In 2025, artists have released some fantastic music. Many artists’ careers took off this year, and several others used this year to strengthen their discography and write chart-topping hits. The Recording Academy just released its list of GRAMMY nominations for the February GRAMMY awards ceremony. Though many remarkable artists snagged nominations this year, many equally deserving artists got snubbed.
Although the Recording Academy failed to deliver every deserving artist a GRAMMY nomination, we want to recognize a few snubbed artists who truly shone this year. Here are four artists who should have received a 2026 GRAMMY nomination:
1. Lorde
Even after her long-awaited return to music and the endless praise for her fourth studio album, “Virgin,” Lorde received no Grammy nominations this year. Her album quickly climbed the charts after its initial release in June 2025, claiming a number-two spot on the U.S. Billboard chart and the number-one spot for several major Billboard categories, including Top Album Sales, Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Alternative Albums, Vinyl Albums, and Indie Store Album Sales. The album also debuted at number one in New Zealand and Australia. “Virgin” is her most successful album debut since “Melodrama” in 2017.
Lorde’s singles also contributed to her success this year. Her lead single for “Virgin,” “What Was That,” landed at number 36 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and her song “Ribs” hit the charts at number 99, 12 years after its initial release. Another Lorde single, “Man of the Year,” also made waves this summer. But unfortunately, “Man of the Year” didn’t receive a nomination for Song of the Year.
2. Conan Gray
Though “Wishbone” is Conan Gray’s most successful album yet, it did not receive any Grammy nominations. After it debuted in August, Gray’s fourth studio album rose to number one in Billboard’s Top Album Sales category. “Wishbone” also became the highest-charting album on Billboard. His devastatingly beautiful lyrics captured the hearts of many fans, both new and old.
Gray didn’t just miss out on an Album of the Year nomination for “Wishbone;” his show-stopping “Vodka Cranberry” performance should have earned him a GRAMMY nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.
It’s not just Conan’s melancholic music that makes us sad. His lack of recognition does, too.
3. Role Model
Everyone on the internet knows it has been a great year for Tucker Pillsbury, better known as Role Model. Role Model stole people’s hearts with his yearning lyrics and charmed them with his TikTok humor and wit. He even managed to snag a spot as PEOPLE’s first-ever Sexiest Man Alive centerfold.
This year, Role Model’s viral hit, “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” debuted as his first-ever number-one song, with his album, “Kansas Anymore,” reaching number 10 on the Top Alternative Albums chart. He gained plenty of attention on social media for bringing famous stars on stage to play the role of “Sally” while performing the “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” song live. During tour and festival appearances, he welcomed mega stars, such as Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, Hilary Duff, Kate Hudson, and Troye Sivan, to the stage.
Though he launched his music career nearly a decade ago, Role Model truly had a breakout 2025. While fans certainly recognized his success this year, the Recording Academy didn’t. Role Model received no nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards — but he definitely should’ve.
4. Tate McRae
Though her single, “Just Keep Watching,” was nominated for Best Dance Pop Recording, Tate was snubbed from the biggest GRAMMY categories. Despite its success, her third studio album, “So Close to What,” received zero Grammy nominations. Shockingly, despite landing in the top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100, two of McRae’s hit singles, “Sports Car” and “Revolving Door,” weren’t nominated at all.
Along with Taylor Swift and SZA, Tate was one of the only women to lead the Billboard Artist 100 chart in 2025. And of course, her VMA performance in September was iconic. Her remarkable dance and vocal skills set her apart from many other Grammy-nominated artists. At just 22 years old, Tate is already redefining the pop music scene.
Although the Recording Academy failed to recognize these artists, that doesn’t change the fact that they’re talented in their own right. I’m sure that these four artists will eventually rack up plenty of GRAMMY awards. Until then, they have their loyal fans and stunning vocals as undeniable proof of their accomplishments.
Featured Photo via Google Creative Commons.
I completely agree that many talented artists were overlooked in the GRAMMY nominations. It’s disappointing when deserving musicians don’t get the recognition they deserve. Do you think the nomination process needs a revamp to ensure fair consideration for all genres and artists, especially those who produced exceptional work this year polytrack?
Seeing Lorde’s ‘Virgin’ topping charts and still no Grammy nod? Seriously?
I totally agree with your list of snubs! It’s crazy how some great artists get overlooked. By the way, after reading this, I needed a break and played a quick round of electron dash to unwind. It’s such a fun little game!
I totally agree with your list of snubs! It’s crazy how some great artists get overlooked. By the way, after reading this, I needed a break and played a quick round of electron dash to unwind. It’s such a fun little game!
Great list! I was surprised to see some big names missing from the nominations this year. It’s always interesting to hear about the snubs and who might have been overlooked. Thanks for breaking it down in a clear way.