Awards season is ever looming, be it for film, television or in the case of this article, music.
The nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards are set to be announced next week (November 7), but for those who think it’s going to be another Swiftogeddon at next year’s ceremony, you might want to rethink your choices ahead of the nominees announcement.
As it stands, Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, will not be eligible for any awards next year, owing to the eligibility period for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards (2026) ending on August 30. Her album and its lead singles, which were released in early October 2025, missed this official cut-off date by over a month.
This scheduling choice means that The Life of a Showgirl will instead be a top contender and a likely favourite for nominations in the subsequent 69th Annual Grammy Awards (2027) cycle, leading to the multiple four-time Album of the Year winner sitting out the competition—a rare break in her long-running Grammy presence.
But it has still been an incredible (GRAMMY) calendar year for releases; so ahead of next week’s all-important announcement, who do we think are some of the leading contenders to be nominated - and in what category?
Join us as we speculate the 2026 GRAMMY Award nominees, before the official announcement is made next week via livestream on the official GRAMMY website and YouTube channel.
7. Contributed
Charli XCX’s Brat was hailed by critics as a ground-breaking moment in contemporary pop and electronic music, sparking widespread cultural conversation. This combination of commercial impact and critical praise makes the highly influential and innovative album a certainty for nomination in the Alternative Music Album category.
8. Tyla (Best New Artist)
The South African singer Tyla had a genuine international breakthrough with her hit single 'Water,' quickly establishing her as a global star whose sound blends pop and Amapiano. Her success, including major chart placements and awards recognition, positions her as a formidable contender for a Best New Artist nod, representing the expanding global reach of the category. | AFP via Getty Images
9. Sleep Token (Best Metal Performance)
This masked metal collective experienced an undeniable surge in popularity during the eligibility window, crossing over from the underground to mainstream festival and chart success. Their single 'The Summoning' and subsequent album showcase a unique, technically proficient, and highly discussed sound that should see them nominated for Best Metal Performance. | Matt Higgs/Download Festival Photo: Matt Higgs/Download Festival
10. SZA (Record of the Year)
Although SZA did not release a new full-length project in this window, her single releases like 'Saturn' and high-profile features (notably on Kendrick Lamar's work) keep her firmly in the conversation. Her status as a critically-adored R&B powerhouse with massive appeal ensures she will be submitted and nominated for any eligible solo or collaborative track. | Getty Images
11. Jelly Roll (Best Traditional Country Album)
Jelly Roll is the definitive crossover success story in the Country genre, bringing rock and rap elements to an emotional core that resonates broadly. With the Grammys introducing the new Best Traditional Country Album category, his latest album, Beautifully Broken, is a strong submission that should be highly favoured in the Country field. | Contributed
12. The Weeknd (Best R&B Album)
Despite his public protest against the awards, The Weeknd remains one of the most commercially successful and artistically ambitious figures in R&B and Pop. If his latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, was submitted—a strategic move by his label often observed—its global dominance will likely ensure a nomination in the Best Progressive R&B or R&B Album category. | Getty Images for Live Nation