he Recording Academy dropped the full list of nominees for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Friday, November 7, setting the stage for what promises to be an electric ceremony in February 2026. The nominations underscore a landmark year for music that was rich in both artistic quality and commercial dominance, with familiar veterans and surging newcomers vying for the coveted golden gramophone.

Across 95 categories, the competition is fierce, reflecting the incredibly diverse and genre-blending nature of contemporary global music. From pop to rap, rock to reggae, and African rhythms to country ballads, the Grammy nominations celebrate the broad spectrum of sounds defining today’s music scene.

Leading the charge is Compton-born rap titan Kendrick Lamar, who continues to cement his elite status. After dominating the 2025 ceremony, Lamar returns as the most nominated artist for 2026, picking up a monumental nine nods. His latest project has secured him nominations in the three most prestigious "General Field" categories: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Album Of The Year — a rare feat that showcases his artistic range and critical acclaim.

Hot on Lamar’s heels are pop powerhouse Lady Gaga and top producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut, each with seven nominations, underscoring their continued influence in shaping contemporary pop music. The global music scene is equally well represented, with Latin icon Bad Bunny, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, and rising R&B star Leon Thomas each earning six nominations.

Some of the standout nominations include:

• Record Of The Year:

  • “DtMF” — Bad Bunny

  • “Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter

  • “Abracadabra” — Lady Gaga

  • “Luther” — Kendrick Lamar with SZA

• Album Of The Year:

  • Debí Tirar Más Fotos — Bad Bunny

  • Swag — Justin Bieber

  • Mayhem — Lady Gaga

  • GNX — Kendrick Lamar

  • Mutt — Leon Thomas

  • Chromakopia — Tyler, the Creator

• Best New Artist:

  • Olivia Dean

  • Addison Rae

  • Leon Thomas

  • Katseye

The Grammys also spotlight emerging genres and international sounds with categories such as Best African Music Performance, featuring nominees like Burna Boy, Davido featuring Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid. This inclusion reflects the growing influence and appreciation of African music on the global stage.

Other notable categories embrace diversity across styles, from Best Rock Album (Deftones, Haim, Linkin Park) to Best Reggae Album (Lila Iké, Vybz Kartel) and Best Global Music Album (Youssou N’Dour, Burna Boy).

The ceremony, scheduled for February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, is shaping up to be a celebration of both musical innovation and enduring talent.

This year’s nominations highlight how music continues to evolve, blending genres and breaking cultural boundaries. The presence of legendary artists alongside fresh voices shows the vibrancy and dynamism of the industry. Latin music’s prominence, especially through Bad Bunny’s multiple nominations, underscores how regional sounds are becoming global phenomena. Meanwhile, the recognition of African artists in major categories marks a growing acknowledgment of Africa’s significant contribution to world music.

As fans anticipate the awards night, the 68th Grammys stand as a testament to music’s power to unite, inspire, and innovate.