The nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards are out — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting races in years. Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with nine nominations, while Lady Gaga follows close behind with seven, marking a major comeback moment for both artists at the top of their creative game.
A battle of musical powerhouses
Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album GNX has dominated the conversation this year, earning nods for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga’s Mayhem — a bold mix of pop theatrics and social commentary — landed her nominations across seven categories, including all three of the Grammys’ “big ones.”
Other contenders for Album of the Year include:
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Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
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Justin Bieber – Swag
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Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia
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Billie Eilish – Mirror World
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Taylor Swift – Reputation (Taylor’s Version)
It’s a diverse field, and one that reflects just how fluid the modern music landscape has become — genre lines are blurring, and innovation is what’s being rewarded.
Kendrick Lamar’s defining year
If Lamar wins Album of the Year, it will be his first in that category — an incredible milestone for an artist often regarded as one of the greatest lyricists of his generation.
His record GNX dives deep into themes of social conflict, fatherhood, and fame’s contradictions, continuing the evolution of his sound from DAMN. and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.
Lamar also picked up nominations in categories like Best Rap Performance and Best Music Video, solidifying his place as the Grammys’ most celebrated artist of the year.
Lady Gaga’s resurgence
For Gaga, 2026 marks a triumphant return to form. After years of balancing film roles and smaller projects, Mayhem reestablished her as a force in pop music — both critically and commercially.
She’s been nominated for Album, Record, and Song of the Year — the first time she’s achieved that triple crown in a single year. Critics have praised Mayhem for its fearless experimentation and emotional honesty, calling it “her most ambitious work since Born This Way.”
The bigger picture
This year’s nominations highlight the Grammys’ gradual shift toward broader representation. Hip hop, Latin music, and alt-pop are all sitting comfortably beside traditional categories, giving audiences a fresher, more global view of what “mainstream” really means in 2026.
The Recording Academy also introduced new categories this year, including Best AI-Assisted Composition, reflecting how rapidly technology is changing the music industry.
What’s next
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, with Trevor Noah expected to return as host. Performers have yet to be announced, but early buzz suggests collaborations between some of the year’s biggest nominees.
With Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga leading the charge, this year’s Grammys are shaping up to be not just a celebration of music — but a showdown of artistry, innovation, and resilience.
