Harvey Mason Jr. (00:04):
Hi, I'm Harvey Mason Jr., songwriter, music producer, and CEO of the Recording Academy. Whether you're watching as a hopeful nominee or a hardcore music fan, from your tour bus or your living room couch, I'm so excited to welcome you to our announcement of the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations. For 68 years, the Grammy Awards have celebrated music's very, very best. People all around the world recognize the gold gramophone as a symbol of musical excellence. What you may not know is that behind the Grammy Awards are our 26,000 members, including musicians and songwriters, composers, engineers, and other music professionals who move and inspire and unite us through their work. Our members are not only experts in their craft, but advocates, educators, and culture creators. They are the people who power the Grammy Awards. Through their Grammy voting, they elevate excellence in music and uplift the creators behind the art.
(01:02)
The Grammy Awards show plays a vital role in the work of the Academy. It's the machine that allows the Recording Academy to invest in educational programs and career training and advocacy for creators in policymaking arenas and resources that empower music people to thrive in this evolving industry. The Recording Academy exists to serve music and play an important role in that.
(01:27)
Last month, nearly 15,000 recording academy voting members listened to and evaluated some 20,000 entries and cast their ballots to determine the nominees. The Deloitte Accounting Firm has tallied those votes, and today we kick off a new Grammy cycle by announcing the nominees. Then we'll do it all over again to determine the winners. This is the reason that the Grammy is music's most coveted award, because it's music people honoring music people. I invite you to go to grammy.com to learn more about our voting process.
(02:02)
Now, before we get this all started, I want to make sure you have your calendars marked for the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas next Thursday, November 13th. And of course, music's biggest night, the Grammy Awards are on Sunday, February 1st on CBS and Paramount Plus. Today, I'll be joined by some incredible guests, including Brandi Carlile, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Karol G, Lizzo, Mumford and Sons, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Smith, and so many more. We'll announce just some of the 95 categories here, and then you can check the livestream for the rest of the categories on live.grammy.com and youtube.com/grammy. At the end of this live stream, the full nominations list will be posted on grammy.com. All right. So it's now my absolute honor to kick us off by presenting the nominees for Songwriter of the Year.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
For Songwriter of the Year Non-classical, the nominees are Amy Allen, Edgar Barrera. Jesse Jo Dillon, Tobias Jesso Jr., Laura Veltz.
David Foster (03:20):
Hi, everyone. I'm David Foster, and it's an honor to present the nominees for one of the most coveted titles in music, Producer of the Year. This award celebrates the visionaries who shape the sound of our favorite hits. Many legends have claimed it. Jack Antona, Farrell Williams and I as three-time winners, we're still chasing Babyfaces record of four. But today, it's all about welcoming the new movers and shakers in music. Well done and good luck to all of you.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
For Producer of the Year, Non-classical, the nominees are: Dan Auerbach, Cirkut, Dijon, Blake Mills, Sounwave.
Sabrina Carpenter (04:08):
Hi, it's Sabrina Carpenter. I'm so excited and incredibly honored to be able to announce the nominees for the Grammys in the categories Pop Vocal Album and Pop Solo Performance. It was such an honor to even be nominated in these categories amongst so many amazing artists: Beyonce, Taylor, Ariana, Charlie, Chappell, Billie. And it was just such a dream come true to take them home as well. So let's see who's in it to win it this year. And here are the Nominees.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
The nominees for Best Pop Vocal Album are: Swag, Man's Best Friend, Something Beautiful, Mayhem, I've Tried Everything But Therapy [Part Two].
(05:00)
For Best Pop Solo Performance, the nominees are Daisies, Manchild, Disease, The Subway, Messy.
Sharon Osbourne (05:17):
Hello, we are the Osbournes and music has always been the center of our lives, and today we're so proud to be representing Ozzie.
Kelly Osbourne (05:27):
It warms our hearts to pay tribute to our dad and announce the Grammy nominees for Rock Album and Metal Performance.
Jack Osbourne (05:34):
Dad won Grammys in both of these categories, so they are particularly special to us.
Sharon Osbourne (05:38):
I remember how thrilled he was to be nominated in Best Rock Album for his last album, Patient Number Nine. He was truly honored when he won.
Jack Osbourne (05:49):
Best of luck to this year's nominees. And as our dad would always say: We love you all.
Sharon Osbourne (05:54):
We love you all.
Kelly Osbourne (05:55):
We love you all.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
For Best Rock Album, the nominees are: Private Music, I QUIT, From Zero, Never Enough, idols.
(06:14)
The Best Metal Performance nominees are: Night Terror, Lachryma. Soft Spine, Birds.
Chappell Roan (06:32):
Hello, my name is Chappell Roan. I won the Best New Artist Award last year at the Grammys. My advice to the best new artists would be do what feels right. The good art always rises. Don't worry about the momentum. Do what feels good and right. And the Best New Artist nominees are …
Speaker 2 (06:53):
The nominees for Best New Artist are: Olivia Dean, Katseye, The Marias, Addison Rae, Sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Lola Young.
Doechii (07:18):
Hey, everyone. It's your Swamp Princess Doechii, and I'm honored to announce the nominees in R&B, Rap, and Spoken Word Poetry. I personally got my start on YouTube writing lyrics and posting music from my bedroom in Tampa, Florida. So being nominated for three Grammys last year and taking home Best Rap Album was the craziest dream to come true for me. And it proved to me that anything is possible when you put your heart into it. And I'm so proud to be an example for other young women who look like me and are chasing their wildest dreams. All right, here are the nominees.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
The nominees for Best Rap Album are: Let God Sort Em out, Glorious. God Does Like Ugly, GNX. Chromakopia.
(08:13)
The Best R&B Album nominees are: Beloved, Why Not More?, The Crown, Escape Room. Mutt.
(08:28)
For Best Spoken Word Poetry Album the nominees are: A Hurricane in Heels: Healed People Don't Act Like That (Partially Recorded Live at City Winery and Other Places), Black Shaman, Pages, Saul Williams Meets Carlos Nino and Friends at Treepeople, Words for Days, Volume One.
Nicole Scherzinger (08:58):
Hi everyone. It's Nicole Scherzinger. Having grown up in musical theater and finally making my Broadway debut this past year, I am thrilled to announce the nominees For Best Musical Theater Album. The musical theater community is like no other, filled with the most talented, passionate, driven, and supportive people you'll ever meet. To be recognized by these amazing individuals is a huge honor, and I can't wait to celebrate these most deserving nominees.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
For Best Musical Theater Album, the nominees are: Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy, Just in Time, Maybe Happy Ending.
Karen Fairchild (09:47):
Hey, I'm Karen Fairchild.
Kimberly Schlapman (09:48):
I'm Kimberly Schlapman.
Phillip Sweet (09:50):
I'm Philip Sweet.
Jimi Westbrook (09:50):
And I'm Jimmy Westbrook and we're Little Big Town.
Kimberly Schlapman (09:53):
We have been blessed with three beautiful Grammy wins in the country field and each one of them has been such a highlight in our lives.
Karen Fairchild (10:01):
So it's an honor to present the nominees for Best Traditional Country Music Album and Best Contemporary Country Music Album.
Jimi Westbrook (10:10):
And if you're wondering whether you heard that right or not, you did, because this year the Academy voted to expand how it celebrates all of the sounds and styles of country music.
Phillip Sweet (10:19):
Which means even more artists will get a chance at some Grammy gold and still be honoring their country music roots. Here are the nominees.
Karen Fairchild (10:27):
Here are the nominees.
Jimi Westbrook (10:27):
Here are the nominees.
Kimberly Schlapman (10:27):
Here are the nominees.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
For Best Traditional Country Album, the nominees are: Dollar a Day, American Romance, Oh, What a Beautiful World, Hardheaded Woman, Ain't in it for my Health.
(10:50)
The Best Contemporary Country Album nominees are: Patterns, Snipe Hunter, Evangeline vs The Machine; Beautifully Broken, Postcards From Texas.
Sam Smith (11:10):
Hello, it's Sam Smith. Writing a song is such an honest and vulnerable process. Receiving an honor as high as Song of the Year after putting your heart and soul on the line is an amazing amazing feeling, one that will stay with me forever. And good luck.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
For Song of the Year the nominees are: Abracadabra; Anxiety, APT, DtMF, Golden (From KPop Demon Hunters) Luther, Manchild, Wildflower.
Cece Winans (11:59):
Hi there. I'm Cece Winans and I am honored to be here with you today. I truly believe that songs have the power to inspire and bless people's lives. I know I personally have felt blessed by plenty. So it is my distinct pleasure to present the nominees for Best Gospel Performance Song and celebrate the songs of this past year that will continue to heal hearts and uplift souls for years to come.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
For Best Gospel Performance Song, the nominees are: Do it Again, Church, Still (Live) Amen, Come Jesus Come.
Karol G (12:49):
Hi, everyone. This is Karol G. In 2018, I got my first nomination for Latin Grammy, and that year I won Best New Artist. Last year, 2024, I won my first Grammy for Best Musica Urbana Album. I remember that day being super happy, super grateful, and so excited about the opportunity to being surrounded by all the artists that I really admire. And thank you to the Recorded Academy for recognizing our beautiful Latina music. So I'm super honored to present the [foreign language 00:13:24] album, the Musica Urbana [foreign language 00:13:28]
Speaker 2 (13:29):
For Best Musica Urbana Album, the nominees are: DeBi TiRAR MaS Fotos, Mixteip, Ferxxo Vol X: Sagrado, Naiki, Eub Deluxe, Sinfonico (En Vivo).
(13:52)
The Best Musica Mexicana Album (Including Tejano) nominees: are Mala Mia, Y Lo Que Viene, Sin Rodeos, Palabra De To's (seca), Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya Y Una Mia Por La Puerta Grande (En Viva).
Angelique Kidjo (14:17):
Hello, I am Angelique Kidjo. I received my first Grammy nomination in 1995. Since then, I have been proud to witness and contribute to the growth of the Recording Academy as a global organization. I believe that this category Best African Music Performance, now in its third years is proof of the academy's commitment to listening and adjusting to the global music scene. I am excited to see the talented artists that will be nominated today, and now here are the nominees …
Speaker 2 (14:50):
For Best African Music Performance, the nominees are: Love, With you, Hope and Love, Give me Dat, Push 2 Start.
Jon Batiste (15:09):
Hello, it's Jon Batiste here and I'm overjoyed to present the nominees for Song for Visual Media and Music Film. I was the honored recipient of both awards last year for a film that chronicled my journey after being nominated for 11 Grammys in 2021. And it was a full circle moment, a true divine moment to win for the song and the film. And this year is going to be a cherished moment for the following nominees …
Speaker 2 (15:36):
The Best Song Written for Visual Media nominees are: As Alive As You Need Me To Be (From Tron: Ares), Golden (From "KPop Demon Hunters"), I Lied To You (From Sinners), Never Too Late (From Elton John: Never Too Late), Pale, Pale Moon (From Sinners, Sinners (From Sinners).
(16:07)
For Best Music Film the nominees are. Devo, Live at the Royal Albert Hall, Relentless, Music by John Williams, Piece by Piece.
Lizzo (16:28):
[inaudible 00:16:29] y'all. I'm Lizzo and I've won four glorious Grammy Awards, including one for Record of the Year. I've always talked about the power of believing in yourself and staying true to who you are and y'all. It is such a otherworldly feeling when you realize that you are seen and celebrated by thousands of your peers who believe in you too. Now let's do this. It's about damn time to hear this year's nominees for Record of the Year.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
For Record of the Year, the nominees are. DtMF, Bad Bunny; Manchild, Sabrina Carpenter; Anxiety, Doechii; Wildflower, Billie Eilish: Abracadabra, Lady Gaga; Luther, Kendrick Lamar with SZA; The Subway, Chapel Roan; APT, Rose, Bruno Mars.
Mumford and Sons (17:34):
Hello, we're Mumford and Sons. We had been asked a few times what it was like to win Album of the Year at the Grammys in 2013. And the only way to describe it really is surreal. Adele handed us the award and it was an out of body experience. To be celebrated and accepted by a community of legends and up and coming artists alike is, it's just bonkers really. It's surreal. So anyway, we are here to let you know who the nominees are for Grammy Album of the Year.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
For Album of the Year, the nominees are Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, Bad Bunny; Swag, Justin Bieber; Man's Best Friend, Sabrina Carpenter; Let God Sort Em Out, Clipse, Pusha T and malice; Mayhem, Lady Gaga; GNX, Kendrick Lamar; Mutt, Leon Thomas; Chromakopia, Tyler the Creator.
Harvey Mason Jr. (18:59):
Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you to our amazing presenters. I'd like to give a very special thanks to our nomination sponsors, City National Bank, Vaseline and Dove. Okay, again, don't forget to tune into the Latin Grammys on November 13th and the 2026 Grammy Awards Telecast on February 1st. The full nominations list will be posted momentarily on Grammy.com. Thank you.
Cassie Dilaura (19:24):
The 68th Grammy nominations are officially out and we are here to break it all down for you. Hello, everybody. I'm Cassie Dilaura.
Danny Directo (19:44):
And I'm Denny Directo. With today's announcement, we're celebrating a moment where music brings us together, a reminder that sound can heal, inspire, and connect us in a world that needs it most.
Cassie Dilaura (19:54):
The Grammy nominations honor the heroes of music, the artists, writers, producers, and musicians who pour their hearts into every single note.
Danny Directo (20:03):
And of course, this is more than just a list of names. It is the start of the journey towards music's biggest night. So let's get right into it.
Cassie Dilaura (20:09):
Let's kick it off with this year's leading nominees. A huge day for Kendrick Lamar, the rapper topping the list with nine nominations, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. And get this, it's his third time with simultaneous noms in those three categories.
Danny Directo (20:29):
Now, throughout his career, Kendrick has scored 66 total nominations and 22 wins.
(20:34)
Someone else we got to talk about though, Lady Gaga with 45 career nominations, including seven this morning for her album Mayhem, which is up for Album of the Year. Abracadabra is also nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Plus, Mother Monster herself scoring her first ever nomination in the Best Dance Pop Recording category.
Cassie Dilaura (20:51):
Now some power producers nabbing seven nominations each include Cirkut, whose songs include Abracadabra with Lady Gaga and APT with Rose and Bruno Mars. Then we have Jack Antonoff, who is also up for seven Grammy nominations for his work with Kendrick Lamar and Sabrina Carpenter.
Danny Directo (21:10):
Speaking of Sabrina, she is back on the list after multiple wins at the 2025 ceremony. Her album Man's Best Friend Landing in the Album of the Year category.
Cassie Dilaura (21:18):
Now last year, remember she nabbed wins for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance. Again, this year.
Danny Directo (21:30):
All right, let's talk about Leon Thomas and his six nominations. The only leading nominee who's also up for Best New Artist. We love to see her, right? All right, Leon's nominations include Album of the Year for Mutt.
Cassie Dilaura (21:41):
Okay, big question for you. Can you imagine having 56 Grammy nominations to your name?
Danny Directo (21:47):
Yeah, my dreams, Cas.
Cassie Dilaura (21:48):
Cast. Yeah. Well, audio mixer Serban Ghenea has worked with the best in the business. And this year is no exception with six nominations for engineering and mixing for Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga and others.
(22:02)
All right, now Superstar Bad Bunny is also a heavy hitter this year among our leading nominees with six Grammy nominations marking only the second time an all Spanish language album has been nominated for Album of the Year.
Danny Directo (22:17):
Clipse comprised of Pusha T and Malice also have five nominations this year, including an Album of the Year nod for, Let God sort Em Out, marking their first time in the general field. Five is the lucky number for Andrew Watt, who is listed in five Grammy categories, including Best Dance Pop recording for his work on Abracadabra.
Cassie Dilaura (22:34):
Now, after winning the 2025 Grammy for Best Rap Album, Doechii's hit Anxiety has helped her land her first nominations in the Record of the Year. Song of the Year, Best Rap Song and Best Music Video categories. You counting that?
Danny Directo (22:50):
I'm counting. Okay. A couple more notable artists who deserve recognition this morning. Producer SounWave is up for five nominations.
Cassie Dilaura (22:56):
SZA landing in the Record and Song of the Year categories for the third time and five total nominations this year.
Danny Directo (23:04):
Punk band Turnstile, also a leading nominee with five and recognition for Best Rock album and Best Rock Song among others.
Cassie Dilaura (23:11):
And before we take a closer look at some of the big four categories, Tyler the Creator closes out this year's leading nominees with five nominations, including for Album of the Year.
Danny Directo (23:22):
All right, let's turn now to the Big Four category. Shall we? Starting with one of the night's biggest prizes, Album of the Year. Now, this award always keeps everyone on the edge of their seats, and this year we're looking at another tight race.
Cassie Dilaura (23:33):
All right, so let's break down the list of nominees for Album of the Year, starting with Bad Bunny's sixth studio album, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos.
Danny Directo (23:43):
Yes. Justin Bieber's surprise drop, Swag, his first album in four years also making the list.
Cassie Dilaura (23:48):
And then Sabrina Carpenter, who of course is already a two-time Grammy winner. But here's the question, could Man's Best Friend help her bring home Album of the Year for the very first time? We will see.
Danny Directo (23:59):
Now, some rap royalty in this category with Clipse, Pusha T and Malice's reunion album, Let God Sort Em Out, getting a nod.
Cassie Dilaura (24:05):
Little monsters everywhere are celebrating this morning as Lady Gaga's Mayhem earns the pop star another Grammy nomination.
Danny Directo (24:14):
And after his incredible sweep at last year's Grammy's, Kendrick Lamar is back earning another Album of the Year nod this time for GNX.
Cassie Dilaura (24:21):
Leon Thomas's album Mutt is another contender in this top category. And finally, Tyler the Creator's first album in three years, Chromakopia sits in this very, very competitive category.
Danny Directo (24:34):
This is also the first time three albums are nominated for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album simultaneously.
Cassie Dilaura (24:41):
All right, let's move on now to Record of the Year. Of course, this is the category that recognizes the artists, producers, and engineers.
Danny Directo (24:48):
First up, a nomination for Bad Bunny's DtMF.
Cassie Dilaura (24:51):
And Sabrina Carpenter, also earning multiple spots in the General field with Manchild.
Danny Directo (24:57):
It was the song that swept social media this year, Anxiety by Doechii earning the rapper another chance at Grammy Gold this year.
Cassie Dilaura (25:03):
More Record of the Year contenders, Wildflower by Billie Eilish and Abracdabra by Lady Gaga. Kendrick Lamar and SZA also proving they are an unstoppable duo this year with Luther.
Danny Directo (25:17):
Last year, Chappell Roan took home a Best New Artist Grammy. This year she's back and nominated for her single, The Subway.
Cassie Dilaura (25:23):
And finally, closing out to this very stacked category, APT, a collab between Rose and Bruno Mars.
Danny Directo (25:31):
Okay, Song of the Year is our next category. Now, this is the song writer's award.
Cassie Dilaura (25:35):
And you're going to hear some names we just mentioned because they're nominated again in this category. Names like Lady Gaga for Abracadabra, Doechii for Anxiety and APT by Rose and Bruno Mars.
Danny Directo (25:47):
And another one, Bad Bunny's DtMF up for multiple awards this year.
Cassie Dilaura (25:51):
But here's a first, actually, some Grammy history being made this morning. The smash hit film, KPop Demon Hunters basically took over streaming this year. And now the film's trio, Huntrix, has made history by becoming the first hit by a K-pop artist to score a Song of the Year nomination, of course, for Golden.
Danny Directo (26:10):
Closing out this category, Kendrick Lamar and SZA's collab Luther, Sabrina Carpenter's Manchild, and Billie Eilish and FINNEAS' hit Wildflower.
Cassie Dilaura (26:18):
All right, let's talk Best New Artist. Definitely one of the most watched categories on Grammy's night. These are the public's consciousness.
Danny Directo (26:29):
Yep. And this year there were over 300 eligible names, and here is the final list. Starting with Olivia Dean, who's long awaited sophomore album, The Art of Loving has earned her breakout success.
Cassie Dilaura (26:39):
Speaking of success, the global Girl group, KATSEYE has earned a global fan base in their journey so far. And now this Best New Artist nomination could take them to the next level.
Danny Directo (26:50):
More Fresh faces who are up for Grammy Gold, indie pop band, the Maria's, Addison Rae's debut album and hit single Diet Pepsi helped turn the TikTok star into a pop star.
Cassie Dilaura (26:59):
The success of Sombr's album, I Barely Know Her, and single, Back to Friends, lands the 20-year-old on the Best New Artist noms list.
Danny Directo (27:08):
Leon Thomas is having a breakthrough year with his nomination. He actually already has one Grammy after writing SZA's 2024 hit Snooze, but after the success of his album Mutt, well, there could be much more where that came from.
Cassie Dilaura (27:20):
A couple more names topping off this list. Hype House influencer turned Best New Artist nominee, Alex Warren, who is, I would say, enjoying some serious success after his single Ordinary.
Danny Directo (27:32):
Last but not least, Lola Young, whose breakup song Messy became a Gen Z anthem.
Cassie Dilaura (27:37):
What a year for these incredible artists and what a sad time for us because that is a wrap for us on Nominations Day. But thank you guys so much for watching.
Danny Directo (27:47):
And a special shout out to nomination sponsors City National Bank, Dove and Vaseline.
Cassie Dilaura (27:52):
Make sure to tune in for music's biggest night, The 68th Grammy Awards airing live on CBS and Paramount Plus on Sunday February 1st.
Danny Directo (28:01):
We'll see you there. Bye everybody.