Los Angeles, Nov. 7, 2025 — Kendrick Lamar is poised to rule the 2026 Grammys. The Compton rapper, whose anthem “they not like us” became a cultural juggernaut, leads this year’s nominations with nine, including all three major categories for his surprise album GNX. Lady Gaga follows with seven nods for her bold comeback Mayhem, setting the stage for a fierce showdown at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena.
The nominations were announced Friday morning in a livestream hosted by breakout stars Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter. Lamar’s sweep includes Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for his SZA collaboration “Luther,” plus multiple rap honors. Fresh off last year’s wins for “Not Like Us,” Lamar now holds 66 career nominations and 22 Grammys.
Gaga, a 14-time winner, earns her fourth Album of the Year bid with Mayhem and makes history with simultaneous nods in all three general field categories. Her lead single “Abracadabra” competes for Record and Song of the Year, alongside pop and dance categories. The nominations cap a triumphant return for the singer-actress.
Bad Bunny lands six nominations, including Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and his first Record and Song of the Year as lead artist with “DtMF.” The Puerto Rican superstar, set to headline Super Bowl LX, could become the first Latin artist to win a top prize.
Sabrina Carpenter, Leon Thomas, and producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut also earn six nods each. Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend and single “Manchild” contend in the general field.
Album of the Year
- Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
- Justin Bieber – Swag
- Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
- Kendrick Lamar – GNX
- Lady Gaga – Mayhem
- Leon Thomas – Mutt
- Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
- Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia
Record of the Year
- “DtMF” – Bad Bunny
- “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
- “Anxiety” – Doechii
- “Wildflower” – Billie Eilish
- “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
- “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- “The Subway” – Chappell Roan
- “APT.” – Rosé & Bruno Mars
Song of the Year overlaps with several Record contenders, spotlighting songwriters behind “Abracadabra,” “Luther,” and “Manchild.”
Rap dominates genre categories, with Lamar favored in Best Rap Album and Performance. Gaga leads pop fields. BLACKPINK’s Rosé makes history as the first K-pop soloist in Record of the Year.
Notable absences include Taylor Swift, whose The Life of a Showgirl fell outside the eligibility window, and predicted contender Who Believes in Angels? by Elton John and Brandi Carlile. Beyoncé earns fewer nods than last year but remains a presence.
With rap’s resurgence and pop’s heavy hitters in contention, the 2026 Grammys promise high stakes and historic potential. The ceremony airs live on CBS and streams on Paramount+. Full lists are at grammy.com.