The Grammy nominations 2026 are officially on the calendar, and the details are now clear. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards nominations will be announced on Friday, November 7, 2025, beginning at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET, via a live stream on The Recording Academy’s official website and YouTube channel.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Grammy nominations 2026, including new categories, eligibility timelines, and what to expect on the big day.
What the Grammy Nominations 2026 Date Means
The announcement timeline and logistics of the nominations are important for fans, artists, and industry watchers alike:
- Eligibility period: August 31, 2024 – August 30, 2025.
- Nominations announcement: November 7, 2025, 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET.
- Awards ceremony: February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The show will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
This schedule sets the pace for what’s ahead in the Grammy nominations 2026 cycle, building excitement for one of the biggest nights in music.
What’s New for the Grammy Nominations 2026
The Recording Academy has introduced several updates to keep the awards fresh and inclusive. Here are the most notable changes ahead of the 2026 Grammy nominations:
- Two new categories debuting: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover.
- Category update: Best Country Album has been renamed to Best Contemporary Country Album.
- Expanded Best New Artist eligibility: Artists who were featured on a previous Album of the Year nominee but contributed less than 20% of the playing time are now eligible for Best New Artist.
- Voting schedule:
- First-round voting: October 3 – October 15, 2025
- Final-round voting: December 12, 2025 – January 5, 2026
These updates aim to give a wider range of artists a fair chance at recognition and reflect how the industry continues to evolve.
What to Watch Ahead of the Grammy Nominations 2026
With the nominations announcement approaching, here are key aspects to keep an eye on:
Artists and Releases
The eligibility window closes on August 30, 2025, meaning that any album or single released after that date will not qualify for the Grammy nominations 2026. This deadline is crucial for major artists planning end-of-year releases.
Major Category Contenders
While the official nominations have not yet been revealed, early industry buzz points toward several likely contenders for major categories:
- Album of the Year: Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, Lady Gaga’s Mayhem, and Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos are among early favorites.
- Record/Song of the Year: Tracks like Ordinary by Alex Warren and Anxiety by Doechii are also drawing attention.
These predictions reflect the kind of creative diversity that defines the Grammys each year.
Announcement & Viewing Details
Fans across the United States can tune in live to watch the Grammy nominations 2026 reveal:
- Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
- Time: 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET
- Platforms: The Recording Academy’s website and official YouTube channel
It’s expected to be a major online event, with live reactions flooding social media moments after the announcements.
New Categories to Watch
The addition of new categories gives more artists and creators opportunities to be recognized. Here’s what stands out:
- Best Traditional Country Album: A new space for country artists who produce more classic, roots-driven sounds.
- Best Album Cover: Honoring the visual artistry behind album packaging and design.
- Best Contemporary Country Album: A modernized take on the traditional country category, now focused on the genre’s evolving sound.
These changes reflect the Recording Academy’s goal to recognize not just sonic achievements, but also visual and cultural artistry in music.
Why the Grammy Nominations 2026 Matter
The Grammy nominations are more than just a list of names—they’re a snapshot of where music is heading. The upcoming Grammy nominations 2026 will highlight evolving genres, new creative boundaries, and the changing influence of global music on U.S. charts.
Here’s why this announcement is significant:
- Broader inclusion: The new and renamed categories encourage diversity across genres and production roles.
- Changing industry landscape: Streaming trends and global collaborations are increasingly shaping Grammy eligibility and competition.
- Cultural influence: Each year’s nominations reveal which artists and sounds are shaping American and international pop culture.
For fans, this is the moment when favorite artists either confirm their dominance or make their breakthrough on the world stage.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Period Ends | August 30, 2025 |
| Nominations Announcement | November 7, 2025 (8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET) |
| Final Voting Round | December 12, 2025 – January 5, 2026 |
| Grammy Awards Ceremony | February 1, 2026 |
Keeping track of these milestones ensures you won’t miss any part of the Grammy season.
What Fans Should Do Now
As anticipation builds, here’s how fans and music lovers can get ready for the big reveal:
- Mark your calendar for November 7, 2025, to catch the live nominations.
- Check your favorite artists’ release dates to see if their work falls within the eligibility window.
- Stay alert for updates from official Grammy channels and social media platforms.
- Join the conversation online when the nominations drop—Grammy talk always dominates trending lists.
With major artists in the running and new categories opening up opportunities for fresh talent, the Grammy nominations 2026 promise to deliver excitement, surprises, and milestones for the music industry.
In short: The Grammy nominations 2026 are set to redefine music recognition, spotlight new talent, and celebrate creative innovation. Make sure to tune in on November 7 to see who makes the cut.
Which artists do you think deserve a nomination this year? Share your picks and stay tuned for the official reveal!