The Recording Academy is no stranger to overlooking objectively brilliant art. Kesha’s “Praying” losing to Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” in 2018 solidified that the Recording Academy sometimes makes questionable decisions. Don’t even get us started on FKA Twigs’ “Cellophane” music video losing to Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road” in 2020. Absolutely criminal. This is our list of the three 2026 Grammy nomination snubs ahead of the big ceremony on February 1.
1. ‘Virgin’ – Lorde
“Virgin” by Lorde is arguably one of the most culturally influential albums of the year. With a significant social media trend based around her song “Man of the Year”, it was safe to assume that Lorde would at least be nominated for Song of the Year or Album of the Year. This was not the case. Lorde received zero nominations for her album, which not only debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard chart but was also artistically paramount.
“Virgin” discusses Lorde’s personal struggles with eating disorders, a painful breakup, and femininity as a whole. Lyrically, Lorde never misses. “Virgin”, however, took her production value to a whole new level. “David”, in itself, is a masterpiece in terms of production. Its highs with panoramic audio and heavy synths contrast the quietness of the question she asks: “Am I ever gonna love again?” Lorde never fails to devastate with her music. From “Liability” to “David”, her artistry is visceral, making this one of the most egregious snubs of the year.
2. ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ – The Weeknd
To understand why “Hurry Up Tomorrow” receiving no nominations is so insulting, we must look at the history. The Weeknd is an undeniably iconic artist, yet he has never won in a major Grammy category. His massively successful albums “Beauty Behind the Madness” and “Starboy” both won the Best Urban Contemporary Album award. However, many view this as insulting and racially charged. Tyler, The Creator openly criticized the “urban” category and dubbed it “a politically correct way to say the n-word.” He compared it to playing a game with his younger cousin and giving him the unplugged controller, “so he can shut up and feel good about it.”
Following The Weeknd’s 2020 release of “After Hours” and the Academy’s blatant disregard for the album, The Weeknd issued a statement saying that he would “no longer allow [his] label to submit [his] music to the Grammys,” citing major issues with the consideration process.
The Academy later changed its nomination consideration processes, resulting in The Weeknd performing at the 67th Grammy Awards and submitting “Hurry Up Tomorrow” for 2026 consideration. The Academy then nominated The Weeknd for nothing. Talk about insulting. Incredibly, artistry aside, The Weeknd’s Grammy recognition was overdue. It’s the principle of the matter—and he was once again ignored.
3. ‘Ordinary’ – Alex Warren
Alex Warren initially launched his public career as an influencer, founding the infamous, since-dissolved “Hype House”. To say that his shift to music was unexpected is an understatement. For it to be as popular as it is was even less expected. “Ordinary” was unavoidable in 2025. Retail workers trembled in fear upon hearing the intro, social media milked this song like the last cow on Earth during the apocalypse and the radio played it nonstop. “Ordinary” was literally inescapable, and despite being overplayed, Alex Warren’s musicality is evident. Alex Warren has a way of conveying emotions through his voice that many artists lack in modern music. On top of this, the musicality of “Ordinary” is impeccable. His use of vocal layering and perfectly blended harmonies creates an almost religious experience, to the point that many consider “Ordinary” a worship song. Considering all of these factors, “Ordinary” was considered a top contender for Song of the Year. Instead, it received no nominations.
Overall, the 2026 Grammy nomination announcements had some great surprises and extremely disappointing snubs. All we know is that if Bad Bunny’s “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” doesn’t win at least one major category, there will be hell to pay.
Featured image credit: Lorde’s YouTube Channel | InClub Magazine does not own the rights to this image.
