Bad Bunny And Kendrick Lamar Lead Grammy Race

The stage is set, the nominees are announced, and anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as the 68th Annual Grammy Awards prepare to take center stage this Sunday, February 1, 2026. With the music world’s brightest stars ready to gather in Los Angeles, this year’s ceremony promises to be one for the ages, boasting a field of nominees as competitive and diverse as any in recent memory. According to The Independent and People, the Big Four categories—Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year—are packed with both established icons and rising newcomers, setting up a night of surprises, celebrations, and perhaps a little heartbreak.

Leading the charge this year is Kendrick Lamar, whose nine nominations top the pack. It’s a remarkable feat, especially considering his historic sweep at the 2025 Grammys, where his diss track “Not Like Us” won all five categories in which it was nominated. Hot on his heels is Lady Gaga, who earned seven nominations—her highest tally since 2011—including nods in three of the four major categories. Gaga’s recognition this year cements her continued relevance and artistry in an industry that rarely stands still.

But it’s not just about the veterans. The Best New Artist category is brimming with fresh talent, and all eyes are on Olivia Dean, the British singer-songwriter whose sophomore album, The Art of Loving, has captivated both critics and fans. According to The Independent, Dean is a favorite to win, thanks to the runaway success of singles like “Man I Need” and “Nice to Each Other.” Dean’s music, described as “classic, timeless, but still hugely relevant,” explores themes of self-worth, relationships, and love—qualities that have long resonated with the Recording Academy. She faces stiff competition from Addison Rae, Lola Young, Leon Thomas, and others, but the consensus is that this is Dean’s moment to shine.

Meanwhile, in the highly coveted Record of the Year category, the field is stacked with heavy hitters. Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny is in the running with “DtMF,” a track lauded for its bittersweet nostalgia and summery production. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Doechii’s viral hit “Anxiety,” Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower,” Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” and Kendrick Lamar’s collaboration with SZA on “Luther” all garnered nominations. Yet, it’s Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” that’s generating the most buzz. As The Independent notes, “The Subway” is “the perfect break-up song, a glimmering slice of synth-pop” that showcases Roan’s haunting vocals and evocative storytelling. The song’s production—complete with the background rumble of a train and lush guitar work—has critics betting it will take home the trophy. Roan, who also earned a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance, is seen as a strong contender to join the ranks of Grammy’s breakout stars.

Song of the Year, a category that honors songwriting prowess, features a similarly star-studded lineup. “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, “Anxiety” by Doechii, “APT” by Rosé and Bruno Mars, “DtMF” by Bad Bunny, “Golden” from HUNTR/X, “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar with SZA, “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter, and “Wildflower” by Billie Eilish are all in the mix. While “The Subway” by Chappell Roan has been praised for its storytelling, the prevailing wisdom is that “APT” by Rosé and Bruno Mars will likely clinch the award, thanks to its commercial success and infectious melody. As The Independent puts it, “It’s highly unlikely they’ll give Song of the Year to Lamar for the second year in a row… ‘APT’ is likely to scoop the prize—it’s an earworm that earned juggernaut commercial success this last year.”

When it comes to Album of the Year, the competition is fierce and full of familiar faces. Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos stands out as a favorite, not just for its artistic merit but also for its cultural impact. The album is described as “an extraordinary melting pot of plena, salsa and reggaeton,” with Bad Bunny reflecting on the fate of his beloved Puerto Rico. The timing couldn’t be better for the artist, who is also set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in February—a testament to his global appeal and influence. Other nominees include Justin Bieber’s Swag, Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, Lady Gaga’s Mayhem, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, Leon Thomas’s Mutt, Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia, and Clipse, Pusha T & Malice’s Let God Sort Em Out. While each album brings something unique to the table, the consensus among critics is that Bad Bunny is poised to take home the night’s most prestigious prize.

The nominations themselves reflect a music industry in flux, with new voices emerging alongside established legends. Sabrina Carpenter, who won big at last year’s awards, returns with six nominations, including Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album. Should she win Best Pop Vocal Album for Man’s Best Friend, Carpenter would make history as the first artist to win the award in back-to-back years. Lady Gaga’s seven nominations, including for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, further cement her status as one of pop’s most enduring and versatile talents.

Kendrick Lamar’s dominance in the nominations is another major storyline. With nine nods, he is recognized across genres, including Best Rap Album for GNX and major categories like Album, Record, and Song of the Year. Lamar’s continued success is a testament to his ability to evolve and push boundaries—something the Grammys have not always fully rewarded in the past, particularly in the Album of the Year category. Could this be the year he finally breaks through?

Beyond the Big Four, the Grammys are also honoring excellence in a wide array of genres, from Best Rock Album (with nominees like Deftones and Haim) to Best Alternative Music Album (featuring Bon Iver and The Cure) and Best R&B Album (with Givēon, Coco Jones, and Leon Thomas in the running). The inclusion of categories like Best Album Cover and Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, highlights the many facets of music-making that contribute to a record’s success. Notably, Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia is up for both Album of the Year and Best Album Cover, underscoring the artist’s creative vision.

As the countdown to Sunday’s ceremony continues, fans and industry insiders alike are left to wonder: will the predictions hold true, or will the Grammys deliver another round of upsets and surprises? One thing is certain—the 68th Annual Grammy Awards will celebrate a year in music defined by innovation, resilience, and the enduring power of song.