Quick Read
- Timothée Chalamet received his first-ever Grammy nomination for a song in the Bob Dylan biopic soundtrack.
- Music stars Lorde and The Weeknd were excluded from all 2026 Grammy categories despite recent albums.
- Taylor Swift and Beyoncé were not nominated due to no eligible releases within the required timeframe.
- Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and K-Pop group HUNTR/X also secured notable nominations.
Grammy 2026: Chalamet’s Unexpected Entry Shakes Up the Nomination List
Every awards season brings its share of surprises, but the 2026 Grammy nominations have sparked more debate than usual. When the Recording Academy announced the contenders, the absence of industry heavyweights and the emergence of an unexpected nominee became the talk of the music world.
Major Stars Shut Out: Lorde and The Weeknd Missing from the List
The headlines were dominated by who didn’t make the cut. Pop sensation Lorde, whose fourth studio album Virgin soared up the charts and impressed critics, found herself completely left off the list. Fans voiced their disbelief across social media, some recalling the Academy’s past controversies—especially in 2018, when Lorde’s acclaimed Melodrama was nominated for Album of the Year but she was the only female nominee not invited to perform. The disappointment was compounded by The Weeknd’s exclusion for his latest record Hurry Up Tomorrow. Four years after labeling the Grammys as “corrupt” and boycotting the event, The Weeknd’s strained relationship with the Academy seems unresolved.
Absent Icons: Swift and Beyoncé Sit Out Due to Release Dates
Adding to the confusion, fans noticed two more missing giants: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. The organizers clarified that neither artist released a new album within the eligibility window (August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025), making them ineligible for this year’s awards. With so many household names absent, the stage was set for new faces and unexpected contenders to shine.
Timothée Chalamet: From Silver Screen to Grammy Stage
Perhaps the most surprising twist came with the inclusion of Timothée Chalamet, known primarily for his acting prowess and tabloid appearances as Kylie Jenner’s boyfriend. Chalamet secured his first Grammy nomination for a song he performed on the soundtrack of the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. The nomination marks a rare crossover from acting to music recognition, raising eyebrows and excitement in equal measure. While actors occasionally dabble in music, few manage to earn this level of acclaim—especially for a project so deeply rooted in musical heritage.
Chalamet’s nomination not only highlights his versatility but also points to the Grammys’ evolving embrace of cross-disciplinary talent. The Academy’s willingness to spotlight artists beyond traditional musicians suggests a shift in what it means to contribute meaningfully to the musical landscape.
Other Unexpected Nominations and Omissions
The surprises didn’t end with Chalamet. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a prominent figure in the U.S. Supreme Court, was nominated in the Best Audio Book/Narration category for her memoir-based audiobook Lovely One. This nomination underscores the Grammys’ reach beyond music into storytelling and spoken word.
K-Pop continued its global rise, with HUNTR/X (Lee Jae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami) earning nods for their work on the Netflix animation KPop Demon Hunters. Their nominations in both Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Song of the Year were celebrated by fans as a testament to Korean artists’ international impact.
On the other hand, some emerging stars faced letdowns. Miley Cyrus, whose electrifying performances have kept her in the spotlight, received just one nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album (Something Beautiful). Broadway’s René Rapp also left fans wanting more, failing to secure recognition as a breakout artist this year.
Hayley Williams: Paramore’s Lead Singer Finds Solo Success
Hayley Williams, best known as the frontwoman of Paramore, took a step into the solo spotlight and earned four nominations for her album Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. Her recognition signals a new chapter, both for her career and for the Grammys’ approach to solo work from established band members.
Looking Ahead: What Chalamet’s Nomination Means for the Grammys
With the 2026 ceremony scheduled for February 1st at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena and broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+, fans and critics alike are left to speculate about the future. Will Chalamet’s nomination open doors for more actors and multi-hyphenate artists? Does the exclusion of top musicians signal a changing of the guard, or simply reflect the quirks of eligibility and timing?
One thing is clear: this year’s Grammys have reignited debates about the Academy’s selection process, its relationship with artists, and the evolving definitions of musical achievement. The mixing of genres, disciplines, and backgrounds points to a more inclusive—if unpredictable—future for music’s biggest night.
Timothée Chalamet’s nomination isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a symbol of shifting boundaries in the entertainment world. As icons are snubbed and new faces emerge, the Grammys reveal both the strengths and growing pains of an institution striving to keep pace with creative evolution. This year’s list is a reminder: in music, as in life, the unexpected is often the most compelling.