2026 Grammy Nominations Predictions: Who Will Make The Cut?

As 2025 winds down, it’s been a defining year for global music. Breakout stars like Alex Warren, sombr, and Olivia Dean have dominated charts with genre-bending hits, while powerhouses such as Lady Gaga, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber, and Bad Bunny continue to redefine pop and hip-hop.

 

Afrobeats has also sustained its worldwide momentum, with artists like Rema, Shallipopi, and Burna Boy leading the charge and reaffirming the genre’s place in global pop culture.

The 2026 Grammy Awards, set for February, promise to reflect this dynamic mix of sounds when nominations are announced on November 7.

 

Kpop Demon Hunters became the unexpected film of the summer, and its accompanying soundtrack broke multiple records — catapulting singers Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami to international fame. Still a mainstay on the Billboard 200 Top Ten (16 weeks and counting), the soundtrack has redefined what it truly means to be successful in today’s music business.

 

Notay, Afrobeats has maintained its global dominance, with pioneers of the genre touring, releasing hits, and keeping parties alive across continents. Rema kicked off the year with the sampled banger “Baby (Is It a Crime),” while Shallipopi continued the momentum with the infectious “Laho” and its multiple remixes. Burna Boy released his eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness, which spawned the global hit “TaTaTa.” Davido dropped the ultimate summer anthem “With You” alongside Omah Lay, off his album 5ive, while Wizkid embarked on a collaboration spree, featuring on tracks with Olamide, FOLA, Tyla, and David Guetta.

 

The leading ladies in Afrobeats have also held their own. Ayra Starr is still touring with Coldplay and released the infectious “Hot Body” while on the road. Tyla dropped a fun Afropop EP, WWP, while Tems has been relatively quiet musically but busy making major business moves beyond her career as a Grammy-winning artiste.

 

The 2026 Grammy Awards is just four months away, and the ecording Academy has introduced several notable changes this year to ensure inclusivity — including a new Best Album Cover category, and a split in the country field into Best Traditional Country Album and Best Contemporary Country Album. There are also rule updates: redefined eligibility for Best New Artist, inclusion of composers and lyricists in Classical categories, and revised credit limits for vocalists in Best Musical Theater Album.

 

This year’s eligibility window ran from September 2024 to August 2025, meaning the pool of potential nominees is vast. Rap dominated the first half of the year, led by Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, which produced the Billboard No. 1 hit “Luther” — a certain Grammy frontrunner. Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” became the surprise pop success story of the year, reclaiming the genre’s glory from rap’s grip and earning triple platinum certification from the RIAA.

Pop then took over the second half, thanks to “Golden” by the fictional Kpop band Huntri/X from the Kpop Demon Hunters soundtrack — another chart-topping global track. Country had its shining moment too with Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae’s “What I Want,” which also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

Additionally, there has been a shift in the public’s listening culture. This year’s breakout hits weren’t formulaic radio repeats; new genres flourished. Chamber pop found its voice through “Ordinary,” neo-soul glowed with “Man I Need,” electropop returned via “Abracadabra,” and alternative sounds soared with “Back to Friends” and “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” Girl groups like KATSEYE also rose to prominence, redefining what mainstream pop can be. Perhaps Grammy voters will reflect this shift.

 

According to pur Predictions, these are the likely contenders for the 2025 Grammy nominations.

 

Notably absent are perennial favourites like Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Beyoncé, and Adele because their albums missed the eligibility window. These predictions are based on chart data, radio impact, and cultural relevance, not insider information. After all, this is the Grammys, and the best thing is to expect the unexpected.

 

THE BIG FOUR CATEGORIES

Best New Artist

A fiercely competitive category cutting across genres, with only eight nominees making the cut.

• Ayra Starr
• sombr
• Alex Warren
• The Marías
• Lola Young
• Megan Moroney
• BigXthaPlug
• Mariah the Scientist
• Qing Madi
• KATSEYE
• Leon Thomas
• Ravyn Lenae

Past winners in this category, like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, and Megan Thee Stallion, have all gone on to enjoy mainstream superstardom. If history is any indication, Alex Warren could take this one, potentially becoming the first male winner in five years. Ayra Starr, however, could make Africa proud if the Academy finally acknowledges Afrobeats in the Big Four. Leon Thomas is another strong contender, having transitioned from hitmaker for other artistes to a star in his own right with MUTT, one of 2025’s biggest records.

 

Album of the Year

Eight coveted slots, hundreds of submissions. Possible nominees include.

• GNX – Kendrick Lamar
• Mayhem – Lady Gaga
• Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
• You’ll Be Alright, Kid – Alex Warren
• MUTT – Leon Thomas
• HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY – Mariah the Scientist
• Wake Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
• Kpop Demon Hunters Soundtrack – Various Artistes
• Debi Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny
• BIG MONEY – Jon Batiste
• SOS: Deluxe (LANA) – SZA
• SWAG – Justin Bieber
• Something Beautiful – Miley Cyrus

The Weeknd seems to have a strong shot at Album of the Year — not only for his sonically pleasing Wake Up Tomorrow, but also because the Recording Academy may feel it owes him one. After all, he boycotted the Grammys for nearly four years in protest, pulling his submissions from consideration. His return to the race comes after a public apology from Grammy President and CEO Harvey Mason Jr. at this year’s ceremony.

Lady Gaga could also finally claim Album of the Year for Mayhem. It’s surprising that the 14-time Grammy winner has yet to take home one of the Academy’s top honors, despite being a perennial favorite and a four-time nominee in the category. Kendrick Lamar remains another major contender with GNX. Like Gaga, he’s been nominated four times without a win. Perhaps next year will finally be the moment both of these icons get their long-overdue recognition.

 

Record of the Year

• “APT” – Rosé featuring Bruno Mars
• “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA
• “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
• “MUTT”– Leon Thomas
• “Back to Friends” – sombr
• “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
• “Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist
• “Hot Body” – Ayra Starr
• “Golden” – Huntr/X
• “Yukon” – Justin Bieber
• “Wildflower” – Billie Eilish
• “Disease” – Lady Gaga
• “Lover Girl” – Laufey
• “The Subway” – Chappell Roan
• “More to Lose” – Miley Cyrus
• “Man I Need” – Olivia Dean

Only eight nominees would br chosen for the battlefield. Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT” was a worldwide smash and could easily take it, though “Luther” or “Golden” may surprise. If Kpop Demon Hunters’ Huntr/X wins, it would mark the first time in history that a fictional group claims this Grammy.

 

Song of the Year

• “That’s So True” – Gracie Abrams
• “Man I Need” – Olivia Dean
• “End of the World” – Miley Cyrus
• “No One Noticed” – The Marías
• “APT” – Rosé featuring Bruno Mars
• “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
• “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA
• “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
• “Golden” – Huntr/X
• “Daisies” – Justin Bieber
• “The Subway” – Chappell Roan
• “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
• “Anxiety” – Doechii
• “Messy” – Lola Young
• “LEAN ON ME” – Jon Batiste featuring Andra Day

Gracie Abrams could emerge as the dark horse in this category. A win here would mark her first Grammy, adding to an already impressive list of nominations. Another strong, though less likely, contender is Miley Cyrus with her critically acclaimed “End of the World.” While it may not have dominated the charts, it certainly carries the star power to clinch the trophy. Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” also stands out as a beautifully written track, one that has all the qualities of a potential winner.

 

THE POP FIELD

Best Pop Solo Performance

• “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
• “Daisies” – Justin Bieber
• “That’s So True” – Gracie Abrams
• “Revolving Door” – Tate McRae
• “Anxiety” – Doechii
• “End of the World” – Miley Cyrus
• “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
• “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
• “The Subway” – Chappell Roan
• “Hot Body” – Ayra Starr
• “Messy” – Lola Young
• “Cry for Me” – The Weeknd
• “Twilight Zone” – Ariana Grande

Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” could very well take this category if Academy voters base their decisions on chart performance alone. “Daisies” might also secure a win should the Recording Academy be drawn to Justin Bieber’s fresh take on pop music. Doechii stands as the wildcard here — “Anxiety” leans more toward pop-rap, but that hasn’t stopped anyone before. After all, Lizzo took home this very award in 2020 for “Truth Hurts”.

 

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

• “Golden” – Huntr/X
• “Sao Paulo” – The Weeknd featuring Anitta
• “On My Mind” – Alex Warren featuring Rosé
• “Sapphire” – Ed Sheeran featuring Arijit Singh
• “No One Noticed” – The Marías
• “APT” – Rosé featuring Bruno Mars
• “Who Believes in Angels?” – Brandi Carlile and Elton John
• “Sunset Blvd” – Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez
• “Defying Gravity” – Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
• “Bloodonmyhands” – Tate McRae featuring Flo Milli
• “Devotion” – Justin Bieber featuring Dijon
• “Gimme Dat” – Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid
• “All Night” – Maroon 5
• “All My Love” – Coldplay
• “Walk of Fame” – Miley Cyrus featuring Brittany Howard

Huntri/X girls for the win! “Golden” is pure pop perfection and the undeniable song of the summer. A win would mark another historic moment for the K-pop industry, which has long been overlooked by the Recording Academy. If the fictional K-pop band doesn’t take it, “Devotion” could see Justin Bieber claiming his second Grammy, with Dijon sharing the spotlight. The Marías also stand a chance, even though alternative pop has rarely been a favorite of the Academy (just ask Lana Del Rey). If they do win, it would be a major breakthrough for the alt-pop genre.

 

Best Pop Vocal Album

• Something Beautiful – Miley Cyrus
• Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
• SWAG – Justin Bieber
• Rosie – Rosé
• You’ll Be Alright, Kid – Alex Warren
• So Close to What – Tate McRae
• Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
• Mayhem – Lady Gaga
• I Said I Love You First – Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez
• Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead – Ariana Grande
• For Cryin’ Out Loud – Finneas

If Lady Gaga wins Album of the Year, she’s almost certain to secure this category as well. If not, The Weeknd remains the strongest contender, riding the momentum of his acclaimed comeback. Should neither prevail, Miley Cyrus could be the surprise victor. She’s no stranger to this category, having been nominated before with Bangerz and Endless Summer Vacation.

 

THE AFRICAN AND GLOBAL MUSIC FIELD

Best African Music Performance

Every Afrobeats artiste wants a piece of this category. As earlier reported by The Nollywood Reporter, sixteen tracks have made the official Grammy ballot, but only five will earn a coveted nomination.

 

• “You4Me” – Tiwa Savage
• “PUSH 2 START” – Tyla
• “Gimme Dat” – Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid
• “Laho” – Shallipopi
• “Love” – Burna Boy
• “With You” – Davido featuring Omah Lay
• “Baby (Is It a Crime)” – Rema
• “Chella” – My Darling
• “So It Goes” – Black Sherif featuring Fireboy DML

This is one of the toughest categories to call, as every song here has achieved major global success. Still, Davido has a strong chance of winning his first Grammy with “With You” — and being a voting member of the Recording Academy certainly doesn’t hurt his odds. If not him, Burna Boy could easily add another Grammy to his collection with “Love”. The ultimate wildcard, however, is Shallipopi, whose global hit “Laho” resonated from one corner of the world to another.

 

Best Global Music Album

• 5ive – Davido
• No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy
• Heavier Yet (Lays the Crownless Head) [Deluxe Edition] – Seun Kuti and Egypt 80
• Witch Tarohoro – Justyna Steczkowska
• Chapter III: We Return to Light – Anoushka Shankar

Contrary to popular belief, this award hasn’t always worked in Nigeria’s favor. Still, Davido stands a strong chance of taking it home this time with 5ive. When it comes down to overall impact and execution, there’s hardly any real competition for this album.

 

Best Global Music Performance

• “You4Me” – Tiwa Savage
• “4 Kampe II” – Burna Boy featuring Joe Dwet File
• “WHY LOVE” – Asake
• “Lion” – Little Simz
• “EoO” – Bad Bunny
• “Gaja” – Justyna Steczkowska

The 2026 Super Bowl headliner, Bad Bunny, has a clear shot at winning in this category, unless he’s challenged by the strong showings from Burna Boy and Joe Dwet File. If not, then it might finally be Tiwa Savage’s moment to shine. It’s about time the Recording Academy gives her the recognition she deserves for her lasting impact on the global music scene.