultural backgrounds receiving recognition alongside established global superstars. The inclusion of K-pop in major categories and the strong representation of Australian artists underscores the Grammy Awards' acknowledgment of music's global nature and the breaking down of traditional geographic barriers in the industry.
The diverse lineup of nominees spans multiple genres including pop, rap, R&B, rock, dance/electronic, and country music, demonstrating the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of contemporary music. The nominations celebrate both established artists who continue to push creative boundaries and emerging performers who are reshaping the musical landscape with fresh perspectives and innovative sounds.
