Hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar is the leading contender for the 2026 Grammy Awards, securing nine nominations. The announcement, made on Friday, sets the stage for one of the music industry’s biggest nights.
Lady Gaga follows as a strong contender with seven nominations, surpassing her previous record. High-profile producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut each earned seven nominations, highlighting their significant influence on the current music landscape.
Kendrick Lamar led all artists with nine Grammy nominations, including album of the year, record of the year and song of the year. He was trailed by Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter and Leon Thomas. 🔗 https://t.co/wKJCeic9PG pic.twitter.com/AWlwNo69qe
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) November 7, 2025
The nominations reflect a blend of iconic and emerging talent. Artists like Leon Thomas and Sabrina Carpenter each received six nominations, signalling their rising status in the industry. They share this recognition with established figures like Serban Ghenea and Bad Bunny.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stated that the nominees represent the vibrant and diverse talent driving music forward. He expressed excitement about celebrating both emerging artists and influential icons in the weeks ahead.
Here are the #GRAMMYs nominees for Record of the Year 🏆
Complete list: https://t.co/cHx8Xo1g3c pic.twitter.com/jB7us9LKD7
— billboard (@billboard) November 7, 2025
The broad range of nominees showcases the dynamic and evolving scope of today’s popular music, encompassing genres such as hip-hop and pop, as well as others.