By Jackson Tabel
On Sunday, February 1st, the 2026 Annual Grammys are being held, celebrating this year’s biggest accomplishments in music and artistry. This year’s nominees have sparked many conflicting opinions, and here at KJHK, there is nothing we love more than giving our unsolicited music opinions. Below is KJHK’s Executive Staff Grammys predictions and thoughts:
Record of the Year:
“The Subway” by Chappell Roan
Last year, Chappell was an overwhelming favorite among Exec Staff’s predictions, and for good reason. Despite only releasing two singles this year, Chappell was still selling out tours and gaining traction around the globe. “The Subway” is exemplary of Chappell’s artistry and passion, and it is only fitting that this power ballad takes home Record of the Year.
Song of the Year:
“DtMF” by Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny’s prominence and acclaim in music is nothing short of well-deserved, which is proven in his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, a culturally rich homage to Puerto Rico that also explores important social themes. “DtMF,” the title track of the album, displays his merit for songwriting over an infectiously catchy instrumental. Click here for a more in-depth exploration of the album written by one of our volunteer staffers!
Best New Artist:
The Marías
The Marías are a clear Exec Staff favorite here at the station. Despite releasing music since 2017, The Marias have proven their place in the industry through the increase of popularity with their music, such as their song, “No One Noticed,” and their most recent album, Submarine. With music as hypnotically ethereal as The Marías’, it is no surprise that they are our clear pick for Best New Artist.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
“Defying Gravity” – Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
Unfortunately, I was just looking for a reason to shout out the first Wicked movie… peak cinema.
Best Pop Vocal Album:
MAYHEM by Lady Gaga
Gaga’s return to her debut sound was an incredibly refreshing event in pop music. In an era where pop music feels as though its losing its individuality, the revival of the iconic 2010s Gaga sound is a breath of fresh air. While pop music is among the least recognized at KJHK, Gaga’s impact on the genre is undeniable, and she is certainly a fan favorite among Exec.
Best Dance/Electronic Album:
Fancy That by PinkPantheress
The release of Fancy That took the world of electronic music by storm, which was absolutely deserved. Tracks such as “Illegal” and “Stateside” continue to hold TikTok in an irresistible chokehold. The album itself is a masterclass in sampling, displaying Pink’s musical talent and creativity, making it a clear winner here.
Best Rock Album:
private music by Deftones
Having been around a long time, Deftones are a solid staple in alternative nu metal music. Their return to music after five years was incredibly anticipated, and the release of private music definitely delivered. Featuring new sounds for the band and good artistic concepts, the album is nothing but deserving of Best Rock Album.
Best Alternative Album:
DON’T TAP THE GLASS by Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator has been–and likely always will be–an absolute favorite at KJHK. Not even a year after the release of CHROMAKOPIA, Tyler’s release of DON’T TAP THE GLASS was an incredible follow up featuring a turn towards a more upbeat sound and catchy instrumentals. Despite our love for Tyler, the nominees for Best Alternative Album are all incredibly solid albums, specifically artists like Bon Iver, The Cure, and Hayley Williams.
Best Rap Album:
CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, The Creator
To absolutely no one’s surprise, our pick for Best Rap Album is CHROMAKOPIA. Throughout his career, Tyler has made a habit of consistently outdoing his previous releases, and this album is no different. Between hard-hitting beats, ballads that pull on the heart strings, and Tyler’s incredible writing skills, this album objectively places itself as his magnum opus.
Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media:
Sinners
I am congenially and selflessly setting aside my inherent Wicked biases to give Sinners the flowers it 100% deserves. Go see Sinners.
Best Album Cover:
CHROMAKOPIA and DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
While we have a tie for this year’s Best Album Cover, both covers are exemplary of the thought that should go into album artwork. The cover for CHROMAKOPIA encapsulates the album perfectly, both in aesthetics and themes, while the deceptively simplistic DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS cover symbolizes the albums themes of heritage nostalgia, and loss.
Album of the Year:
CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, The Creator
Once again, KJHK is giving Tyler his well-deserved recognition. Tyler consistently pushes his own creative boundaries with inventive production and masterful genre-bending to deliver one of the year’s best albums. While the other contenders for Album of the Year are (for the most part) great competition, we simply cannot let an opportunity to celebrate CHROMAKOPIA pass without giving it the praise it merits.
While many of us will not hear the results that we are hoping for on February 1st, it is important to remember that the Recording Academy’s voters are not representative of the diversity that thrives within music. Speculating about the nominees and predicting winners is something I look forward to every year, but it is ultimately up to the Recording Academy, who often favor the most successful or mainstream nominees. The Grammys allow us to recognize the biggest achievements in this year’s music, but achievement does not equal artistic integrity and creativity.