With Grammy season already buzzing, Billboard has made bold predictions that put Kendrick Lamar and Leon Thomas at the center of the 2026 awards conversation.

According to Billboard, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is currently the frontrunner to win Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards — and honestly, the reasoning makes a lot of sense. Kendrick has been nominated in this category four times as a lead artist and has yet to win. At some point, voters have to ask themselves how many times one of the most influential artists of his generation can be passed over.

There’s also the bigger picture at play. No hip-hop album has won Album of the Year since OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below more than two decades ago. Between the cultural impact of GNX, Kendrick’s massive year — from touring to headline moments — and the genre’s overdue recognition, this feels like a moment that could finally tip the scales.

Billboard also predicts Leon Thomas as the winner for Best New Artist, which would mark a major moment for modern R&B. If he wins, Leon would become the first male solo artist to take the category since Chance the Rapper in 2017. His breakout track “Mutt” became one of 2025’s biggest sleeper hits, resonating deeply with listeners through its classic R&B sound and emotional honesty.

Both Kendrick Lamar and Leon Thomas had standout years in 2025, and these predictions feel earned rather than premature. If either — or both — walk away with Grammy gold in 2026, it would feel less like a surprise and more like long-overdue recognition.

Ileyah

Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.