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.
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)