Rapper Kendrick Lamar has once again positioned himself as a leading contender at the Grammy Awards, amassing an impressive nine nominations for the second year in a row. Close behind him is pop superstar Lady Gaga, who garnered seven nominations. Both artists are in the running for the highly sought-after Album of the Year award, with Lamar’s celebrated project “GNX” and Gaga’s latest release “MAYHEM”. Despite their numerous nominations over the years, neither has yet claimed this prestigious honor.
The Album of the Year category also features other strong contenders, including Bad Bunny with his Spanish-language album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Justin Bieber’s “Swag,” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend.” Notably, three rap albums are included among the nominees, showcasing a strong presence from the genre: Tyler, the Creator’s “Chromakopia” and Clipse’s “Let God Sort Em Out.”
In a noteworthy twist, the beloved “The Life of a Showgirl” by Taylor Swift was not eligible for a nomination as it was released after the Grammy eligibility period closed. Bad Bunny, who is set to wow audiences during the next Super Bowl halftime show, received six nominations this year—making history as the first Latin artist nominated in all three major categories.
Billboard awards editor Paul Grein highlighted the competitive nature of this year’s Album of the Year race, suggesting that Lamar may take home the trophy, which would solidify his status as the first solo male rap artist to do so. He also noted Gaga’s widespread fan admiration as a strong factor in her nomination.
Further broadening the scope of this year’s nominations, two K-pop tracks made it to the Song of the Year category: “Golden,” from the popular Netflix film “KPop Demon Hunters,” and “APT.” by Rose and Bruno Mars. The track “Golden” earned three nominations, reflecting its significant cultural impact.
The Best New Artist category features emerging stars such as Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, and Alex Warren. Thomas is also recognized in the Album of the Year race for his project “Mutt,” showcasing the rising talent in the industry.
Winners will be selected by approximately 15,000 voting members of the Recording Academy, with the results announced at a red-carpet ceremony in Los Angeles on February 1. This year’s nominations not only highlight the diversity and talent within the music industry but also signal a promising future as artists continue to break barriers and captivate audiences worldwide.