
Rolling Stone just dropped its predictions for this year’s GRAMMY Awards, and the publication is putting its chips on Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “luther” to take home Record of the Year.
The 2026 GRAMMYs race is heating up, and Rolling Stone has officially shared its bold predictions for the Record of the Year category. The publication expects Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “luther” to walk away with the crown. Considering Kendrick’s history of dominating awards season and SZA’s continued reign in R&B, this pairing feels like a powerhouse bet.
However, Rolling Stone made it clear that while “luther” is the likely winner, it believes ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” should win. The duet has been a streaming monster and a fan favorite. In other words, if the Recording Academy is feeling sentimental this year, “APT.” might just pull off an upset.
Other predicted nominees include Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Tyler, the Creator’s “Sticky,” and The Weeknd’s “Timeless.” Rising stars like Alex Warren (“Ordinary”) and Chappell Roan (“The Subway”) round out the list.
No matter who walks away with it, the Record of the Year winner will have truly earned it.
Rolling Stone predicts Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "luther" will win 'Record of the Year' at this year's #GRAMMYs.
— chart data (@chartdata) October 9, 2025
The publication states ROSÉ and Bruno Mars' "APT." "should" win. pic.twitter.com/LcLi7OBCvO
Rolling Stone's predictions for 'Record of the Year' nominees at #GRAMMYs:
— chart data (@chartdata) October 9, 2025
APT. – ROSÉ and Bruno Mars
Abracadabra – Lady Gaga
Luther – Kendrick Lamar
Manchild – Sabrina Carpenter
Ordinary – Alex Warren
The Subway – Chappell Roan
Timeless – The Weeknd
Sticky – Tyler, the Creator

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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