Overview of the Event
The crème de la crème of the music industry will gather this Sunday in Los Angeles to celebrate the 68th edition of the Grammy Awards, where superstars Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny aim to make history.
Kendrick Lamar’s Quest for the Album of the Year
The rapper Lamar, who dominated last year’s awards by winning five Grammys, returns with nine nominations and hopes to win the coveted Album of the Year trophy for the first time. This would also be a milestone for Puerto Rican Bad Bunny and shape-shifting Lady Gaga, who lead the favorites list.
With his successful album “GNX” and hit single “Luther,” featuring SZA, Lamar, 38, entered the three most important categories: Recording, Song, and Album of the Year. The Album of the Year award remains elusive for the Pulitzer-winning rapper, who currently holds 22 Grammys.
In 2025, Lamar was honored by the Recording Academy for his viral “Not like us,” which was Song of the Year. However, this time the competition is fierce.
Bad Bunny’s Winning Streak
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, aka Bad Bunny, seems unstoppable in his globalization of reggaeton. He made history by having “Un verano sin ti” (2022), a fully Spanish album, nominated for Album of the Year by the Recording Academy. Now, with his highly-praised “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” he’s a strong contender in the three major categories.
Music scholar Lauron Kehrer praised Bad Bunny’s album, stating, “It was a very emotional album that addressed many themes and musical styles. It beautifully tackled decolonization and incorporated traditional Puerto Rican music into mainstream audiences.”
Bad Bunny is currently on an international tour following a successful residency in his home country. He’s also gearing up for his highly-anticipated halftime show performance at the Super Bowl on February 8 in California, which has ignited passions in a politically divided United States.
Kehrer believes Bad Bunny’s potential win could signal “the growing influence of Latino cultures in the United States.” Lady Gaga, with her “Mayhem” and seven Grammy nominations, is also a strong contender. Her single “Abracadabra” is another frontrunner for Song of the Year, but faces stiff competition from Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” and “Golden,” the standout track from Netflix’s animated film “The Warriors K-pop.”
Shifting Demographics and Streaming Influence
Music scholar Lauron Kehrer notes that the Grammy nominations reflect changes in the Recording Academy’s demographic composition, with over 3,800 new members admitted, half of whom are under 40 and 58% are people of color.
The nominations also mirror the shift in music consumption due to streaming platforms’ rise.
Kehrer describes the Grammys as “more conservative,” suggesting that winning artists reflect the current climate rather than attempting to change it.
She also anticipates a resurgence and expansion of R&B, with emerging artists Olivia Dean and Leon Thomas projected as contenders for Best New Artist.
Grammy Details
The 68th Grammy Awards, hosted once again by comedian Trevor Noah, will air starting at 5:00 PM local time (1:00 AM GMT).
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the leading contenders at the 68th Grammy Awards? Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga.
- What is Kendrick Lamar’s goal at the Grammys? Winning Album of the Year for the first time.
- Why is Bad Bunny a strong contender? His album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” has been highly praised and nominated in the major categories.
- What makes Lady Gaga a frontrunner? Her album “Mayhem” has been successful, and her single “Abracadabra” is a strong contender for Song of the Year.
- How do the Grammy nominations reflect current trends? The demographic changes in the Recording Academy and the rise of streaming platforms have influenced this year’s nominations.
