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.
13. FKA twigs (Best Dance/Electronic Album)
FKA twigs is consistently recognised for her innovative, boundary-pushing artistry, and her latest work, Eusexua, continues this trend within the electronic sphere. Her commitment to experimental sound design and artistic depth makes her a predictable choice for the Academy's nominations in the newly refined Dance/Electronic categories. | Getty Images
14. Addison Rae (Best New Artist)
Addison Rae represents the modern pop star blueprint, leveraging massive social media influence into genuine musical success with viral singles and a developing sound. Her undeniable impact on the musical landscape within the eligibility period aligns with the Academy's criteria for recognising artists achieving a major breakthrough. | Getty Images for Coachella
15. Noah Kahan (Best American Roots Performance)
Noah Kahan’s continued, massive mainstream success throughout the eligibility period, particularly with the deluxe edition of Stick Season, bridges folk authenticity with mass appeal. Given his established sound and narrative, he is a clear favourite to dominate the American Roots Field categories. | Getty Images
16. Khruangbin (Best Alternative Music Album)
The trio Khruangbin is a critical favourite known for their unique blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and global sounds. Their album A La Sala is a seamless, mood-setting work that appeals directly to the Academy’s love for high-quality musicianship and genre fusion, making it a strong nominee in the Alternative field. | Cuffe and Taylor and The Piece Hall
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17. Rosé (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance)
The global BLACKPINK star's solo work and recent massive collaborations, particularly the hugely popular track "APT.," put her in a strong position for a breakthrough in the Pop and General Fields. Her established fanbase and global streaming power make her a notable new contender on the Grammy landscape. | AFP via Getty Images