Grammy Nominations 2026: Snubs, Surprises, and Unexpected Revelations
The 2026 Grammy nominations have arrived, and as expected, they’re packed with both surprises and snubs that are leaving fans and critics talking. From The Weeknd’s shocking exclusion to Turnstile’s big breakthrough, this year’s list of nominees is stirring up the music world. Here’s a closer look at the biggest snubs and most surprising nominations of the season.
The Weeknd: A Major Snub Despite a High-Profile Return
One of the most talked-about omissions this year is The Weeknd. After publicly calling the Grammys “corrupt” in 2021, following his snub despite releasing chart-topping hits, the artist made a highly publicized return to the stage earlier this year. The Recording Academy had made strides to repair its relationship with him, even addressing his past criticisms. However, despite the Hurry Up Tomorrow album being a critical success, The Weeknd was completely shut out of the 2026 nominations.
This means that his album didn’t earn a spot in Album of the Year, and his collaboration with Playboi Carti, “Timeless,” didn’t make the Record of the Year list. The artist’s fans are questioning whether the Grammys are still living up to their promise of transparency.
Alex Warren: Best New Artist Nod, But “Ordinary” Gets Left Behind
Next, we have Alex Warren, who earned a nomination for Best New Artist—but his breakout hit “Ordinary” didn’t get a single nod, despite spending 10 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It was a year of domination for Warren, but the Grammys seemed to have overlooked his massive success. Despite his new artist recognition, “Ordinary” wasn’t nominated in any general or genre categories, leaving fans disappointed.
Country Artists: Left Out of Best New Artist Race
Best New Artist was also notably sparse on country talent this year, with Ella Langley, Zach Top, and Megan Moroney all deserving recognition. Langley, in particular, had a standout year, winning big at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Moroney also made history at the MTV Video Music Awards, but neither received a nomination for Best New Artist. Despite their strong fan followings, country music’s impact on this year’s Grammy nominations feels underrepresented.
Lorde: A Disappointing Snub for Her Return
Another notable snub came in the form of Lorde. After a lengthy absence from the spotlight, the artist made a comeback with Virgin, an album that had fans buzzing. Yet, despite receiving rave reviews and embarking on a well-attended tour, Lorde wasn’t nominated for any Grammy this year. Considering her previous wins, this is a disappointing turn of events for both her and her fanbase.
Other Absences: Miley Cyrus, Gracie Abrams, and More
Several other big names were left out of the running for major awards this year. Miley Cyrus—who released her album Something Beautiful—only received one nomination, for Best Pop Vocal Album. Gracie Abrams, who had earned Grammy attention in the past, failed to score nominations for Song of the Year and Record of the Year with her track “That’s So True.”
Tate McRae, despite heavy promotion for her 2025 album, was also unexpectedly snubbed in the Record of the Year category, even though expert predictions had her pegged as a potential frontrunner.
The Surprises: Turnstile’s Breakthrough and K-Pop’s Dominance
While the snubs were shocking, the 2026 Grammy nominations also brought about some exciting surprises. Turnstile, a hardcore band with a growing following, earned five nominations—the most the band has ever received in a single year. Their album Never Enough has been praised for revitalizing the hardcore scene, and this marks a major milestone for the genre at the Grammys.
In another groundbreaking move, K-pop group KPop Demon Hunters earned four Grammy nominations for their song “Golden.” The track received Song of the Year and Pop Duo/Group Performance nods, marking an important moment for K-pop at the Grammys. This speaks volumes about the genre’s increasing influence on global music.
Broadway’s Growing Influence: ‘Defying Gravity’ Nominated
The Grammys also acknowledged the rise of Broadway in mainstream music, with “Defying Gravity” from the movie adaptation of Wicked earning a Pop Duo/Group Performance nomination. This nomination adds to the growing trend of Broadway musicals crossing over into pop music and reflects the ongoing relationship between the two worlds.
Timothée Chalamet: Actor to Grammy Nominee
In another surprise, actor Timothée Chalamet received a Best Compilation Soundtrack nomination for his performance in A Complete Unknown. While Chalamet is better known for his roles on the big screen, this nomination brings him closer to a potential EGOT—making him a rare actor who could win a Grammy before an Oscar.
Tyler, The Creator: Nominated Across Genres
After voicing frustration with being confined to the rap category, Tyler, The Creator earned recognition in the Alternative category for his album Don’t Tap the Glass. This marks a significant moment in Tyler’s career, as he continues to evolve as an artist who defies traditional genre boundaries.
Conclusion: A Year of Big Wins and Bold Moves
The 2026 Grammy nominations highlight both the changing landscape of the music industry and the ongoing surprises that come with the award season. While many expected the biggest names in music to be recognized, the snubs of artists like The Weeknd, Alex Warren, and Lorde have sparked conversations about the direction of the Grammys.
At the same time, the breakthroughs of Turnstile, K-pop, and Timothée Chalamet signal that the Grammys are becoming a more diverse and inclusive space for all kinds of music, from hardcore to pop to Broadway. As the Grammy season heats up, fans are left wondering: who will walk away with the biggest awards—and who will be left behind?
