The music industry's pulse is racing as the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations drop, promising surprises, snubs, and endless debates among fans and pros alike!
Get ready for an exciting reveal: The Recording Academy's CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., along with a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests, will kick off the announcements for the 2026 Grammys this Friday morning. They'll unveil nominees in 22 carefully chosen categories during a lively half-hour livestream that starts at 8 a.m. Pacific Time or 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Once that's wrapped up, the full roster of winners across all 95 categories will hit the web. We're keeping our eyes on the prize here at Variety, updating this list in real-time as the names pour in. Just hit refresh on this page to catch the freshest updates until everything's out in the open.
Helping to spread the excitement are some fantastic presenters, including Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Lizzo, Doechii, Jon Batiste, Karol G, Mumford & Sons, Sam Smith, and Nicole Scherzinger. These talented folks from the Recording Academy are bringing their energy to make the announcements memorable.
But here's where it gets controversial: As the nominations start rolling out, keep an eye on these big names expected to shine. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Brandi Carlile, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, Alex Warren, and even the soundtrack from the show "KPop: Demon Hunters" could make waves. With such a diverse mix—from hip-hop legends to pop sensations and international hits—it's bound to spark discussions about who's getting the recognition they deserve and who might be overlooked. For newcomers to the Grammys, these awards celebrate excellence in music creation, performance, and production, honoring everything from songwriting to engineering, so every category tells a story of artistic innovation.
The livestream should run about 30 minutes, so stay tuned and scroll down this page for instant updates as the full list emerges. They'll start with the songwriter and producer of the year nominees, building up to the major categories at the end.
Let's dive into the nominees that have been revealed so far:
Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical
This award recognizes the unsung heroes behind the lyrics and melodies that move us. Here are the contenders:
- Amy Allen
- Edgar Barrera
- Jessie Jo Dillon
- Tobias Jesso Jr.
- Laura Veltz
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Producers shape the soundscape of modern music, blending creativity with technical wizardry. The nominees include:
- Dan Auerbach
- Cirkut
- Dijon
- Blake Mills
- Sounwave
Best Pop Vocal Album
Pop albums often capture the zeitgeist with catchy hooks and personal stories. This year's potentials are:
- Swag – Justin Bieber
- Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
- Something Beautiful – Miley Cyrus
- Mayhem – Lady Gaga
- I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) – Teddy Swims
Best Pop Solo Performance
Solo tracks showcase vocal prowess and emotional depth. Check out these standalone gems:
- “Daisies” — Justin Bieber
- “Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter
- “Disease” — Lady Gaga
- “The Subway” — Chappell Roan
- “Messy” — Lola Young
Best Rock Album
Rock music thrives on raw energy and rebellion. The albums vying for this honor are:
- Private Music — Deftones
- I Quit — Haim
- From Zero — Linkin Park
- Never Enough — Turnstile
- Idols — Yungblud
Best Metal Performance
Metal performances push boundaries with intensity and technical skill, often exploring dark themes. The nominees deliver:
- “Night Terror” — Dream Theater
- “Lachryma” — Ghost
- “Emergence” — Sleep Token
- “Soft Spine” — Spiritbox
- “Birds” — Turnstile
And this is the part most people miss: These nominations aren't just about popularity—they reflect the Recording Academy's views on what's pushing music forward. But what if some categories feel outdated or biased toward certain genres? It could fuel debates on whether the Grammys truly represent the global music landscape.
What do you think? Did your favorite artist get the nod they deserved, or do you see a snub that stings? Is the mix of pop, rock, and metal nominees innovative, or does it overlook emerging trends? Share your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take and spark some friendly arguments!
