The 2026 Grammy Awards are shaping up to be a fierce competition in the top categories, with nominees including Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Chappell Roan, and several K-pop hits. The Record of the Year category features a strong field, with Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and Rosé & Bruno Mars also in the running. However, Kendrick Lamar & SZA's 'Luther' is predicted to win, having spent 13 weeks at number one in the US and showcasing the artistic chemistry between two American greats.
In the Album of the Year category, Bad Bunny's sixth album 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' is seen as the frontrunner. The album weaves reggaeton, salsa, and plena, and is considered a torrent of pure musicality. Other nominees include Justin Bieber's 'Swag', Sabrina Carpenter's 'Man’s Best Friend', and Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem', but Bad Bunny's work is deemed the most culture-defining.
The Song of the Year category largely mirrors Record of the Year, with the addition of 'Golden' by the fictional band from KPop Demon Hunters. 'Golden' or 'APT.' by Rosé & Bruno Mars could become the first bilingual winner in the category, while Bad Bunny's 'DTMF' would be the first non-English winner. The lyrics of 'DTMF' about absent friends emigrating from Puerto Rico are noted for their emotional impact.
Overall, the Grammys this year are stacked with quality, but Kendrick Lamar & SZA and Bad Bunny are tipped to take the top honours in their respective categories.
