Grammy Nominations 2026: Kendrick Lamar Leads with Nine Nods, Outpacing Lady Gaga

Kendrick Lamar is the top contender for the 2026 Grammy Awards. The rapper secured nine nominations, leading the pack for the second consecutive year. The nominations were announced on Friday.

According to Reuters, Lamar outpaced pop superstar Lady Gaga, who earned seven nominations. Their albums will compete for the coveted album of the year trophy. This sets up a major showdown for music’s highest honor.

A Closer Look at the Major Categories

Lamar’s “GNX” and Gaga’s “MAYHEM” are both up for album of the year. Neither artist has ever won this specific award. The competition is fierce and historic.

Other albums in the category include Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” and Justin Bieber’s “Swag.” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend” also received a nomination. Taylor Swift’s latest release was not eligible this year.

Bad Bunny earned six total nominations. The Puerto Rican star is also set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. His work is recognized in record, song, and album of the year categories.

Global Sounds and New Artist Recognition

The song of the year category showcases music’s global reach. Two KPop tracks, “Golden” and “APT.”, received nominations. This reflects the genre’s continued international impact.

The best new artist category features a diverse group. Olivia Dean and KATSEYE will compete against Leon Thomas and Alex Warren. Thomas also earned an album of the year nod for “Mutt.”

Winners are chosen by the Recording Academy’s voting members. The ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on February 1. The world will be watching to see who takes home the trophies.

The 2026 Grammy Awards are shaping up to be a memorable event. With Kendrick Lamar leading the pack, the competition is intense. These Grammy nominations highlight another year of incredible musical talent.

Thought you’d like to know

Who has the most Grammy nominations for 2026?

Kendrick Lamar leads all artists with nine nominations. This is his second year in a row as the top nominee. Lady Gaga follows with seven nominations.

Is Taylor Swift nominated for any Grammys?

Taylor Swift’s recent album was not eligible this cycle. It was released after the Grammy eligibility window closed. She will likely be considered for next year’s awards.

How many nominations did Bad Bunny receive?

Bad Bunny earned six Grammy nominations. They include nods for record, song, and album of the year. His Spanish-language album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” is a key contender.

Are any KPop songs nominated for major awards?

Yes, two KPop songs are up for song of the year. They are “Golden” from a Netflix movie soundtrack and “APT.” by Rose and Bruno Mars. This shows the category’s diversity.

When will the 2026 Grammy Awards take place?

The ceremony is scheduled for February 1. It will be held in Los Angeles. Winners are selected by members of the Recording Academy.