Why Did Some Major Artists Leave the 2026 Grammys Empty-Handed?
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, were a mix of historic victories, unexpected outcomes, and notable omissions. While some artists walked away with multiple awards, others left empty-handed despite high expectations. This year’s ceremony highlighted both the evolution of the music industry and ongoing debates about the Recording Academy’s selection process.
Landmark Victories
Bad Bunny — Album of the Year & More
Bad Bunny made history by winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, the first fully Spanish-language album to claim this top prize. In addition, he earned Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance, cementing his global influence. His triumph symbolized both personal achievement and a broader recognition of Latin music on the international stage.
Kendrick Lamar — Record-Breaking Rap Success
Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, winning Record of the Year for “Luther” with SZA, Best Rap Album for GNX, and several other rap-focused categories. These victories made him the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history, surpassing previous records. Lamar’s wins underscored his enduring impact on hip-hop and confirmed his artistic consistency over the past decade.
Billie Eilish — Song of the Year
Billie Eilish took home Song of the Year for “Wildflower,” a track praised for its lyrical depth and emotive power. This win highlighted her ability to appeal to both mainstream audiences and critical tastemakers, reinforcing her status as one of pop music’s most influential voices.
Lady Gaga — Best Pop Vocal Album
Lady Gaga’s Mayhem won Best Pop Vocal Album, adding another significant honor to her distinguished career. Her victory confirmed her continued relevance and versatility as a leading figure in modern music.
Olivia Dean — Best New Artist
Rising British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean claimed Best New Artist, marking a major milestone in her career. Her soulful sound and storytelling earned critical acclaim, making her a breakthrough star of 2026.
Other Genre Highlights
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Jelly Roll — Best Contemporary Country Album (Beautifully Broken)
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Lola Young — Best Pop Solo Performance
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Turnstile — Best Rock Album (Never Enough)
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Leon Thomas — Best R&B Album (Mutt)
These wins illustrate the diversity of the Grammys, which continue to honor both mainstream and niche genres.
Notable Snubs and Surprises
Despite high-profile victories, the 2026 Grammys also featured some unexpected omissions.
K-Pop Artists Left Empty-Handed
K-Pop stars, including Rosé and projects tied to KPop Demon Hunters, received nominations but failed to win. This continuation of a long-standing trend frustrated fans, as it suggests that the Academy still struggles to fully integrate global pop phenomena into its award decisions.
Sabrina Carpenter — Multiple Nominations, No Wins
Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter entered the ceremony with several nominations but did not win any awards. Despite critical acclaim and commercial success, she left without recognition, one of the most notable snubs of the evening.
Justin Bieber — Expected but Overlooked
Justin Bieber, nominated in key categories like Album of the Year, also went home empty-handed. His absence from the winner’s list reinforced the idea that commercial popularity does not guarantee Grammy success.
Other Surprising Omissions
Certain rock, alternative, and mainstream artists received nominations but did not secure awards, demonstrating the unpredictability of the Academy’s voting process.
Patterns Behind the Snubs
The results highlight several patterns in Grammy selection:
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Artistic merit often outweighs commercial success — popular artists may not win if their work is not deemed innovative or impactful enough by the Academy.
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Global representation is improving, but unevenly — Latin artists like Bad Bunny are breaking barriers, yet K-Pop artists still face challenges.
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Critical acclaim carries significant weight — the Academy often prioritizes innovation, songwriting, and cultural significance over streaming numbers or fan votes.
These factors help explain why some high-profile artists left without awards despite strong fan support and media buzz.
Cultural and Industry Reflections
The ceremony also included memorable performances, tributes, and political statements. Many artists used their stage time and acceptance speeches to address social issues, emphasizing immigrant rights, inclusion, and cultural representation. Host Trevor Noah guided the night with humor and commentary, blending entertainment with reflection.
The evening demonstrated that the Grammys continue to balance honoring established icons with recognizing emerging talent. The winners spanned genres, from Latin and hip-hop to pop, country, and R&B, reflecting the current diversity of the music landscape.
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Winners vs. Snubs: Quick Summary
Major Winners:
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Album of the Year: Debí Tirar Más Fotos — Bad Bunny
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Record of the Year: “Luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
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Song of the Year: “Wildflower” — Billie Eilish
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Best New Artist: Olivia Dean
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Best Pop Vocal Album: Mayhem — Lady Gaga
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Best Rock Album: Never Enough — Turnstile
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Best R&B Album: Mutt — Leon Thomas
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Best Contemporary Country Album: Beautifully Broken — Jelly Roll
Notable Snubs:
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K-Pop acts: Rosé, KPop Demon Hunters
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Sabrina Carpenter: multiple nominations, no wins
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Justin Bieber: key nominations, no wins
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Various alternative and rock artists: nominated but overlooked
In Summary
The 2026 Grammys were a night of contrasts. Historic wins, such as Bad Bunny’s Album of the Year and Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking haul, demonstrated progress and recognition for diverse musical voices. At the same time, high-profile artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and several K-Pop performers left without awards, highlighting the Academy’s emphasis on artistic merit, innovation, and cultural impact over commercial visibility.
Ultimately, the question of why some top artists went home empty-handed in 2026 is tied to the Grammys’ ongoing balancing act: celebrating both industry veterans and emerging talent while trying to measure creativity and influence in a complex, global music landscape. The 2026 ceremony reminded audiences that Grammy recognition is never guaranteed, and that the awards continue to provoke debate, surprise, and reflection about what truly defines musical excellence.
