The 2026 GRAMMY Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, airing live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Whoever wins Album of the Year will be a first-time winner – whether it’s Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse (Pusha T & Malice), Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Leon Thomas, or Tyler, The Creator.
Releasing an album isn’t just dropping songs; it’s opening a window into the artist’s world. Each album invites listeners to experience something new, raw, and deeply personal. This year’s nominees bring unmatched talent, creativity, and technical mastery – a powerful mix of perspective, craft, and emotion.
2026 GRAMMY Nominees – Album of the Year
Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
With his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (“I Should Have Taken More Photos”), Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny returns to the GRAMMY spotlight, embracing his cultural roots while pushing creative limits. Recorded entirely in Puerto Rico with local collaborators, the 17-track album blends salsa, bomba, plena, and early reggaeton into bold new forms. Deeply reflective yet lively, the project captures home, memory, and identity – making it one of Bad Bunny’s most spiritual and grounded works to date.
Justin Bieber – SWAG
Justin Bieber’s seventh studio album, SWAG, proves he’s still in his prime. The 20-track record moves through pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, featuring collaborations with Gunna, Sexyy Red, Lil B, and others. It’s confident yet heartfelt – a fresh new chapter after Bieber parted ways with former manager Scooter Braun and began life as a new father. SWAG shows his evolution toward artistry defined by authenticity and emotional depth.
Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
After her breakout success with Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter quickly followed up with Man’s Best Friend – a witty, vulnerable, and playful record that cements her as one of pop’s sharpest voices. With help from hitmakers Jack Antonoff, Amy Allen, and John Ryan, Carpenter dives into love, loss, and self-expression while maintaining her trademark humor and confidence. The album mixes bright, catchy energy with honest emotion, proving she’s unstoppable in pop’s fast lane.
Clipse (Pusha T & Malice) – Let God Sort Em Out
Eighteen years after their last album, Clipse returns in full force with Let God Sort Em Out, produced by longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams. It’s a raw, emotional comeback that balances grief and power, combining introspection with hard-hitting hip-hop precision. Featuring guest appearances from John Legend, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, The-Dream, and Tyler, The Creator, the album reestablishes Clipse as one of rap’s most fearless and skillful duos.
Lady Gaga – MAYHEM
On her seventh studio album, MAYHEM, Lady Gaga embraces the theme of creative chaos and control. Blending her theatrical pop roots with dance and disco elements, the record feels deeply personal – a balance between her onstage persona and real-life identity. Collaborators include Andrew Watt, D’Mile, Cirkut, Bruno Mars, and Gesaffelstein. MAYHEM showcases Gaga’s versatility, power, and emotional connection with her audience – a celebration of every version of her artistry.
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
After dominating last year’s GRAMMYs, Kendrick Lamar followed up with the surprise release of GNX, his first project under his own label, pgLang. Returning to soulful, self-reflective storytelling, Lamar draws inspiration from his father’s car – the Buick Grand National GNX – to explore roots, legacy, and identity. Featuring SZA, Roddy Ricch, and production from Sounwave, Kamasi Washington, and Jack Antonoff, GNX merges confidence with introspection, marking another milestone in his career.
Leon Thomas – MUTT
Leon Thomas finally steps into the solo spotlight with MUTT, a bold blend of jazz, neo-soul, and rock. Known for years as a successful producer and songwriter for artists like SZA, Post Malone, and Drake, Thomas takes full creative control here, crafting a sound that’s rich and imaginative. MUTT is both a musical journey and a personal statement about growth, freedom, and identity. It positions Thomas as one of R&B’s most innovative voices.
Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia
Tyler, The Creator continues to evolve with Chromakopia, a deeply introspective and emotionally charged record. The album feels like a dialogue between Tyler’s public and private selves, layered with jazz and soul influences. With features from GloRilla, Doechii, Lil Wayne, Schoolboy Q, and Sexyy Red, the project shows maturity without losing Tyler’s creative fire. Chromakopia is both reflection and rebellion – the next stage in his artistic ascension.
The 2026 Album of the Year race celebrates transformation, diversity, and creative fearlessness. Each nominee brings a distinct sound and story to the stage – but only one will take home the golden gramophone on February 1, 2026.