After the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards brought snubs and surprises in the film and TV categories, it is evident that the entertainment awards season is in full swing this year, and now it is music’s turn.
The 2026 Grammy Awards are taking place on Sunday, Feb. 1, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and can be streamed on CBS. Today, I will share my predictions for the most anticipated categories.
Record of the Year:
“DtMF,” Bad Bunny
“Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter
“Anxiety,” Doechii
“WILDFLOWER,” Billie Eilish
“Abracadabra,” Lady Gaga
“luther,” Kendrick Lamar with SZA
“The Subway,” Chappell Roan
“APT.,” ROSÉ, Bruno Mars
Record of the year has some exceptional contenders, including “WILDFLOWER,” “Abracadabra” and “luther,” as well as a few international hits. It is interesting to note that they are paired up with some less remarkable tracks, such as the repetitive “APT.” we all heard over and over again on social media, and the generic pop track, “Manchild.” But what every nomination shares is popularity across social media platforms, such as Instagram reels and TikTok.
Any of the strong records has a chance of taking home the Grammy, but I think “luther” will win due to the brilliant blend of vocals from both Lamar and SZA, its addictive beat and the duo’s historic success. However, my personal favorite out of the nominations is “WILDFLOWER,” where Eilish’s raw vocals, mixed with her sentimental lyrics, quickly made it a memorable track.
Album of the Year
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” Bad Bunny
“SWAG,” Justin Bieber
“Man’s Best Friend,” Sabrina Carpenter
“Let God Sort Em Out,” Clipse, Pusha T & Malice
“MAYHEM,” Lady Gaga
“GNX,” Kendrick Lamar
“MUTT,” Leon Thomas
“CHROMAKOPIA,” Tyler, The Creator
This year’s Album of the Year nominations encompass a variety of genres and styles, including Thomas’s R&B album, Gaga and Carpenter’s pop sensation, Lamar’s rap releases and Bad Bunny’s international success. Nonetheless, “GNX” by Lamar is the clear winner due to his unique take on hip hop through multi-layered storytelling and impactful lyrics and his historic run of successful Grammy wins. Lamar’s relevancy is shining more than ever due to his feud with Drake that took place earlier in 2025.
Best New Artist
Olivia Dean
KATSEYE
The Marias
Addison Rae
sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young
Best New Artist largely consists of TikTok sensations, including sombr and former Hype House members Addison Rae and Alex Warren. But musical powerhouse Olivia Dean and Leon Thomas’s smooth R&B melodies stand out amongst the viral one-hit wonders. Though Dean is my personal favorite due to her unique vocals and memorable songs, Thomas will likely take home the Grammy due to his seamless blend of multiple musical genres, contributing to his large number of nominations, including album of the year and best R&B song.
New faces, new albums from memorable favorites and a plethora of new TikTok hits swarm this year’s Grammys. Tune in on Feb. 1 to find out how many of these predictions come true.
