Grammy Awards 2026: Who Will Triumph and Who Deserves to Win?
The 2026 Grammy Awards are shaping up to be a fiercely competitive event, with a stellar lineup of nominees across all major categories. From established icons like Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar to rising stars such as Olivia Dean and Doechii, the competition reflects a vibrant and diverse music landscape. This year's top categories are packed with quality, making predictions both challenging and exciting. Here, we delve into the key races, offering insights on who is likely to win and who truly deserves the accolade based on artistic merit and cultural impact.
Record of the Year: A Battle of Titans
The Record of the Year category features a mix of familiar faces and breakthrough artists. Nominees include Bad Bunny with DTMF, Sabrina Carpenter's Manchild, Doechii's Anxiety, Billie Eilish's Wildflower, Kendrick Lamar & SZA's Luther, Lady Gaga's Abracadabra, Chappell Roan's The Subway, and Rosé & Bruno Mars's APT.. While some artists like Carpenter, Lamar, Roan, and Eilish are repeat nominees from last year, the field remains strong with justified favouritism.
Historically, winners in this category blend commercial success with a defining presence in pop culture. Luther by Kendrick Lamar & SZA stands out, having spent 13 weeks at US No 1, making it one of the most successful R&B and hip-hop songs ever. Its artistic chemistry and SZA's haunting chorus melody give it an edge. Although APT. has global streaming dominance and Anxiety marks Doechii's commercial breakthrough, Luther combines critical acclaim with massive popularity.
Will win: Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Should win: Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Album of the Year: Defining the Musical Year
Nominees for Album of the Year include Bad Bunny's Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Justin Bieber's Swag, Sabrina Carpenter's Man’s Best Friend, Clipse's Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Lady Gaga's Mayhem, Kendrick Lamar's GNX, Leon Thomas's Mutt, and Tyler, the Creator's Chromakopia. This year's list avoids the bloodless Grammy-bait of recent years, offering no truly weak entries.
Bad Bunny's sixth album, weaving through reggaeton, salsa, and other Latin styles, has defined the year with its pure musicality. While Kendrick Lamar and Clipse may split the rap vote, and Gaga and Carpenter's albums lack the culture-defining impact of their earlier work, Bad Bunny's accomplishment is undeniable. Leon Thomas, with his classic funk and soul appeal, could be a dark horse, but Bad Bunny's influence is paramount.
Will win: Bad Bunny
Should win: Bad Bunny
Song of the Year: Songwriting Excellence
The Song of the Year category mirrors Record of the Year nominees, with Golden by Huntr/x replacing Chappell Roan. This award focuses on songwriting, and the competition is tight. Golden, from the fictional K-pop band, is a pop-cultural phenomenon despite hackneyed lyrics, while APT. could become the first bilingual winner. Bad Bunny's DTMF, with its affecting lyrics about emigration from Puerto Rico, is a strong contender for the first non-English winner.
Billie Eilish's Wildflower, masterfully exploring emotional unease, and Lamar & SZA's Luther are also in the mix. Eilish's consistent nominations and wins add weight, but DTMF stands out for its lyrical depth and musicality.
Will win: Huntr/x
Should win: Bad Bunny
Best New Artist: Rising Stars in Focus
This category features Olivia Dean, Katseye, The Marías, Addison Rae, Sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Lola Young. Notably, it includes two British artists, Olivia Dean and Lola Young, breaking a dry spell in the top categories since 2018. Dean's timing is perfect, with a surge in popularity and her album The Art of Loving poised for future nominations.
Leon Thomas is a strong contender, likely to win in R&B categories, but Dean's heartfelt songwriting and current momentum give her the edge. Katseye and Addison Rae have their niches, but Dean's broader appeal and artistic depth make her the standout.
Will win: Olivia Dean
Should win: Olivia Dean
Other Key Categories: Rock, Rap, and Country
In Best Rock Performance, Yungblud's live rendition of Changes is a masterclass, but Linkin Park's The Emptiness Machine, with its emotional depth post-Chester Bennington, is predicted to win. For Best Rap Performance, Clipse's Chains & Whips, featuring Kendrick Lamar, is favoured for its story and musicality, though Doechii's Anxiety is a close competitor. In Best Country Solo Performance, Zach Top's I Never Lie is expected to win due to its traditional appeal and hit status, despite strong entries from Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton.
These categories highlight the Grammys' blend of commercial success and artistic merit, with voters often leaning towards familiar favourites while newcomers push boundaries.
Conclusion: A Year of Musical Diversity
The 2026 Grammy Awards showcase a rich tapestry of music, from Latin rhythms to K-pop phenomena. While predictions point to wins for established names like Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar, deserving artists across genres are making their mark. As the ceremony approaches, the outcomes will reflect both industry trends and the enduring power of great songwriting and performance.
