ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

2026 Grammy Nominees

By Sophia Montalvo and Julia Imbro

Coming in hot! The 2026 Grammy nominees have come in! This year was an absolute success in the music industry, with incredible performances from multiple artists. Diversity and creativity on display truly define what makes modern music so powerful; artists this past year have connected with audiences in ways that have reminded everyone why pop continues to be one of the strongest forms of expression.

Starting strong with “RECORD OF THE YEAR,” featuring popular and loved artists like Bruno Mars and ROSE, Chappel Roan, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, Billie Eilish, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bad Bunny. This is going to be a fierce competition, because all these songs have different messages and audiences, so choosing one of these to be declared the best is difficult. Luckily for these artists, they all fall into their own respective categories to have a chance to snag the win in their respective genres. 

“SONG OF THE YEAR,” however, is a different battle. The previous award is given based on the integrity of the production, recording, and musical elements. Song of the year is based on the songwriting and composition of the project, and credits the actual songwriters rather than the artists. This category features songs like Wildflower, Manchild, Luther, Golder, DTmF, APT., Anxiety, and Abacababra. 

“ALBUM OF THE YEAR,” contestants consist of the artists as follows: Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse with Pusha T and Malice, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Leon Thomas, and Tyler the Creator. All of these albums were complete outbreaks in the industry, with strong senses of individuality and original. The Album of the Year award focuses on the overarching artistic and technical process of making an album; may the best one win!

As the 2026 Grammy Awards approach, anticipation is at an all-time high. Each category showcases not just talent, but evolution and the growth of artists, the merging of genres, and the constant reinvention of sound. Whether you’re rooting for a seasoned veteran or a rising star, this year’s ceremony promises to celebrate music in its truest form: innovation, emotion, and true artistry. No matter who takes home the golden trophy, 2025 has still proven that the future of music is going to be brighter, bolder, and inspiring.