Grammys 2026: Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and More Vie for Top Honors

With the 2026 Grammy Awards just around the corner, the music industry is abuzz with anticipation as artists, labels, and management teams strategize to secure the coveted golden gramophone. According to the first ballot sent to Recording Academy voting members on October 4, 2025, several high-profile artists are poised to make a strong showing.

Kendrick Lamar, who won big at last year's ceremony, is expected to continue his dominance. The rapper has submitted his album "GNX" for album of the year and best rap album, while his hit single "Luther" featuring SZA is in the running for record and song of the year, as well as best melodic rap performance and best music video.

Elsewhere, Latin superstar Bad Bunny is hoping to make history with his politically-charged Spanish-language album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos," which is up for album of the year and best musica urbana album. The artist is also vying for record of the year with "Baile Inolvidable" and "DTMF."

Another notable comeback is that of The Weeknd, who had previously boycotted the Grammys but now appears to have buried the hatchet. The singer has submitted his album "Hurry Up Tomorrow" for album of the year, as well as the single "Timeless" for record and song of the year. He's also made bids across various genre categories, signaling a renewed commitment to the awards show.