The biggest night in music is upon us this weekend, with the 2026 Grammy Awards set to celebrate the finest talents in the industry. Music editor Roisin O'Connor delves into her predictions for the prestigious Big Four categories: Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. This year's competition showcases a diverse array of artists, from Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny to British hopefuls Olivia Dean and Lola Young, underscoring the high calibre of nominees.
Best New Artist: A Spotlight on Rising Stars
The Best New Artist category features an exciting mix of emerging talents, including Olivia Dean, Katseye, The Marías, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Lola Young. Notably, Dean and Young are the sole UK representatives in this year's Big Four, marking the first time since 2018 that British artists have not been nominated in Song, Record, or Album of the Year.
Olivia Dean stands out as a favourite, thanks to the breathtaking success of her second album, The Art of Loving, and its hit singles "Man I Need" and "Nice to Each Other." Her music, which explores themes of self-worth, relationships, and love, resonates as classic yet timely, aligning perfectly with the Recording Academy's preferences. In contrast, sombr's chances may have been dampened by recent controversies, while Leon Thomas gains traction from his viral single "MUTT," and Addison Rae remains on the periphery despite acclaim for her debut album.
Should win: Olivia Dean
Will win: Olivia Dean
Record of the Year: Celebrating Production Excellence
Record of the Year nominees include "DtMF" by Bad Bunny, "Manchild" by Sabrina Carpenter, "Anxiety" by Doechii, "Wildflower" by Billie Eilish, "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga, "Luther" by Kendrick Lamar with SZA, "The Subway" by Chappell Roan, and "APT" by Rosé and Bruno Mars.
Chappell Roan's "The Subway" emerges as a top contender, praised for its superb production that blends synth-pop with haunting melodies and evocative storytelling. Other strong candidates include Bad Bunny's nostalgic "DtMF," the catchy collaboration "APT" by Rosé and Bruno Mars, and Doechii's viral hit "Anxiety." While Eilish, Carpenter, and Gaga are Grammy darlings, their entries this year may not capture enough voter attention to secure the win.
Should win: "The Subway" – Chappell Roan
Will win: "The Subway" – Chappell Roan
Song of the Year: Honouring Lyrical and Melodic Craft
The Song of the Year category features "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga, "Anxiety" by Doechii, "APT" by Rosé and Bruno Mars, "DtMF" by Bad Bunny, "Golden [From KPop Demon Hunters]" by HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, "Luther" by Kendrick Lamar with SZA, "Manchild" by Sabrina Carpenter, and "Wildflower" by Billie Eilish.
Although "The Subway" by Chappell Roan is a worthy candidate, "APT" by Rosé and Bruno Mars is likely to win due to its immense commercial success and earworm quality. Kendrick Lamar's consecutive win seems unlikely, and "Golden" may not appeal to voters despite its popularity from a children's TV show soundtrack.
Should win: "The Subway" – Chappell Roan
Will win: "APT" – Rosé and Bruno Mars
Album of the Year: Recognising Artistic Achievement
Album of the Year nominees are Debí Tirar Más Fotos by Bad Bunny, Swag by Justin Bieber, Man's Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter, Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse, Pusha T & Malice, Mayhem by Lady Gaga, GNX by Kendrick Lamar, Mutt by Leon Thomas, and Chromakopia by Tyler, the Creator.
Bad Bunny's Debí Tirar Más Fotos is poised for victory, blending plena, salsa, and reggaeton into an intelligent and complex work that reflects on Puerto Rico's fate. His upcoming Super Bowl performance adds to the momentum. In contrast, Justin Bieber's Swag is criticised for being too long and uneven, while releases from Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyler, the Creator have received mixed reactions. Kendrick Lamar, despite past snubs, remains a dark horse with GNX.
Should win: Debí Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny
Will win: Debí Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny
