2026 Grammys Preview: Kendrick, Bad Bunny & History in the Making

The music world is descending on Los Angeles tonight for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Hosted by Trevor Noah for the final time, the night promises historic milestones. Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with nine nominations for his album GNX, potentially winning Album of the Year for the first time after years of snubs.

Key details

* Top Nominee: Kendrick Lamar (9 nominations).
* History Maker: Bad Bunny is the first artist to be nominated for Album, Record, and Song of the Year with a Spanish-language track.
* Performers: Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, and Justin Bieber.
* New Categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover have been added.

Background

The Grammys are the Oscars of music—the highest honor in the industry. However, they have faced criticism in the past for ignoring hip-hop and non-English music in the top categories. This year’s nominations suggest a shift, with strong representation for rap and Latin music alongside pop heavyweights like Lady Gaga and Olivia Rodrigo.

Why it matters

* Cultural Shift: A win for Bad Bunny in the main categories would be a massive victory for Latin music globally.
* Legacy: Trevor Noah ending his hosting run marks the end of a stable era for the show.