Grammy Awards 2026 Nominations: A Mix of Celebrations and Surprising Omissions
The music world is abuzz as the nominations for the prestigious Grammy Awards 2026 were officially announced on Friday. The list showcases a spectacular array of talent, featuring global superstars like Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Justin Bieber, Tyler, the Creator, SZA, and Sabrina Carpenter, all vying for the highest honour in music. However, the revelation was equally notable for the surprising absence of several chart-topping artists, leading to widespread discussion among fans and critics alike.
Notable Absences: The Biggest Snubs of Grammy 2026
While the nomination list was filled with celebrated names, the exclusion of some major artists became the talk of the town. Reports confirmed that The Weeknd was submitted for major categories but received no nominations. His album 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' was in contention for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, while his single 'Timeless', featuring Playboi Carti, was submitted for both Record and Song of the Year. Other tracks like 'Cry for Me' and 'Baptized in Fear' were also submitted across multiple categories, yet he was completely overlooked.
Another significant omission was Lorde. Despite the critical and commercial success of her fourth studio album, 'Virgin', the singer failed to secure a single nomination. Her only Grammy win dates back to 2014, when she made history as the youngest songwriter to win Song of the Year for 'Maya Georgi'.
Shawn Mendes, who has three previous Grammy nominations to his name from 2019 and 2020, also found himself absent from the list. His self-titled album, released last November after a hiatus focused on his mental health, did not earn him a nod this year.
Rising star Benson Boone, famed for his massive hit 'Beautiful Things', was also missing. This is particularly striking given that he was nominated for Best New Artist in 2025 and even made headlines with a memorable backflip during last year's ceremony.
Why Were Taylor Swift and Beyoncé Not Nominated?
Fans of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé might wonder about their absence. The reason is purely technical. Their latest blockbuster releases – Beyoncé's 'The Life Of a Showgirl' and Taylor Swift's 'Cowboy Carter' – fell outside the strict eligibility period for the Grammy Awards 2026. The window for consideration was from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025, and their albums were released after this timeframe.
The unveiling of the Grammy nominations always brings a mix of joy and disappointment, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the music industry. As we look forward to the award ceremony, the conversations around who made the list and who didn't are sure to continue.
