The 2026 Grammy nominations brought major surprises and shocking snubs, from The Weeknd’s shutout to KPop Demon Hunters’ unexpected triumphs.
The Recording Academy has spoken — and not everyone is celebrating. With over 23,000 submissions for the 2026 Grammy Awards, only a select few artists made the cut, leaving behind some major names in music. From The Weeknd’s total shutout to animated stars from KPop Demon Hunters earning historic nods, the latest Grammy nominations delivered both heartbreak and surprise.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, airing live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. While top nominees include Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Sabrina Carpenter, some of music’s biggest stars are notably absent — and fans have plenty to say.
The Biggest Grammy Snubs
The Weeknd
After returning to the Grammy stage earlier this year for the first time since 2017, The Weeknd’s supposed truce with the Recording Academy didn’t last long. Despite his highly anticipated album Hurry Up Tomorrow earning strong reviews, it received zero nominations. His boycott-breaking performance of “Cry for Me” and “Timeless” now seems like a brief peace that didn’t translate into awards recognition.
Benson Boone
Known for his gravity-defying live performances and chart-topping hits like “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else,” Boone’s sophomore album American Heart failed to impress voters. His absence from the nominations stings, but his sold-out world tour may soften the blow.
Shawn Mendes
Following a personal and creative reset, Mendes’ introspective self-titled album Shawn received praise for its emotional honesty but didn’t earn a single nomination. Despite previous Grammy nods, Mendes remains without a win — or a place on this year’s ballot.
Miley Cyrus
After her triumphant Grammy wins in 2024, Cyrus seemed poised for another big year with her ambitious visual album Something Beautiful. Despite its emotional depth and hit singles “End of the World” and “Easy Lover,” she received just one nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album.
Lorde
The New Zealand artist returned in June with Virgin, a critically adored record blending electronic pop with introspective lyrics. Even with strong chart performances, Lorde was completely overlooked, adding to the list of snubs that left fans stunned.
Reneé Rapp
Her bold, unapologetic energy made her a fan favorite this year, but the “Bite Me” singer didn’t break into the Best New Artist category. Still, with her raw honesty and rock edge, it’s likely Rapp’s time will come soon.
The Biggest Grammy Surprises
Katseye
The international girl group Katseye — made up of Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae — went from reality competition winners to Grammy nominees. Their 2025 EP Beautiful Chaos and breakout single “Gabriela,” co-written with Charli XCX and Andrew Watt, landed them nominations for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best New Artist.
HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters
In one of the most surprising Grammy moments, KPop Demon Hunters became an awards-season breakout. The trio HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI) scored nominations in multiple categories for their hit “Golden,” including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media, and the coveted Song of the Year. The film’s soundtrack also earned a nod for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media — marking a major moment for K-pop representation at the Grammys.
Timothée Chalamet
The A Complete Unknown star shocked many by earning recognition for his musical portrayal of Bob Dylan. Chalamet’s performance and the film’s soundtrack helped him land in the same Grammy categories as major musical acts, proving his range extends far beyond the screen.
This year’s Grammys may have left stars like The Weeknd and Miley Cyrus out in the cold, but it also ushered in a wave of new voices, unexpected collaborations, and historic nominations. Whether fans are thrilled or furious, one thing’s for certain — the 2026 Grammy Awards are already one of the most talked-about in years.
