Kylin Menard Predicts the Winners of the 2026 Grammys

Kylin Menard, Reporter

January 29, 2026

The Grammys are here! But the feelings surrounding this year’s award show are very different from its predecessor. Last year had countless debates over the outcomes. The 2025 Grammys were a whirlwind of emotions, with many established artists competing to win. Instead, 2026 includes more new artists in the big categories. And award shows like the Grammys especially feel less important these days compared to the serious news stories on social media. Nevertheless, it’s still fun to guess at what will win each category. Here’s what I think will win – and what I think SHOULD win – at this year’s award show.

Disclaimer: Some of the music listed here includes mature content. Proceed accordingly!

Song of the Year

What I think SHOULD win:

I want “DtMF” by Bad Bunny or “Golden” from “K-Pop Demon Hunters” to win, but I think “Golden” has a better shot at winning. The song is quite literally a piece of gold. Not only is the film the most-watched movie on Netflix of all time, but its soundtrack is a masterpiece. The song works seamlessly by itself, but it also fits within the context of the movie. It’s perfect for all ages to jam out to, for getting hype, being in your feels or just simply wanting a song to play in the background. Another pro of seeing “Golden” win would be to see all the upset critics of the movie and song complain.
What I think WILL win:

Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower,” in my opinion, is the top contender for Song of the Year because it was snubbed last year. Last year, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” was the favored winner for Album of the Year, but Beyoncé came out of nowhere and took the award for “Cowboy Carter.” Personally, I am still confused on how “Hit Me Hard and Soft” did not win a Grammy. “Wildflower” is arguably the best song on the album because of the cohesive vocals, emotion, lyrics and sound production. This year is Eilish’s redemption round with her hit song, which is in my opinion the most impactful song on the album. The lyrics and backtrack are introspective, vulnerable and perfect for the Song of the Year category.

Best New Artist

Who I think SHOULD win:

I really want KATSEYE to win because THIS has been their year. From “Gnarly” to “Gabriela,” they have released hit after hit. They have demonstrated their dancing and vocal abilities on their tour and performances at Lolapalooza. They are the It girls and an iconic global girl group. It would be good for them to win to gain more representation for their different countries at the awards show. Though their songs are not as wildly popular as some, I hope they win as a reward for their hard work.
Who I think WILL win:

I think Olivia Dean has the best chance of winning the Grammy for Best New Artist this year. Her soulful voice really brings her songs like “Man I Need” and “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” to life. When her second album, “The Art of Loving,” was released in 2025, it hit the top of the charts quickly. She has more than four billion streams of her songs on Spotify. Her voice reminds me of Adele’s, which is ironic since Adele is on break. Her music is not only catchy, but it also contains deep and emotional lyrics. Besides the Grammys, she has many other nominations such as the Brit Awards that speak to her overall success as a new artist.

Album of the Year

What I think SHOULD win:

For this category, I would love to see Bad Bunny win the Grammy for his album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” for not only his music, but also for his representation of his heritage. Bad Bunny is a globally renowned artist who has already secured three Grammys. “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” which means “I Should’ve Taken More Photos,” is an album of reflection, nostalgia and memories. Bad Bunny is vulnerable on this album and most of his lyrics point towards him looking backward and reflecting on his heritage and cultural roots.
What I think WILL win:

As people are guessing at which album is going to win Album of the Year, Lady Gaga's “Mayhem” is rumored to have the best chance, but I think “GNX,” by Kendrick Lamar, is going to win. “GNX” is one of my personal favorite rap albums, and although pop albums normally win over rap albums, 2025 was one of Lamar’s biggest years. He performed the iconic Super Bowl half-time show, won five Grammys, and was named Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop artist. “GNX” also features many other artists such as SZA, Lefty Gunplay and Dody6.

Record of the Year

What I think SHOULD win:

I want Bad Bunny’s “DtMF” to win Record of the Year because the beats and lyrics are a perfect blend. As one of his more vulnerable songs, “DtMF” reflects on missing a past relationship. He sings “DtMF” in a calm voice as if he is talking to himself. I think it would be great for a Spanish-language song to win, and that’s the only reason I think it might not win – the majority of U.S. citizens don’t speak Spanish. However, just because “DtMF” is not in English, but that does not mean it is not a good song. Go listen.
What I think WILL win:

Even though “Luther” came out in 2024, the moment it was released, it was a hit. Lamar and Sza have many collaborations together, but "Luther," from Lamar’s album “GNX,” was the most popular one. Their voices balance each other out perfectly in “Luther.” It also appeals to more people because it is a blend of pop and R&B, two of the most popular music genres. “Luther” has a familiar vibe and feel to other popular songs, and that familiarity makes you want to keep listening.

Best Pop Solo Performance of the Year

What I think SHOULD win:

I do not really want any of the nominees to win, but if I had to choose, I would choose Lola Young’s “Messy” because of its astounding vocals and relatability. I feel like since it is relatable, when people sing it, they put their heart and soul into it. This is exactly what Young does when she performs this song. She makes people FEEL with her song in performances, and she shows off her big voice. This single track exemplifies vocal quality and emotional delivery, which the Best Pop Solo Performance category looks for.
What I think WILL win:

Last year, Sabrina Carpenter won this category, and I think she has a strong possibility of continuing that streak. Her hit song “Manchild” is the definition of a pop song with fun lyrics, an upbeat backtrack and energetic performance. The only thing I think might keep "Manchild" from the award is its subject matter – it makes fun of immature men. Sixty-six percent of Grammy voters are men, a few of whom might be against the song winning.

Best Pop Duo / Group Performance

What I think SHOULD win:

I want KATSEYE’s “Gabriela” to win. This song really showed how much of a vocal powerhouse the girl group is. While they have had some questionable songs, “Gabriela” reinforced why these six girls were specifically chosen for the girl group. They are not just dancers but also singers, and they excel in all categories as performers. “Gabriela” has a Latin beat that shows off Daniela Avanzini’s heritage, which is exciting to see celebrated here.
What I think WILL Win:

I think “Golden” is going to win, and I think the song deserves to win at least one Grammy. The singers are very talented and have trained to be k-pop idols, so their voices are beautiful, and they know how to command a stage. They have pop star quality, even if it is through cartoon characters. The idols from “K-pop Demon Hunters” have a star factor that is going to hand them the award.

Best Pop Vocal Album

What I think SHOULD win:

Even I was a little shocked with my preference on this one. I want Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man's Best Friend” to win, even though it was not my favorite album of the year. I am a fan of Carpenter and her new album, but it just seems a little rushed and not as well thought out as her "Short n’ Sweet album." The album is fun, silly and light with some of my personal favorite songs like “House Tour,” “When Did You Get Hot?” and “Goodbye” whereas her 2024 album, “Short n’ Sweet,” had more dimension and feeling because it was well balanced with melancholy and happy songs.
What I think WILL win:

Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem” has by far the best chance at winning this Grammy. She is not only a favorite at the Grammys, but also has been in the spotlight because of her hit song with Bruno Mars, “Die with a Smile,” which is the last song on the album. “Mayhem” has hot songs such as “Disease,” “Abracadabra,” “The Dead Dance” and of course, “Die with a Smile.” One of my personal favorites of the album is “Garden of Eden,” which uses the biblical references to Adam, Eve and the Garden of Eden.

Best R&B Song

What I think SHOULD win:

This was my hardest category to choose a favorite because I think the Grammy deserves to go to three different songs: Leon Thomas III's “Yes it Is," Kehlani’s “Folded,” and Summer Walker's “Heart of a Woman." All three of these songs are sung with beautiful and emotional voices. “Folded” has gained more popularity than the other two, and deservedly so, but I think all three are almost equal. “Folded” is just a little bit better. Its lyrics are catchy, deep and passionately sung. It is a song that consumes your brain once you listen to it, and you cannot get it out.
What I think WILL win:

Finally, a rare moment when what I think SHOULD win is also what I think WILL win.

Best Rap Song

What I think SHOULD win:

I want Tyler, the Creator’s “Sticky” to win the Grammy for best rap song. The fast pace and clever lyrics make it the perfect fun, hype song to sing or listen to. Personally, it was one of our commonly played songs in middle school lacrosse last year, and it made us pumped up and excited to play. The song features a variety of artists who each add to the song in different ways. Throughout the song, there are fast-paced lyrics and then some slower ones, which all together flow smoothly to give a great rap song. The song features popular rap artists GloRilla, Lil Wayne and Sexyy Red, who together create the perfect blend that is very catchy.
What I think WILL win:

Another of those special moments where what I think SHOULD win is what WILL win.

Donate to Tatler.

$310

$400

Contributed

Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of St. Mary's Episcopal School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

About the Contributors

Kylin Menard, Reporter

Kylin Menard is a freshman and is excited to spend her first year on Tatler as a reporter. She is most excited to learn a new writing style and to be a part of the Tatler community. Outside of Tatler, she likes to write, run cross country and play tennis. Over the summer, she got a new dog named Moose, who is a Bernadoodle. Kylin is excited that Raising Cane’s and In-N-Out are coming to Memphis and will be a regular customer at both. She is also super excited for the new “Hunger Games” movie and hopes that after she attends driving school she will be able to drive herself to the premiere!

Ruba Elabiad, Art Editor

Ruba Elabiad is a junior who is starting her second year at Tatler, but her first year as its art editor. She started out as a writer but discovered a talent for photography. She prefers photography over drawing and finds it fun to capture natural, candid photos of her subjects. She first heard about Tatler from Ms. Poag, who recommended it to her. Along with Tatler, she does drama, working on the crew rather than acting. She is the youngest of her siblings, with an older sister and brother. She also has two cats, Luna and Simba. A few fun facts about Ruba are that, as talented as she is, she can’t whistle, nor can she roll her r’s.

Comments (2)

Share your thoughts...

All Tatler Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

R

Riya • Jan 30, 2026 at 9:12 pm

Yes Kylin!!!


https://stmarystatler.org/4673/showcase/kylin-menard-predicts-the-winners-of-the-2026-grammys/#comment-84
Anonymous • Jan 30, 2026 at 9:12 pm

Awesome!!


https://stmarystatler.org/4673/showcase/kylin-menard-predicts-the-winners-of-the-2026-grammys/#comment-83