2026 Grammy Awards: Song of the Year Nominees Revealed
The anticipation for the 2026 Grammy Awards is building as the nominees for the coveted Song of the Year category have officially been announced. This year, a mix of familiar faces and new talents are vying for the prestigious honor, showcasing the diverse landscape of contemporary music.
Returning Nominees
Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and Sabrina Carpenter find themselves nominated once again, marking their second consecutive year in this elite category. They are joined by Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars, who are both recognized for their collaborations—Lamar with SZA and Mars with K-pop sensation Rosé.
Nominees Overview
The full list of nominees for Song of the Year includes:
- Bad Bunny – “DTMF”
- Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”
- Doechii – “Anxiety”
- Huntr/x – “Golden”
- Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “Luther”
- Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
- Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
Previous Winners and Current Contenders
After an impressive sweep at the 2025 Grammys, where his track “Not Like Us” took home multiple awards including Song of the Year, Kendrick Lamar is aiming for back-to-back victories with his collaboration “Luther.” Similarly, Bruno Mars has rapidly become a sought-after collaborator, having been featured on Lady Gaga’s nominated song “Die With a Smile” last year and now on Rosé’s debut single “Apt.”
Highlighting the Female Voices
Billie Eilish continues her impressive streak with a third consecutive nomination, following her previous accolades for “What Was I Made For?” and “Birds of a Feather.” Her latest entry, “Wildflower,” is also from her acclaimed 2024 album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter, sharing her nominations with co-writer Jack Antonoff, is recognized for her infectious single “Manchild,” the lead track from her upcoming project.
New Faces in the Spotlight
This year’s nominations also welcome fresh talent. Bad Bunny is nominated for the title track of his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, while Doechii earns a nod for her single “Anxiety,” which creatively samples Gotye’s 2013 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Both artists are making their debut in this prestigious category.
Reflecting on Last Year’s Competition
The 2025 Grammy Awards showcased an array of talent, with nominees including Beyoncé and Chappell Roan. However, it was Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” that took the crown, solidifying his status in the industry with five wins that night.
The Road Ahead
The 2026 Grammy Awards are set to air live on February 1, 2026, from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Music enthusiasts can follow Pitchfork’s extensive coverage leading up to the event, including insights and predictions on potential winners.
Conclusion
The Song of the Year category at the 2026 Grammy Awards promises to deliver an exciting showcase of talent, with a blend of returning nominees and fresh faces. As the music industry continues to evolve, these artists embody the rich diversity and creativity that define contemporary music. Fans eagerly await the live event to see who will walk away with the coveted Grammy trophy.
FAQs
When will the 2026 Grammy Awards take place?
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on February 1, 2026.
Who are some of the returning nominees for Song of the Year?
Returning nominees include Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, and Bruno Mars.
What song earned Kendrick Lamar his previous Song of the Year win?
Kendrick Lamar won Song of the Year at the 2025 Grammys for “Not Like Us.”
What is the eligibility period for the 2026 Grammy nominations?
The eligibility period for the 2026 Grammy nominations includes music released between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025.
How can I follow coverage of the 2026 Grammy Awards?
You can follow Pitchfork’s comprehensive coverage for updates, insights, and predictions as the awards approach.
