2026 Grammy Nominations Spark Snub Controversy for The Weeknd, Alex Warren, Lorde and Others
The Recording Academy announced its 2026 Grammy nominations on Tuesday, prompting a wave of criticism after several high‑profile artists were left off the list. Among those most frequently cited were The Weeknd, rising pop sensation Alex Warren, and New Zealand singer‑songwriter Lorde, whose recent releases have enjoyed strong commercial and critical reception.
The Weeknd's absence is especially striking given his highly publicized return to the Grammy stage earlier this year. After a 2021 snub that led him to boycott the awards, he performed a surprise set at the ceremony, signaling a tentative reconciliation with the Academy. Industry observers note that his latest album, which topped charts worldwide, was widely expected to earn multiple nominations.
Alex Warren, a 19‑year‑old artist who broke streaming records with his debut single, was also omitted despite a string of top‑ten hits and a Grammy‑eligible EP released in late 2025. Similarly, Lorde, whose 2025 album received praise for its lyrical depth and innovative production, was left out of all major categories, fueling speculation about the Academy's criteria for genre representation.
Spokespersons for the Recording Academy emphasized that the nomination process relies on peer voting and that no single factor guarantees a nod. "The votes reflect the collective judgment of voting members across a broad spectrum of the music industry," a representative said. Independent analysts echoed this view, suggesting that the snubs may highlight ongoing tensions between emerging artists and established voting blocs, as well as the challenges of adapting traditional award structures to a rapidly evolving musical landscape.
Looking ahead, the controversy is likely to influence both public perception of the Grammys and the strategies of artists campaigning for future awards. Critics argue that greater transparency and more inclusive voting mechanisms could mitigate similar disputes, while supporters maintain that the current system continues to honor a diverse range of musical excellence. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Academy responds with procedural adjustments before the February ceremony.
