Podcast Summary: All Of It — "Will the Grammys Make History?"

Host: Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Guest: Maria Sherman (Music Writer, Associated Press)
Date: January 30, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode previews the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards, exploring whether the ceremony might “make history” this year given the highly competitive categories, significant diversity among nominees, and changes within the Recording Academy. Host Alison Stewart and guest Maria Sherman discuss leading contenders, notable firsts, evolving genres, and what these choices reveal about the broader music and cultural landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance and Legacy

Kendrick Lamar leads this year’s nominations with nine, especially for his album "gnx," and is considered both a perennial Grammy favorite and a potential record-breaker.
Discussion on Lamar’s near-annual recognition and the changing context each release brings.
Quote:

“He’s very much now an artist that the Grammys recognize for his incredible talents. And the success keeps on keeping on.”
— Maria Sherman [03:37]
Debate over which awards Lamar is likely to win (Album, Record, Song of the Year, or Rap Album).
Grammys “tradition” of giving genre awards alongside the main Album of the Year.

Notable Segment:

Lamar’s Nomination History & Impact:
[02:42–06:07]

2. Historic Nominations in Album of the Year

For the first time, three “capital R” rap albums (Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T/Malice as Clipse, Tyler the Creator) are nominated for both Album of the Year and Best Rap Album.
Only two rap albums have ever won Album of the Year: Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1999) and Outkast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2004).
The context: This year’s field is generationally and genre-diverse, with strong showings from Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Leon Thomas.
Quote:

“…Perhaps long overdue to recognize hip hop in the top category. And this may be the year that we see that.”
— Maria Sherman [06:35]

Notable Segment:

Album of the Year Discussion:
[06:07–07:33]

3. Bad Bunny’s Pivotal Moment

Dimitri Armas. Photos. I Should Have Taken More Photos (Bad Bunny) described as a career-defining album fusing Puerto Rican and global sounds.
Historic potential: If he wins, first all-Spanish-language album to take Album of the Year.
With new Latin Grammy voters joining the Recording Academy, there’s speculation on increased Latino influence.
Quote:

“How wonderful would it be if it's Bad Bunny's victory this year? It's really reflective of an evolving electorate.”
— Maria Sherman [08:41]

Notable Segment:

Bad Bunny’s Grammy Impact:
[07:36–09:03]

4. Changing Grammy Categories: Country Album Controversy

Introduction of “Traditional” and “Contemporary” Country Album categories, following Beyoncé’s historic win for Cowboy Carter.
The Recording Academy insists the split wasn’t reactive, but part of a regular, member-driven process.
Exploration of what defines “traditional” versus “contemporary” country—and who decides.
Quote:

“It brings up a lot of good questions of how do we define country tradition? And whose tradition are we talking about?”
— Maria Sherman [13:32]

Notable Segment:

Country Category Changes:
[10:21–13:41]

5. Record of the Year vs. Song of the Year

Song of the Year: awarded to songwriters.
Record of the Year: awarded for overall recording (artist, producers, engineers).
This year’s favorite: “Aputure” by Bruno Mars and Rose, marked as a massive cross-generational hit with the potential for a historic K-pop win.
Quote:

“It would be wonderful if it wins because that means the first K-pop artist to take home Record of the Year, the first to take home a big four category, and the first K-pop artist in general to win a Grammy.” — Maria Sherman [17:10]

Notable Segment:

Record/Song of the Year Discussion & K-pop’s Place:
[13:53–17:26]

6. K-Pop’s Grammy Recognition

Grammys have nominated and featured K-pop acts (e.g., BTS) but never awarded them.
Changing voting demographics may lead to overdue recognition.
Quote:

“I do anticipate that sort of changing demographics and people who vote for the Grammys becoming younger and more diverse… I’m thinking we’re going to get there.”
— Maria Sherman [17:29]

7. Best New Artist: Diversity & Competition

A notably varied field: Cat’s Eye (global girl group), The Maria’s (bilingual dream pop), Alex Warren, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Addison Rae (pop & TikTok background), Leon Thomas.
The “Best New Artist” award as a vote of confidence in longevity, not just recent virality.
Quote:

“It really kind of communicates to me that we’re really hungry for, like, a sort of Amy Winehouse type — somebody who can really deliver something that… with pop music with a depth that pulls from past sounds and makes them contemporary.”
— Maria Sherman [20:39]
Olivia Dean, described as a front-runner, praised for her timeless-yet-modern voice.
Leon Thomas championed for evolving R&B; gender dynamics at play as women have won Best New Artist for the last eight years.
Quote:

“A couple months ago, I interviewed Ty Dolla Sign, and he said, ‘R&B is coming back, and it’s Leon Thomas I’m talking about.’”
— Maria Sherman [23:37]

Notable Segments:

Best New Artist Discussion:
[19:10–24:51]

8. Live Performances and What to Watch For

All eight Best New Artist nominees will perform—a rarity—highlighting industry diversity and new directions in music.
Special tributes: Lauryn Hill honoring Roberta Flack and D’Angelo in memoriam.
This year lacks the domination of "Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift types," creating an air of suspense and unpredictability about the winners.
Quote:

“This year feels particularly competitive ... I think that’s kind of exciting because it makes it a little bit more, I already know it’s going to be surprising…”
— Maria Sherman [25:52]

Notable Segment:

Anticipated Performances & Show Structure:
[25:52–27:05]

Notable Quotes & Moments

Maria Sherman, on Album of the Year:
“Perhaps long overdue to recognize hip hop in the top category. And this may be the year we see that.” [06:35]
Maria Sherman, on Bad Bunny's Influence:
“How wonderful would it be if it's Bad Bunny's victory this year? It's really reflective of an evolving electorate.” [08:41]
Maria Sherman, on K-pop’s moment:
“First K-pop artist to take home Record of the Year ... and the first K-pop artist in general to win a Grammy.” [17:10]
Maria Sherman, on Leon Thomas and R&B:
“A couple months ago, I interviewed Ty Dolla Sign, and he said, ‘R&B is coming back, and it’s Leon Thomas I’m talking about.’” [23:37]
Maria Sherman, on unpredictability this year:
“This year feels particularly competitive ... I already know it’s going to be surprising.” [25:52]

Timestamps for Major Segments

Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy Sweep & Impact: [02:42–06:07]
Album of the Year Candidates & Hip-Hop’s Place: [06:07–07:33]
Bad Bunny & Latin Representation: [07:33–09:03]
Country Album Category Debate: [10:21–13:41]
Record vs. Song of the Year, “Aputure” & K-pop: [13:53–17:26]
K-pop and Grammy Demographics: [17:26–18:09]
Best New Artist Nominees & Competition: [18:52–24:51]
Grammy Performances & What’s New: [25:52–27:05]

Concluding Thoughts

The 2026 Grammys are depicted as a potential tipping point—more competitive, more diverse, and with greater openness to genre shifts and global music influences than in recent years. Agrammys show where the lineup alone is “the most stacked it’s ever been,” the broader story is one of generational change: in who is nominated, who votes, and what musical innovation gets recognized.

Whether it marks a historic moment for hip-hop, Latin music, or K-pop, the episode sets up this year’s Grammys as must-watch, not only for fans of the nominees but for anyone invested in the evolving boundaries of pop culture.

For listeners who missed the episode:
This summary covers the heart of the discussion—deep dives into major categories, industry changes, and the cultural stakes on music’s biggest night.

Podcast Summary: All Of It — "Will the Grammys Make History?"

Host: Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Guest: Maria Sherman (Music Writer, Associated Press)
Date: January 30, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance and Legacy

Kendrick Lamar leads this year’s nominations with nine, especially for his album "gnx," and is considered both a perennial Grammy favorite and a potential record-breaker.
Discussion on Lamar’s near-annual recognition and the changing context each release brings.
Quote:

“He’s very much now an artist that the Grammys recognize for his incredible talents. And the success keeps on keeping on.”
— Maria Sherman [03:37]
Debate over which awards Lamar is likely to win (Album, Record, Song of the Year, or Rap Album).
Grammys “tradition” of giving genre awards alongside the main Album of the Year.

Notable Segment:

Lamar’s Nomination History & Impact:
[02:42–06:07]

2. Historic Nominations in Album of the Year

For the first time, three “capital R” rap albums (Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T/Malice as Clipse, Tyler the Creator) are nominated for both Album of the Year and Best Rap Album.
Only two rap albums have ever won Album of the Year: Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1999) and Outkast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2004).
The context: This year’s field is generationally and genre-diverse, with strong showings from Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Leon Thomas.
Quote:

“…Perhaps long overdue to recognize hip hop in the top category. And this may be the year that we see that.”
— Maria Sherman [06:35]

Notable Segment:

Album of the Year Discussion:
[06:07–07:33]

3. Bad Bunny’s Pivotal Moment

Dimitri Armas. Photos. I Should Have Taken More Photos (Bad Bunny) described as a career-defining album fusing Puerto Rican and global sounds.
Historic potential: If he wins, first all-Spanish-language album to take Album of the Year.
With new Latin Grammy voters joining the Recording Academy, there’s speculation on increased Latino influence.
Quote:

“How wonderful would it be if it's Bad Bunny's victory this year? It's really reflective of an evolving electorate.”
— Maria Sherman [08:41]

Notable Segment:

Bad Bunny’s Grammy Impact:
[07:36–09:03]

4. Changing Grammy Categories: Country Album Controversy

Introduction of “Traditional” and “Contemporary” Country Album categories, following Beyoncé’s historic win for Cowboy Carter.
The Recording Academy insists the split wasn’t reactive, but part of a regular, member-driven process.
Exploration of what defines “traditional” versus “contemporary” country—and who decides.
Quote:

“It brings up a lot of good questions of how do we define country tradition? And whose tradition are we talking about?”
— Maria Sherman [13:32]

Notable Segment:

Country Category Changes:
[10:21–13:41]

5. Record of the Year vs. Song of the Year

Song of the Year: awarded to songwriters.
Record of the Year: awarded for overall recording (artist, producers, engineers).
This year’s favorite: “Aputure” by Bruno Mars and Rose, marked as a massive cross-generational hit with the potential for a historic K-pop win.
Quote:

“It would be wonderful if it wins because that means the first K-pop artist to take home Record of the Year, the first to take home a big four category, and the first K-pop artist in general to win a Grammy.” — Maria Sherman [17:10]

Notable Segment:

Record/Song of the Year Discussion & K-pop’s Place:
[13:53–17:26]

6. K-Pop’s Grammy Recognition

Grammys have nominated and featured K-pop acts (e.g., BTS) but never awarded them.
Changing voting demographics may lead to overdue recognition.
Quote:

“I do anticipate that sort of changing demographics and people who vote for the Grammys becoming younger and more diverse… I’m thinking we’re going to get there.”
— Maria Sherman [17:29]

7. Best New Artist: Diversity & Competition

A notably varied field: Cat’s Eye (global girl group), The Maria’s (bilingual dream pop), Alex Warren, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Addison Rae (pop & TikTok background), Leon Thomas.
The “Best New Artist” award as a vote of confidence in longevity, not just recent virality.
Quote:

“It really kind of communicates to me that we’re really hungry for, like, a sort of Amy Winehouse type — somebody who can really deliver something that… with pop music with a depth that pulls from past sounds and makes them contemporary.”
— Maria Sherman [20:39]
Olivia Dean, described as a front-runner, praised for her timeless-yet-modern voice.
Leon Thomas championed for evolving R&B; gender dynamics at play as women have won Best New Artist for the last eight years.
Quote:

“A couple months ago, I interviewed Ty Dolla Sign, and he said, ‘R&B is coming back, and it’s Leon Thomas I’m talking about.’”
— Maria Sherman [23:37]

Notable Segments:

Best New Artist Discussion:
[19:10–24:51]

8. Live Performances and What to Watch For

All eight Best New Artist nominees will perform—a rarity—highlighting industry diversity and new directions in music.
Special tributes: Lauryn Hill honoring Roberta Flack and D’Angelo in memoriam.
This year lacks the domination of "Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift types," creating an air of suspense and unpredictability about the winners.
Quote:

“This year feels particularly competitive ... I think that’s kind of exciting because it makes it a little bit more, I already know it’s going to be surprising…”
— Maria Sherman [25:52]

Notable Segment:

Anticipated Performances & Show Structure:
[25:52–27:05]

Notable Quotes & Moments

Maria Sherman, on Album of the Year:
“Perhaps long overdue to recognize hip hop in the top category. And this may be the year we see that.” [06:35]
Maria Sherman, on Bad Bunny's Influence:
“How wonderful would it be if it's Bad Bunny's victory this year? It's really reflective of an evolving electorate.” [08:41]
Maria Sherman, on K-pop’s moment:
“First K-pop artist to take home Record of the Year ... and the first K-pop artist in general to win a Grammy.” [17:10]
Maria Sherman, on Leon Thomas and R&B:
“A couple months ago, I interviewed Ty Dolla Sign, and he said, ‘R&B is coming back, and it’s Leon Thomas I’m talking about.’” [23:37]
Maria Sherman, on unpredictability this year:
“This year feels particularly competitive ... I already know it’s going to be surprising.” [25:52]

Timestamps for Major Segments

Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy Sweep & Impact: [02:42–06:07]
Album of the Year Candidates & Hip-Hop’s Place: [06:07–07:33]
Bad Bunny & Latin Representation: [07:33–09:03]
Country Album Category Debate: [10:21–13:41]
Record vs. Song of the Year, “Aputure” & K-pop: [13:53–17:26]
K-pop and Grammy Demographics: [17:26–18:09]
Best New Artist Nominees & Competition: [18:52–24:51]
Grammy Performances & What’s New: [25:52–27:05]

Concluding Thoughts

For listeners who missed the episode:
This summary covers the heart of the discussion—deep dives into major categories, industry changes, and the cultural stakes on music’s biggest night.