At the ripe old age of 67, the Grammy Awards are still considered 'music's biggest night'. This year's ceremony takes place in LA on Sunday, with attendees including everyone from Harry Styles to Chaka Khan.
Kendrick Lamar tops the nominations with nine nods, primarily for his sixth album, GNX. Notably, he was the main winner at last year's ceremony, clinching both record and song of the year for his powerful diss track, Not Like Us.
Other notable contenders include Lady Gaga, with seven nominations; while Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Leon Thomas each boast six nominations. In total, 95 awards will be distributed over a staggering eight hours, celebrating not just popular music but also acknowledging the best in album artwork and even ambient music.
Here’s an overview of what to expect from the Grammy Awards 2026 and which artists could walk away with coveted trophies:
1) Who's going to win album of the year?
The frontrunners for the album of the year category are Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga. All three have never won this award despite multiple nominations. If awarded, it would mark a significant moment in Grammy history, especially if Bad Bunny wins for his entirely Spanish-language album, which could be a first.
2) Will there be justice for Milli Vanilli?
Pop duo Milli Vanilli, famously stripped of their Grammy due to a lip-syncing controversy, could see a moment of redemption this year as member Fab Morvan is nominated for best audiobook.
3) Can Olivia Dean win best new artist?
The British pop sensation Olivia Dean emerges as a strong candidate for best new artist, although she'll likely need to outperform her peers, including Lola Young and Leon Thomas, both of whom also have compelling claims.
4) What about other big prizes?
Expect fierce competition in categories like record of the year, where hits from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga are in contention, along with Kendrick Lamar's collaboration with SZA. Many artists use their performances not just to entertain, but to address social issues and the current political climate.
5) Will Taylor Swift perform?
Reports about Taylor Swift joining the performance lineup have been denied. This year's Grammys will feature an exciting roster of performers, including Justin Bieber and Olivia Dean.
6) Who votes for the Grammys?
Approximately 15,000 industry professionals, including artists, producers, and notable figures in the music scene are eligible to vote, impacting the fate of nominees.
7) How to watch?
UK viewers can stream the pre-ceremony on the Recording Academy's YouTube channel and watch the main event via CBS live stream, starting at 1 AM on Monday morning GMT.
The night promises numerous surprises, emotional moments, and recognition for artists who have shaped the music industry in the past year. Tune in and be part of the celebration!
