The Grammy Awards are the biggest celebration of music in the world. Every year, they honor the best songs, albums, and artists across many different styles and genres. The 2026 Grammy Awards will be held on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, and the official list of nominees will be announced on November 7, 2025. Only music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, will be considered.
This year, there are a few exciting changes. A brand-new category called Best Traditional Country Album has been added. This is for artists who sing old-style country music, like Western swing and acoustic songs. It helps separate the classic country sound from the newer, pop-influenced style of country music.
Another new category is Best Album Cover, which celebrates the designers and artists who create the look and feel of music albums. In today’s world, how an album looks is almost as important as how it sounds, and this award gives credit to the creative minds behind the visuals.
Also, what used to be called “Best Country Album” is now called Best Contemporary Country Album—a clearer name for modern country music. Some packaging awards were also combined into one: Best Recording Package, to simplify things and focus on great presentation.
Changes were also made to the rules for the Best New Artist category. Before, if an artist worked on a big album, they couldn’t qualify. Now, they can—if they contributed less than 20% of that album. This makes it easier for new talent to get noticed.
Even with these updates, the most important categories stay the same. These include Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist. These are the top awards and every artist dreams of winning one.
While we’re still waiting for the full list of nominees, people are already talking. Big names like Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Jelly Roll are among the early favorites.
The 2026 Grammy Awards are not just about music—they’re about recognizing creativity, talent, and the power of sound and story. With new categories and more chances for artists to shine, this year’s show promises to be unforgettable.
