2026 Grammy Award Nominations: Album of the Year
The nominees for the prestigious Album of the Year category at the 2026 Grammy Awards have been unveiled, showcasing a diverse lineup of talented artists. Among the contenders are Justin Bieber’s Swag, Lady Gaga’s Mayhem, and Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, all of whom are vying for their first win in this category after multiple nominations in the past. The competition is fierce with other notable entries including Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out, Leon Thomas’ Mutt, Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, and Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia.
Nominees Overview
Returning Contenders
Lady Gaga, a five-time nominee in this category, has previously been recognized for her albums The Fame (2008), The Fame Monster (2009), Born This Way (2011), and Love for Sale (2022), which she released with Tony Bennett. Similarly, Kendrick Lamar has received his fifth solo nomination for Album of the Year, having also been nominated for his contributions to Beyoncé’s Lemonade and the Black Panther soundtrack in 2018. Both artists are eager to capture the top honor this year.
A Unique Year for Nominations
Notably, the 2026 Grammy Awards will mark the first time since 2019 that no previous Album of the Year winner has been nominated, adding an intriguing twist to this year’s competition. Justin Bieber has been nominated twice before, for Purpose (2017) and Justice (2022), while both Sabrina Carpenter and Bad Bunny have one prior nomination each, for Short n’ Sweet and Un Verano Sin Ti respectively. However, none of these artists have yet claimed the coveted trophy.
New Faces in the Category
Tyler, the Creator’s nomination traces back to his work on Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange back in 2012. This year, Clipse and Leon Thomas make their debut in the Album of the Year category, with Pusha T having previously received a nod as a featured artist on Kanye West’s Donda in 2022.
Previous Year’s Winner
Last year’s Album of the Year nominees included Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Charli XCX’s Brat, André 3000’s New Blue Sun, Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft, and Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department. Beyoncé emerged victorious, marking her first win in this category and extending her record as the most decorated artist in Grammy history with a total of 35 awards.
2026 Grammy Awards Information
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony will take place live on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for extensive coverage of the event.
2026 Album of the Year Nominees
- Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
- Clipse, Pusha T & Malice – Let God Sort Em Out
- Justin Bieber – Swag
- Kendrick Lamar – GNX
- Lady Gaga – Mayhem
- Leon Thomas – Mutt
- Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
- Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia
Conclusion
The 2026 Grammy Award nominations for Album of the Year reflect an exciting blend of established artists and newcomers, each bringing their unique sounds and visions to the forefront of the music industry. As anticipation builds for the awards ceremony, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see who will emerge victorious in this highly competitive category.
FAQs
When will the 2026 Grammy Awards take place?
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be held on February 1, 2026.
Who are the nominees for Album of the Year in 2026?
The nominees are Bad Bunny, Clipse, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyler, the Creator.
Has any nominee previously won Album of the Year?
No, none of the nominees for Album of the Year in 2026 have previously won the award.
How can I watch the 2026 Grammy Awards?
The awards will be broadcast live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, and details on how to view will be available closer to the event date.
