Grammys 2026 Predictions: Expected Winners vs. Deserving Victors
The 2026 Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and the nominations have sparked a mix of excitement and controversy. While some artists were celebrated, others notably missed the cut. This article examines key predictions for the anticipated winners while spotlighting deserving nominees.
Key Moments and Notable Snubs
The Recording Academy experienced significant changes leading up to the 2026 nominations. An influx of 3,800 new members in 2025 has added diversity, making this year’s nominations one of the most varied in recent memory. This group includes many young, female, and people of color, raising the stakes for established nominees.
Prominent artists such as The Weeknd, Benson Boone, and Lorde were notably absent from this year’s nominations, leaving fans and industry experts buzzing. Meanwhile, leading nominee Kendrick Lamar received nine nominations, maintaining momentum from his five award wins last year.
Leading Nominees
- Kendrick Lamar: 9 nominations
- Bad Bunny: 6 nominations
- Leon Thomas: 6 nominations
- Lady Gaga: 7 nominations
Predictions for the Big Four Categories
As the Grammy ceremony approaches on February 1, predictions for the Big Four categories have emerged.
Record of the Year
- “DtMF” – Bad Bunny
- “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
- “Anxiety” – Doechii
- “WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish
- “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
- “luther” – Kendrick Lamar with SZA
- “The Subway” – Chappell Roan
- “APT.” – ROSÉ, Bruno Mars
Predicted winner: “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, who brings a powerful vocal performance and innovative production to her track.
Album of the Year
- “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” – Bad Bunny
- “SWAG” – Justin Bieber
- “Man’s Best Friend” – Sabrina Carpenter
- “Let God Sort Em Out” – Clipse, Pusha T & Malice
- “MAYHEM” – Lady Gaga
- “GNX” – Kendrick Lamar
- “MUTT” – Leon Thomas
- “CHROMAKOPIA” – Tyler, The Creator
Predicted winner: “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” by Bad Bunny, marking a historic moment as the first all-Spanish album in this category.
Song of the Year
- “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
- “Anxiety” – Doechii
- “APT.” – ROSÉ, Bruno Mars
- “DtMF” – Bad Bunny
- “Golden” – HUNTR/X
- “luther” – Kendrick Lamar with SZA
- “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
- “WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish
Predicted winner: “Golden” by HUNTR/X, with a compelling message, although “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga is a deserving contender.
Best New Artist
In the Best New Artist category, predictions are split.
- Predicted winner: Alex Warren
- Should win: Olivia Dean
Warren gained popularity in 2024, while Dean’s soulful sound stands out, drawing comparisons to legends like Amy Winehouse.
As the Grammy season unfolds, the stage is set for a compelling showdown among these talented artists. Will the predictions hold true? Fans eagerly await the results from the 2026 Grammy Awards.
