The Phoenix Sings a Different Tune: 2026 Grammy Predictions and Snubs

The limousines lining Los Angeles lanes amid the 2026 awards season will make a pitstop at the Crypto.com Arena Feb. 1 for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. 

It won’t be the first rodeo for seasoned Grammys veterans like Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny and five-time host Trevor Noah, but the eight Best New Artist nominees will hop on the Recording Academy bull for the first time, each performing in a segment dedicated to the category. With the theatrical Sabrina Carpenter also set to perform, the stage is sure to be set ablaze, bringing a much needed heat to the dead of winter. 

While singing stars are busy warming up for music’s biggest night with tongue twisters and lip trills, The Phoenix’s staff vocalized their predictions and opinions on the show’s top categories. 

Album of the Year

Discussed by staff writer Kevin Stovich

“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

What will win: “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” – Bad Bunny

After releasing his fourth Billboard-topping album, selling over 2.6 million tour tickets and being revealed as 2026’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner, it’s safe to say 2025 was a year-long victory lap for Bad Bunny — and he shows no signs of stopping. “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” is an insanely infectious reggaeton romp, soaked in traditional Puerto Rican genres. Arguably the biggest pop star in the world, it’s hard to envision a future where the “rey de reggaeton” fails to win.

What should win: “Let God Sort Em Out” – Clipse

And it’s not even close. Their first album in 16 years, Pusha T and Malice team up with longtime collaborator and producer Pharrell to craft a comeback album for the ages. From the blatantly boisterous “P.O.V.” to the emotional “The Birds Don’t Sing” and vengeful “So Be It,” the duo showcases their sonic versatility. Track after track, beat after beat, bar after bar, “Let God Sort Em Out” isn’t just hip-hop at its best — it’s a masterclass in songwriting, production and musicality, neatly packaged into a kilo brick. 

What should’ve been nominated: “The Passionate Ones” – Nourished by Time

Even though I hold my breath every nominations morning, I’m not oblivious to the fact that the Grammys tend to ignore smaller releases. Thus, I wasn’t surprised when Nourished by Time’s “The Passionate Ones” failed to get even a fleeting second of recognition from the Academy. Their loss. The Baltimore singer-producer’s second LP is full of sonically rich, mindbending production, melding ‘90s R&B with contemporary pop and electronica. At times melancholic, others bursting at the seams, “The Passionate Ones” is a groundbreaking yet retrospective look at what 2020s pop should be — not whatever “SWAG” is.

Record of the Year

Discussed by arts editor Faith Hug

“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

What will win: “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter

Scaling new vocal heights to scold the men in her life, Carpenter doesn’t aim to be “Man’s Best Friend” with this hit country-pop single. The song’s bouncy synth beds and twangy dance breaks were swept up by radio waves and TikTok For You Pages across the globe, surely capturing the attention of the Recording Academy, who selected the star to perform at the awards ceremony. The lush, line-dancable track might just bring the levity sought by Grammy voters in a year marked by political turmoil. 

What should win: “DtMF” – Bad Bunny

As he catapults forward with global stardom, Bad Bunny uses “DtMF” to reflect back on his past. In tandem with regretful lyricism, the muted shades of the distant vocal arrangement and instrumentation remind one of a far-off memory or the last gleams of sunlight over the horizon. While this record’s voice is likely too understated to stand out among the category’s louder displays of sonic craftsmanship, its deeply nostalgic tone certainly distinguishes it as a winner in my eyes. 

What should’ve been nominated: “Headphones On” – Addison Rae

The Recording Academy clearly didn’t have their “Headphones On.” Recalling pop of the past with ‘90s club synths that softly crash like waves on the shoreline, the fourth of five dynamic singles off the best new artist nominee’s debut album “Addison” is quietly complex. Perhaps the siren sound of Rae’s whispery vocals blew right under the voting body’s radar. 

Song of the Year

Discussed by Andrew Quinn

“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
“Anxiety” – Doechii
“APT.” – ROSÉ, Bruno Mars
“DtMF” – Bad Bunny
“Golden [From “KPop Demon Hunters”]” – HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI
“luther” – Kendrick Lamar With SZA
“Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
“WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish

What will win: “Golden” [From “KPop Demon Hunters”]” – HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI

Although the catchy K-pop bop that skyrocketed to global fame may not be everyone’s number one song on Spotify Wrapped, there’s no denying “Golden” was all the rave on the radio. The undeniable success and pure popularity of the track is enough to assume a Song of the Year win.

What should win: “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter

“Hey men!” The clever wordplay that shines through in Sabrina Carpenter’s hit single “Manchild” expresses the singer’s annoyance with failed relationships — a tale that’ll resonate with fans time and time again. Soaring to popularity and inspiring many a TikTok trend, the track’s win would be the perfect commemoration of all those end-of-year stories finally safe to laugh about.

What should’ve been nominated: “Sports Car” – Tate McRae

Having just wrapped up a sold-out worldwide arena tour, it’s a shock Tate McRae received zero nominations for “Sports Car” — the chart-topping single off the pop-princess’ latest album “So Close To What.” With a synth-heavy sound and sweetly scandalous lyrics, it’s unfortunately true she’ll stay oh-so-close to a nomination.

Best New Artist

Discussed by staff writer Caitlin Duffy

Olivia Dean
KATSEYE
The Marias
Addison Rae
sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young

Who will win: Alex Warren

It’s no secret Alex Warren’s musical rise was far from “Ordinary.” From star TikToker to radio sensation, Warren has proved time and again his vulnerable songwriting and powerful vocals can fuse to build a hit song. Conceivably, the popularity of Warren’s music among a broad range of age groups and his ability to pair captivating beats with lyricism that speaks to the soul makes him the likely winner.

Who should win: Olivia Dean

In the past, the Grammys have tended toward mainstream radio-hit artists as their pick for Best New Artist, but Olivia Dean is most deserving of the award. Dean’s lively spirit, classy performances and infectious smile complement her soul-infused hits “Man I Need” and “So Easy (To Fall in Love).” After years of releasing music to no commercial avail, Dean’s silky vocals and exploration of nostalgic themes deserve to be celebrated.  

Who should’ve been nominated: Mon Rovîa

In a year of political turmoil and isolation, Mon Rovîa fostered hope with his resilient lyricism about the importance of community and vocal opposition to oppression. An Afro-Appalachian folk singer from Liberia, Rovîa’s husky vocals and poignant melodies draw listeners in and contributed to the virality of his song “Heavy Foot.” Although he isn’t considered for a nomination this year, his newly released album “Bloodline” is sure to set him as a Grammy contender in the coming years. 

Best Pop Vocal Album

Discussed by staff writer Aaliyah Solano

“SWAG” – Justin Bieber
“Man’s Best Friend” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Something Beautiful” – Miley Cyrus
“MAYHEM” – Lady Gaga
“I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)” – Teddy Swims

What will win: “Man’s Best Friend” – Sabrina Carpenter

While Lady Gaga will undoubtedly have a triumphant showing, there isn’t a world in which Sabrina Carpenter leaves the ceremony empty-handed, and this category is the most winnable. “Man’s Best Friend” is a skillful album that sneaks up on listeners over time, even if they weren’t a fan on initial listen. The pop star has truly come into her own vocally, as this album is filled with impressive runs and yodeling.

What should win: “MAYHEM” – Lady Gaga

Of all the nominations, “MAYHEM” is the most deserving of the award and some of Mother Monster’s best work. Lady Gaga is the definition of pop music, and her work has defined the genre for nearly two decades. With the March release, featuring No. 1 song “Die With A Smile” and instant pop classic “Abracadabra,” Gaga continues to create melodious and singable tunes that dominate the charts and our hearts. 

What should’ve been nominated: “Midnight Sun” – Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson not receiving a nomination after delivering pop perfection is an utter travesty. Vocally, there’s no competition, which isn’t surprising considering she won Sweden’s Got Talent — or Talang — at age 10. Not only does the 32-minute album feature Larsson belting over fast and punchy 2010s-sounding eurobeats, but it also includes the album’s viral namesake track “Midnight Sun,” which has garnered attention across social media.

Best Rap Album

Discussed by staff writer Matt Sorce

“Let God Sort Em Out” – Clipse, Pusha T & Malice
“GLORIOUS” – GloRilla
“God Does Like Ugly” – JID
“GNX” – Kendrick Lamar
“CHROMAKOPIA” – Tyler, The Creator

What will win: “GNX” – Kendrick Lamar

Sweeping the 2025 Grammys with five wins across nine nominations, Kendrick Lamar’s victory lap of a record, “GNX,” is likely to repeat history. Defined by a Super Bowl performance and three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, “GNX” was a cultural cornerstone of 2025 — one the Grammys can’t ignore, and fans won’t forget if they do.

What should win: “Let God Sort Em Out” – Clipse, Pusha T & Malice

There’s not much that hasn’t already been said. For a comeback album, its sound is a stark contrast to the brothers’ earlier work and resists conformity with contemporary hip-hop trends, carving a distinct identity shaped by Pharrell Williams’ production. From the politically charged “Chains & Whips” to the industry critiques in “P.O.V,” “Let God Sort Em Out” attests to Clipse’s unwavering commitment to the art of hip-hop.

What should’ve been nominated: “The Crossroads” – Cordae

Released a week before Lamar’s “GNX” on Nov. 15, Cordae’s third album “The Crossroads” was buried in the noise of a crowded release calendar. Blending the sampling style of early Ye — formerly known as Kanye West — and J. Cole, “The Crossroads” serves as a love letter to ‘00s alternative rap, bolstered by features from Lil Wayne, Juicy J and Ye himself. While it didn’t have the same pop culture impact as the other nominees, it’s one of the year’s more quietly confident rap releases.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards can be watched live on Feb. 1 on CBS at 7 p.m. CST or through streaming services that include CBS access, including Paramount+’s premium plan, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and FuboTV. Paramount+ subscribers will gain on-demand access the following day.