What's happened
The 2026 Grammy nominations were announced today, led by Kendrick Lamar with nine nods, including for 'GNX'. The event will be held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. Notably, The Weeknd returned to perform after criticizing the Grammys in 2020, and Billie Eilish received two nominations for her track 'Wildflower'. Nominees were announced via livestream, with some surprises like the inclusion of Sabrina Carpenter's controversial album cover and the creation of a new category for best traditional country album.
What's behind the headline?
The 2025 Grammy nominations highlight both continuity and change within the music industry. Kendrick Lamar's leading nine nominations underscore his ongoing influence, while the return of The Weeknd signals a possible reconciliation with the Grammys after past criticisms. The inclusion of Billie Eilish's track despite its outside eligibility window raises questions about the nomination process. The creation of a new category for traditional country albums reflects industry shifts and a response to recent award outcomes, notably Beyoncé's wins. These changes suggest the Recording Academy is attempting to adapt to evolving musical landscapes and public perceptions, but the absence of major artists like Swift and Beyoncé from the nominations may indicate ongoing tensions or strategic shifts. Overall, the nominations reveal a complex interplay of industry recognition, artistic controversy, and institutional adaptation, with implications for future award cycles and industry dynamics.
What the papers say
AP News reports that Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations, including for 'GNX', and highlights the return of The Weeknd to perform at the ceremony. The announcement was made via livestream featuring prominent hosts, with some surprises like Billie Eilish's nominations for her track 'Wildflower' and the addition of a new category for best traditional country album. The Independent emphasizes the eligibility window and the controversy surrounding Sabrina Carpenter's album cover, as well as the absence of major artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Adele. Both sources note the ceremony will be held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, with the event scheduled for February 1, 2026.
How we got here
The Grammy nominations are based on recordings released in the U.S. between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025. The announcement process involves a livestream hosted by prominent artists and personalities. This year's nominations reflect shifts in categories, including the split of the country album category following Beyoncé's historic wins last year. Notably, some major artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Adele did not release new work within the eligibility window, impacting their chances for nominations.
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