The 2026 Grammy nominations are finally out, and while many artists celebrated career-defining recognition, others were left out in the cold — sparking a wave of online backlash. From The Weeknd’s continued shutout to Lorde’s unexpected exclusion, the Recording Academy’s choices once again reignited the annual debate over who truly deserves music’s biggest honor.
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The Weeknd
Despite officially ending his Grammy boycott last year, The Weeknd found himself completely snubbed once again. His latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, was both a commercial and critical triumph. The project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with over 490,000 equivalent units, powered by hit singles like “Timeless” and “Cry For Me.” Fans had hoped this would mark his long-overdue reconciliation with the Academy after the After Hours and “Blinding Lights” controversy in 2021. Instead, he received zero nominations, continuing one of the most puzzling omissions in recent Grammy history.
Lorde
Another shocker came with Lorde, whose fourth studio album Virgin was widely hailed as one of the best records of 2025. The album, her first in four years, was praised for its introspective songwriting and sonic experimentation. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, topping charts globally — yet earned not a single nomination. For an artist with two Grammy wins and an enduring influence on modern pop, the snub feels especially striking.
Alex Warren
Rising singer-songwriter Alex Warren scored a major career milestone with his first-ever nomination for Best New Artist, but fans were stunned that his viral hit “Ordinary” received no recognition in any major categories. The emotional ballad dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks and became one of the most streamed songs of 2025.
Gracie Abrams
Last year’s Best New Artist nominee Gracie Abrams was also overlooked, despite a standout year. Her deluxe album The Secret of Us (Deluxe) featured the viral hit “That’s So True,” which earned global acclaim. Many expected at least a Best Pop Solo Performance nod — but she received none.
Megan Moroney
Country fans were equally frustrated to see Megan Moroney missing from the nominations list. The singer-songwriter has been one of the genre’s fastest-rising stars over the past year, achieving massive chart success and critical praise. Yet despite her dominance, she failed to secure a single nod — not even in Best New Artist or Country categories.
Ravyn Lenae
Another notable absence is Ravyn Lenae, whose ethereal R&B single “Love Me Not” marked a major breakthrough in 2024. Though the track’s release date made it ineligible for some categories, many still expected her to appear among the Best New Artist nominees.
Miley Cyrus, Tate McRae, Ariana Grande
Even established stars weren’t spared. Miley Cyrus, fresh off her recent Grammy wins, received only one nomination for Something Beautiful in Best Pop Vocal Album, despite its chart-topping success and acclaimed visuals. Tate McRae, meanwhile, earned her first-ever nod for Best Dance Pop Recording (“Just Keep Watching”) but failed to score recognition for her No. 1 album So Close to What. And Ariana Grande, who expanded her Eternal Sunshine era with Brighter Days Ahead, saw her hit “Twilight Zone” completely ignored, despite strong streaming numbers and critical praise.
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