The Grammy snubs and surprises 2026 list has landed, and it immediately reshapes expectations for the year’s most-watched music awards. Although the Recording Academy received more than 23,000 submissions, the final nominations reveal a chaotic mix of bold choices, unexpected omissions and industry-shifting moments. As the Grammy snubs and surprises 2026 continue to spark debate, one thing is clear: this year’s lineup refuses to play it safe.
Grammys 2026 snubs: The biggest Grammy snubs and surprises 2026
The Weeknd tops the Grammy snubs and surprises 2026 list
The Weeknd’s return to the Grammys stage earlier this year suggested a long-awaited truce. After denouncing the awards in 2021, he performed “Cry for Me” and “Timeless,” marking his first Grammy appearance since 2017. The Academy publicly acknowledged past criticism and highlighted reforms aimed at diversifying voting membership.
However, that reconciliation didn’t result in nominations. His January album Hurry Up Tomorrow received no recognition, placing him at the top of the Grammy snubs and surprises 2026 conversation. Whether this leads to another hiatus from the Grammy stage remains a looming question.
Benson Boone joins the growing list of Grammy snubs and surprises 2026
Benson Boone spent the year selling out arenas worldwide and scoring consistent chart success. Songs like “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else” and “Mystical Magical” made him unavoidable on radio and social platforms. Nevertheless, the Grammys didn’t offer a single nod. His absence amplifies the ongoing debate around commercial popularity versus Academy taste.
Shawn Mendes fuels the debate around Grammy snubs and surprises 2026
Shawn Mendes’ self-titled album marked a vulnerable return after years spent focusing on mental health. Critics praised the project’s clarity and emotional weight. Yet Mendes — previously nominated three times — remains without a Grammy win. This year won’t change that, as he was shut out entirely.
Miley Cyrus: A surprising omission in Grammy snubs and surprises 2026
After winning her first two Grammys in 2024 and delivering one of the most electric performances of that year’s ceremony, Miley Cyrus looked poised for another major run. Her album Something Beautiful, paired with an ambitious visual project, explored healing and reinvention. Despite the artistic growth and strong singles, Cyrus received just one nomination — best pop vocal album.
Lorde’s absence deepens the Grammy snubs and surprises 2026 narrative
Lorde’s long-awaited album Virgin returned her to the quirky electronic-pop sound that defined her early success. Critics embraced it, and the record topped Billboard’s Rock & Alternative chart. Still, the Academy passed. For an artist with two Grammys and a global following, this omission stands out.
Reneé Rapp adds another twist to the Grammy snubs and surprises 2026
Reneé Rapp’s sharp lyrics and rock-pop ferocity positioned her as a natural contender for best new artist. But the Academy opted for other rising acts instead. Her exclusion feels temporary, though — her momentum suggests she’ll return in a future cycle.
Grammys 2026 surprises: New names reshape the Grammy snubs and surprises 2026 narrative
Katseye delivers one of the biggest Grammy surprises 2026
Katseye — a multinational girl group born from a reality competition series — jumped into the spotlight with two major nominations: best new artist and best pop duo/group performance for “Gabriela.” Their rapid rise underscores how global pop continues to influence American awards culture.
HUNTR/X and the K-pop breakthrough among Grammy surprises 2026
K-pop fans spent years waiting for a true Grammy breakthrough. Surprisingly, it arrived through KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix’s animated hit. “Golden,” performed by HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI), earned nominations in categories that traditionally favor industry veterans, including song of the year.
The soundtrack also scored a nod for best compilation soundtrack. This moment may mark a turning point for K-pop’s long campaign for Grammy recognition.
Timothée Chalamet is the most unexpected addition to Grammy surprises 2026
Timothée Chalamet, known primarily for his acting, stunned audiences with his performance as Bob Dylan in a major film project. His work in the soundtrack categories earned him a serious shot at Grammy recognition. The nomination instantly became one of the most talked-about twists in the Grammy snubs and surprises 2026 narrative.
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