Get ready for the ultimate Grammy predictions! We're about to dive into the world of music and uncover the albums that are most likely to dominate the Album of the Year category. But first, a bold statement: the Recording Academy's recent moves have given us some intriguing hints about the upcoming nominations.
On November 3rd, 2025, the Recording Academy announced a significant step towards diversity, adding over 2,900 new voting members. This move has the potential to shake up the Grammy landscape. With a younger, more diverse voting body, the nominations could reflect a broader range of musical tastes and perspectives.
But here's where it gets controversial: the inclusion of Latin Recording Academy members could tip the scales in favor of Latin artists. Bad Bunny, with his album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos," is a strong contender for a second Album of the Year nod. And with the influx of Latin Academy members, Karol G's "Tropicoqueta" is also in the running.
Last Thursday, the Academy dropped another hint by announcing the celebrities who will participate in the nominations livestream. Among them are artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Karol G, all vying for nods. While an invitation to announce nominees doesn't guarantee a nomination, it's a strong indicator of their potential success.
Now, let's talk about the sure bets for Album of the Year nods. Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga are at the top of the list. Both artists have a history of nominations in this category, and their latest albums, "GNX" and "Mayhem," respectively, are expected to continue that trend. If Lamar is nominated, he'll make history as the first solo artist to receive Album of the Year nods for five consecutive studio albums.
Elton John and Coldplay are also potential contenders, with their collaborations "Who Believes in Angels?" and "Moon Music" respectively. These artists have a strong track record with the Grammys and could be in for their fourth nods in this category.
But here's the part most people miss: rap albums have rarely dominated the Album of the Year category. In fact, there has never been more than two rap albums nominated in a single year. However, this year could see history made with three rap albums in the running. Lamar's "GNX" is a strong contender, and Clipse's "Let God Sort Em Out" and Tyler, the Creator's "CHROMAKOPIA" also have a good chance.
Soundtracks are also in the mix, with "KPop Demon Hunters" and "Wicked" being strong contenders. But the last 30 years have seen only three soundtracks nominated for Album of the Year, and all were linked to top-name producers.
Debut and breakthrough albums often make it to the finals, and this year is no exception. Leon Thomas' "Mutt," Alex Warren's "You'll Be Alright, Kid," and sombr's "I Barely Know Her" are all potential contenders. Olivia Dean's breakthrough album, "The Art of Loving," will be eligible next year, but she's already a front-runner for Best New Artist this year.
Other albums that are strong contenders include The Weeknd's "Hurry Up Tomorrow," Tate McRae's "So Close to What," and Kali Uchis' "Sincerely."
Here are the eight albums most likely to receive Grammy nods for Album of the Year, listed alphabetically by artist:
Bad Bunny - "Debí Tirar Más Fotos"
- Previous nods: 1
- Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 (four weeks)
- Notes: Bunny's latest album could make him the first artist with two Spanish-language albums nominated in the top category.
Sabrina Carpenter - "Man's Best Friend"
- Previous nods: 1
- Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 (one week)
- Notes: Carpenter is vying to join H.E.R. and Taylor Swift as the only artists nominated in this category in back-to-back years.
Clipse - "Let God Sort Em Out"
- Previous nods: 0
- Billboard 200 peak: No. 4 (one week)
- Notes: This album could be a lifetime achievement award for Clipse, who have a scant Grammy track record but have received praise for their latest release.
Elton John & Brandi Carlile - "Who Believes in Angels?"
- Previous nods: 3 for John, 2 for Carlile
- Billboard 200 peak: No. 9 (one week)
- Notes: This collaboration could give John a 55-year span of Album of the Year nominations, a record second only to Tony Bennett.
Lady Gaga - "Mayhem"
- Previous nods: 4
- Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 (one week)
- Notes: Gaga is aiming for her fifth nomination in this category and her first for a contemporary pop album since "Born This Way."
Kendrick Lamar - "GNX"
- Previous nods: 4
- Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 (three weeks)
- Notes: Lamar is on the brink of becoming the first rapper with five Album of the Year nods as a lead artist.
Tyler, the Creator - "CHROMAKOPIA"
- Previous nods: 0
- Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 (three weeks)
- Notes: This album could be Tyler's first nod in the category as a lead artist, showcasing his evolution from shock-rap to critical acclaim.
The Weeknd - "Hurry Up Tomorrow"
- Previous nods: 1
- Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 (one week)
- Notes: The Weeknd is hoping for a reconciliation with the Grammys after his boycott, and this album could be his ticket back into the spotlight.
So, who do you think will take home the Grammy for Album of the Year? Will the diverse voting body shake things up, or will the favorites prevail? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
