• Kendrick Lamar leads nominations and is the frontrunner for Album of the Year.
  • Bad Bunny could make history with a Spanish-language album win.
  • Record of the Year likely goes to Kendrick Lamar with SZA for “Luther.”
  • Trevor Noah hosts the 68th Grammys live from Crypto.com Arena on CBS.

H2: What to expect at the 68th Grammys

The 68th Grammy Awards air Sunday night live on CBS from Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. Trevor Noah returns as host for what he says will be his final telecast. Performers include Sabrina Carpenter, Leon Thomas, Clipse, Pharrell Williams, Addison Rae, Alex Warren and Olivia Dean.

H2: Who’s leading the nominations

Kendrick Lamar tops this year’s field with nine nominations. Lady Gaga and producers Cirkut and Jack Antonoff follow with seven each. Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Leon Thomas and recording engineer Serban Ghenea each scored six nominations. Those counts set up several marquee head-to-heads in the major categories.

H3: Album of the Year — a three-way race

Nominees include Bad Bunny (Debí Tirar Más Fotos), Kendrick Lamar (GNX), Lady Gaga (Mayhem) and strong entries from Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse, Leon Thomas, Justin Bieber and Tyler, the Creator.

Most insiders see a three-way contest between Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny. Kendrick carries momentum after a strong awards season and leads the pack in nominations. Lady Gaga has multiple past Album of the Year nods and could benefit from a “time to win” sentiment. A Bad Bunny victory would mark the first time a Spanish-language album takes the prize — a culturally significant possibility that would broaden the Grammys’ global reach.

Will win: Kendrick Lamar, GNX
Should win: Bad Bunny, Debí Tirar Más Fotos

H3: Record of the Year — intergenerational appeal

Record of the Year nominees feature Bad Bunny’s “DTMF,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower,” Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” and Kendrick Lamar with SZA’s “Luther,” among others.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” blends a classic sample and contemporary stars — the sort of intergenerational hit Grammy voters favor. Bruno Mars and Rosé could upset with “Apt.” and give Mars another record trophy, but momentum and voter taste point toward Lamar.

Will win: Kendrick Lamar with SZA, “Luther”
Should win: Kendrick Lamar with SZA, “Luther”

H2: Why these picks matter

After Beyoncé’s Album of the Year win last year, voters may again signal broader cultural moments — including language and representation — by rewarding choices like Bad Bunny. Still, the Recording Academy has a history of surprising outcomes, and the telecast could produce upsets in multiple categories.

H2: Quick takeaways

Kendrick Lamar is the frontrunner and likely top winner of the night. Bad Bunny remains the critical “should-win” candidate for Album of the Year. Expect spirited performances and a few surprises — the Grammys often reserve one or two baffling decisions for viewers.

Stay tuned: the winners and show highlights will emerge Sunday night as the ceremony unfolds live in L.A.

Image Referance: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2026-01-26/grammys-2026-predictions-bad-bunny-lady-gaga-kendrick-lamar