The music industry is buzzing with anticipation as the 68th Annual Grammy Awards approach, and this year’s nominations, announced on November 7, 2025, have set the stage for what could be a historic ceremony. For the first time, women in K-pop have swept major categories, while familiar faces and rising stars from a variety of genres make this year’s nominee list one of the most diverse and dynamic in recent memory. The awards will celebrate the best music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, culminating in a star-studded event at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026, broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Perhaps the most striking trend this year is the unprecedented recognition of female K-pop artists. According to ABC News, the fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X, featured in the hit Netflix film "KPop Demon Hunters," earned two major nominations for their chart-topping anthem "Golden": Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The song, performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, has not only captivated audiences on screen but also conquered the music charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global 200 for an impressive 14 consecutive weeks.
"We wrote it so fast," EJAE told Good Morning America, reflecting on the creative whirlwind that produced the now-iconic track. She added, "I learned so much during 'KPop Demon Hunters.' It really helped me grow as a singer and as a writer." The film itself, which follows the adventures of fictional K-pop stars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—voiced by Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo—has become a cultural phenomenon, further fueling the song’s meteoric rise.
Adding to the K-pop wave, BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ has made her Grammy debut in spectacular fashion, securing three nominations: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her collaboration with Bruno Mars on the infectious hit "APT." The track, which debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and claimed the top spot on the Billboard Global Charts, also nabbed an MTV Video Music Award for Song of the Year earlier in 2025. ROSÉ’s achievement is particularly significant; until now, BTS was the only K-pop act ever nominated for a Grammy, and no K-pop artist has won. This year, that could change.
The global girl group KATSEYE, formed through the 2023 reality series "Dream Academy" and signed to HYBE Entertainment—the powerhouse label behind BTS, LE SSERAFIM, and New Jeans—has also broken new ground. KATSEYE received nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, a rare feat for a girl group, let alone one with such international roots. The group, consisting of Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Yoonchae, and Megan, has quickly built a devoted fan base with hits like "Gnarly" and "Gabriela" from their 2025 EP "BEAUTIFUL CHAOS." Their excitement was palpable on social media, with Daniela exclaiming on Instagram, "TWO NOMS???????" and Manon sharing, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE'RE NOMINATED FOR 2 GRAMMYS I CAN'T STOP CRYING."
Beyond K-pop, the Grammys are recognizing a wide spectrum of talent. As reported by Austin City Limits, R&B innovator Leon Thomas leads the pack with six nominations, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Thomas, whose album "Mutt" has garnered critical acclaim, will be featured in a full-hour ACL performance airing as the Season 51 finale. Country music is also well represented: Kelsea Ballerini is up for Best Contemporary Country Album for "Patterns," and CAM earned a nomination for her release "A Different Light." Jon Batiste, already a seven-time Grammy winner, received three nominations for his album "Big Money," including Best Americana Album and Best Americana Song for the title track.
Jazz sensation Samara Joy, who captured Best New Artist in 2023 and now holds five Grammy Awards, continues her ascent with nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Jazz Vocal Performance for "Portrait." Meanwhile, blues legend Bobby Rush, at 91 years old, proves the enduring power of the genre with a nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album. Breakout band The Marías, whose hypnotic sound has made their ACL debut a season highlight, are in the running for Best New Artist.
High-profile artists are not in short supply among this year’s nominees. According to The Recording Academy, Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for his collaboration with SZA, "Luther." This brings Lamar’s career total to 66 nominations and 22 wins, cementing his legacy as one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history. Lady Gaga follows closely with seven nominations, including major categories for her album "Mayhem" and the single "Abracadabra." Sabrina Carpenter, with six nominations including Song of the Year for "Manchild," is another standout.
Other notable contenders include Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Doechii, and FINNEAS, who adds two more nominations for his work on Billie Eilish’s "Wildflower." The introduction of two new categories—Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover—reflects the Academy’s ongoing effort to evolve with the times and recognize the full spectrum of musical artistry.
Musical theater has also found a spotlight this year. The Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending," a South Korean production with lyrics by Hue Park, earned a nomination for Best Musical Theater Album after sweeping six Tony Awards in June 2025. If the musical takes home the Grammy, Park will share the honor with principal vocalists Marcus Choi, Darren Criss, Dez Duron, Helen J. Shen, and co-producers Deborah Abramson, Will Aronson, and Ian Kagey.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will be telecast live on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, promising a night of surprises, celebrations, and perhaps a few history-making moments. For the first time, the ceremony will also air from the Peacock Theater, with coverage starting at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
As music fans around the world prepare for the big night, the industry is abuzz with speculation. Will this be the year K-pop finally claims a Grammy? Will legends like Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga add to their storied careers, or will a new generation of artists take center stage? One thing’s for sure: the 2026 Grammys are shaping up to be a night to remember.
