As Grammy season heats up, Billboard’s early look at the 2026 awards places Kendrick Lamar and Leon Thomas among this year’s most talked‑about potential winners. With his latest album GNX, Lamar stands out as a prime candidate for Album of the Year, a prize that has eluded him despite multiple nominations. Billboard’s prediction leans on both the album’s cultural impact and a broader industry conversation about giving hip‑hop its overdue moment in the top category.
Meanwhile, Leon Thomas is poised to make waves in the Best New Artist category. His breakout single “Mutt” has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, blending classic R&B sensibilities with emotional depth. If he secures the award, Thomas would be the first male solo artist to do so in nearly a decade.
While predictions are always speculative ahead of the Grammy ceremony, Billboard’s picks reflect the standout achievements of both artists across 2025, suggesting that a night of breakthrough wins could be in store when the 68th Grammy Awards arrive in early 2026.