ROSÉ, Bruno Mars lead wave of Asian representation at the GRAMMYs

When the Recording Academy released the full list of nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, one trend stood out: Asian artistry is no longer on the periphery — it is shaping the global sound. This year’s nominees reflect how artists from Asia are redefining pop culture, pushing production boundaries, and influencing what the world listens to.

ROSÉ and Bruno Mars Lead a Cross-Cultural Moment

K-pop superstar ROSÉ (of BLACKPINK) and Bruno Mars earned major nominations for their retro-pop duet “APT.” The track is nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Their collaboration — blending Seoul’s sleek pop styling and Bruno’s soulful retro flair — signals the borderless future of mainstream music.

ROSÉ’s nominations also mark another milestone for Korean representation at the GRAMMYs. A decade ago, K-pop’s presence on the U.S. awards stage was rare — today, it is central.

KATSEYE and the Global Girl Group Shift

Six-member girl group KATSEYE earned nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their track “Gabriela.” Formed through HYBE and Geffen Records’ The Debut: Dream Academy, the group represents the emerging model of truly global pop — trained in Seoul, polished in Los Angeles, and built for the world stage.

India’s Classical Legacy Holds Strong

In Best Global Music Performance, Indian sitarist Anoushka Shankar received a nomination for “Daybreak” featuring Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar. Meanwhile, Shakti — featuring vocalist Shankar Mahadevan — also scored a nod for “Shrini’s Dream (Live).”

Both works showcase the enduring influence of Indian classical music on contemporary global fusion.

Asia’s Imprint Runs Across Genres

Asian producers, engineers, and creative directors have shaping credits in many of this year’s nominated albums and singles — a quiet but powerful reflection of how deeply Asia influences global sound.

As the world prepares for Music’s Biggest Night on February 1, 2026, live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, it becomes clear:

The global playlist speaks fluent Asia.

SELECT 2026 GRAMMY NOMINEES

Record of the Year

• Bad Bunny – DtMF

• Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

• Doechii – Anxiety

• Billie Eilish – Wildflower

• Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

• Kendrick Lamar with SZA – Luther

• Chappell Roan – The Subway

• ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT.

Song of the Year

• Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

• Doechii – Anxiety

• ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT.

• Bad Bunny – DtMF

• Huntr/x – Golden

• Kendrick Lamar with SZA – Luther

• Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

• Billie Eilish – Wildflower

Album of the Year

• Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos

• Justin Bieber – Swag

• Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend

• Clipse – Let God Sort ’Em Out

• Lady Gaga – Mayhem

• Kendrick Lamar – GNX

• Leon Thomas – Mutt

• Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia

Best New Artist

• Olivia Dean

• KATSEYE

• The Marías

• Addison Rae

• Sombr

• Leon Thomas

• Alex Warren

• Lola Young

Best Global Music Performance

• Bad Bunny – EoO

• Ciro Hurtado – Cantando en el Camino

• Angélique Kidjo – Jerusalema

• Yeisy Rojas – Inmigrante Y Que?

• Shakti – Shrini’s Dream (Live)

• Anoushka Shankar – Daybreak (ft. Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar)