Grammy Snubs and Shocking Nominations 2026 Revealed
The 2026 Grammy nominations are out, delivering a mix of Grammy snubs and shocking nominations that have fans buzzing. While stars like Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Sabrina Carpenter scored major nominations, some of the biggest names in music were completely overlooked.
Notable Omissions Stir Fan Reactions
Pop sensation Lorde missed the cut entirely for her latest album, Virgin, leaving fans puzzled given her chart-topping success. Similarly, The Weeknd remains absent from the Grammy stage; his album Hurry Up Tomorrow received no nominations, continuing his tense history with the Academy.
Fans shouldn’t worry about the absence of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Neither artist released music during the eligibility period of August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025, making them ineligible for this year’s awards.
Unexpected Nominees and Shocking Surprises
The 2026 Grammy nominations also feature jaw-dropping surprises. The band HUNTR/X behind Netflix’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters received nominations, delighting fans. Even more unexpected, figures outside the music industry, such as Kylie Jenner’s boyfriend Timothée Chalamet and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, earned nods, highlighting the eclectic nature of this year’s awards.
Historic Snubs and Longstanding Frustrations
Lorde’s history with the Grammys explains some of the controversy. Her 2018 album Melodrama earned an Album of the Year nomination, but she was denied a solo performance slot on the broadcast, with male nominees taking the spotlight. Lorde responded with a full-page newspaper ad thanking fans for supporting female musicians. Her only Grammy win remains her 2014 Song of the Year victory, making her the youngest songwriter to claim the award.
The Weeknd’s exclusion follows a rocky history with the Academy, including a past boycott and claims of corruption. His latest album, despite a high-profile performance, received no nods.
Other artists left empty-handed include:
- Benson Boone, with hits like Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else and Mystical Magical.
- Shawn Mendes, who has three past nominations but no wins.
- Miley Cyrus, recognized only for Best Pop Vocal Album despite Something Beautiful and a show-stopping Grammy performance.
- Broadway newcomer Renee Rapp, whose album Bite Me was snubbed.
Surprising New Faces on the Grammy Stage
Timothée Chalamet earned his first Grammy nomination for A Complete Unknown, contributing vocals to a Bob Dylan biopic soundtrack. KPop Demon Hunters fans celebrated HUNTR/X’s Golden, nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Song of the Year, while the film’s soundtrack earned a Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media nod. Some fans expressed disappointment that it missed a Record of the Yearnomination.
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made headlines by receiving a Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording nomination for narrating her memoir Lovely One, proving that even non-musicians can make Grammy history.
Long-Awaited Recognition for Hayley Williams
Hayley Williams received overdue acknowledgment for her solo work. Her album Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party scored four nominations, including Best Rock Song and Best Alternative Music Album. Though she is widely celebrated for her Paramore contributions, this marks her first recognition as a solo artist.
What This Means for Music Fans
Why It Matters These Grammy nominations illustrate the unpredictability of the awards and highlight ongoing issues, from artist exclusions to the rise of unconventional nominees. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely as the awards unfold.
- Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga remain strong contenders
- Lorde and The Weeknd face continued snubs
- KPop Demon Hunters and Chalamet bring unexpected excitement
- Hayley Williams earns first solo nods
Stay Updated
The 2026 Grammys kick off February 1 at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, streaming live on CBS and Paramount+. For more exclusive updates, check out our latest Top Stories — your weekly highlights that matter! For more entertainment updates, check out our coverage on Top Celebrity News.
