2026 Grammy Awards Preview: Who Will Shine and How to Tune In
At the ripe old age of 67, the Grammy Awards remain an essential highlight in the music calendar, often deemed music's biggest night. This year's ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, with a dazzling lineup that includes heavyweights such as Harry Styles and Chaka Khan, not to mention many others.
Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with a staggering nine nods, primarily for his album 'GNX.' Last year, he secured both record and song of the year for his impactful track, 'Not Like Us,' making him a strong contender for this year's awards.
Following Lamar are Lady Gaga with seven nominations, along with popular artists Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Leon Thomas, each boasting six nominations. The awards ceremony will unveil a total of 95 awards, stretching across eight hours, featuring categories from album of the year to best album artwork.
Who's Going to Win Album of the Year?
With the album of the year category practically boiling down to a contest between Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and Lady Gaga, it is shaping up to be an unparalleled showdown. Despite multiple nominations, none of these artists have walked away with the top title in the past, setting the stage for an emotional reveal as they aim for their first wins.
Gaga's album 'Mayhem' showcases her renowned flair for maximalist pop, a strong return after nearly two decades in the industry. Both Lamar and Gaga have compelling cases for the top spot as they push boundaries in their respective genres.
Moreover, a win for Bad Bunny would break significant ground as he could become the first artist to win album of the year with an album sung entirely in Spanish. Despite the fierce competition, the unpredictable nature of the Grammys could yield surprise victories, so contenders like Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter should not be dismissed.
Justice for Milli Vanilli?
The 2026 Grammys may witness a chance for redemption for Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, who is nominated for his audiobook memoir, laying bare the harsh realities behind their rise and fall. If victorious, it could mark a poignant moment in Grammy history.
Will Olivia Dean Take Best New Artist?
British singer Olivia Dean appears to be a strong front-runner, thanks to the success of her album 'The Art Of Loving.' However, she faces fierce competition from fellow nominee Lola Young and R&B artist Leon Thomas, who has garnered critical acclaim for his contributions as a songwriter.
Other Big Prizes and Notable Nominees
For record of the year, fierce competition includes Sabrina Carpenter's 'Manchild' and Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra.' However, Kendrick Lamar and SZA's touching duet 'Luther' leads as a fan favorite. Elsewhere, fans are keeping an eye on several nominations that include notable social figures like the Dalai Lama, marking his first Grammy nominee.
How Can You Watch?
The Grammy Awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount Plus, with red carpet coverage available on the Recording Academy's YouTube channel. The ceremony is split into two parts: the Premiere Ceremony at 12:30 PM PST and the main event at 5:00 PM PST on Sunday.
With everything unfolding, the 2026 Grammys promises to showcase not only the artistry and creativity of its nominees but also the evolving cultural landscape. From electrifying performances to potential political commentary, stay tuned for a night that could resonate far beyond the stage.
