Nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards are set to be announced on Friday, marking the first inclusion of two new categories. One of the additions is Best Album Cover, celebrating iconic artwork in music. The announcement highlights the evolving recognition of visual elements in the recording industry.
Announcement Details
The Recording Academy will reveal nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards tomorrow, introducing two unprecedented categories for the first time. Among them is Best Album Cover, a nod to the artistic designs that have long complemented musical releases. This change reflects the growing emphasis on visual storytelling in albums, as discussed by NPR hosts Leila Fadel and A Martínez during a segment on memorable album art.
Hosts' Reflections on Album Covers
In a lighthearted exchange, Martínez shared personal favorites from his collection, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' (1984), which he hid from his mother due to its bold imagery. He also praised Snoop Dogg's 'Doggystyle' (1993) for its preview of the album's vibe and Prince's 'Dirty Mind' (1980), noting its provocative black-and-white cover featuring the artist in a trench coat over minimal attire. Fadel recounted her experiences with censored album covers from Mariah Carey's releases bought in Saudi Arabia, contrasting them with the original U.S. versions. These anecdotes underscore the cultural impact of album artwork, setting the stage for the new category's nominees.
Broader Context
While specifics on the second new category remain undisclosed in the preview, the additions signal the Grammys' adaptation to contemporary music trends. Nominations cover a wide array of genres and contributions, with the full list expected to spotlight diverse artists. The event continues the Grammys' tradition of evolving to honor multifaceted aspects of music production.