Clipse came back in 2025 with a new album, a Tiny Desk and, now, five Grammy nominations.
Clipse came back in 2025 with a new album, a Tiny Desk and, now, five Grammy nominations. (Michael Zamora)

Grammy nominations were announced today, and like clockwork, we couldn’t help but notice that the many musicians honored among the 95 categories reflect the breadth of what we bring to the Tiny Desk. Artists perform in the NPR Music office without monitors or backing tracks, which has turned the Tiny Desk into a space where musicians not only show off their talent but also connect with audiences on an intimate level.

2026 Grammy nominations are led by Kendrick Lamar

Last year’s biggest winner will try to repeat his wins for song and record of the year, and add album of the year to his trophy case. Other top nominees include Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny.

For country music traditionalists, Grammy changes promise a brighter spotlight

Starting with this year’s nominations, the Grammy Awards will split its prize for country album of the year into two distinct categories: traditional and contemporary.

It’s no surprise that a boatload of 2026 Grammy nominations are for rappers, rockers, legends and newcomers who performed at the Tiny Desk in just 2025 alone. It’s like we’re tastemakers or something! Here’s something different, though: Imagine our shock when the words “Tiny Desk” appeared next to one of the nominated songs (Leon Thomas’ “Mutt” for best R&B performance). Not only that, but Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso’s PAPOTA, nominated for best Latin rock or alternative album, includes music recorded at the Tiny Desk in 2024. Yes, we’re patting ourselves on the back.

So let’s catch up on the bounty of 2025 (so far)… and know that we still have more to come.

Bad Bunny
Grammy nominations: record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, best música urbana album, best global music performance, best album cover 

Bad Bunny Tiny Desk Concert ( (Photo: Virginia Lozano))

Clipse
Grammy nominations: album of the year, best rap performance, best rap song, best rap album, best music video

Clipse: Tiny Desk Video ( (Photo: Michael Zamora))

Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso
Grammy nomination: best Latin rock or alternative album

Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso: Tiny Desk Concert ( (Photo: Courtney Theophin))

Leon Thomas
Grammy nominations: album of the year, best new artist, best traditional R&B performance, best R&B song, best R&B album, best R&B performance

Leon Thomas: Tiny Desk Concert ( (Photo: Alanté Serene))

Turnstile
Grammy nominations: best rock performance, best metal performance, best rock song, best rock album, best alternative music performance

Turnstile TDC Video

Tame Impala
Grammy nomination: best dance/electronic recording

Tame Impala TDC Video

PinkPantheress
Grammy nominations: best dance pop recording, best dance/electronic album 

PinkPantheress TDC Video

Wet Leg
Grammy nominations: best alternative music album, best album cover 

Wet Leg: Tiny Desk Video ( (Photo: Zayrha Rodriguez))

Bilal
Grammy nomination: best progressive R&B album 

Bilal Tiny Desk Concert ( (Photo: Grace Widyatmadja))

Michael Mayo
Grammy nominations: best jazz performance, best jazz vocal album 

Michael Mayo Tiny Desk Concert ( (Photo: Michael Zamora/NPR))

Buena Vista Social Club
Grammy nomination: best music theater album

Buena Vista Social Club TDC Video

Death Becomes Her
Grammy nomination: best music theater album

Death Becomes Her: Tiny Desk Video ( (Photo: Michael Zamora))

Gypsy
Grammy nomination: best music theater album

Gypsy: Tiny Desk Video ( (Photo: Michael Zamora))

Sierra Hull
Grammy nominations: best bluegrass album, best instrumental composition  

Sierra Hull Tiny Desk Concert ( (Photo: Zayrha Rodriguez))

CeCe Winans
Grammy nomination: best gospel performance/song

CeCe Winans TDC Video

Grupo Frontera
Grammy nomination: best música Mexicana album (including Tejano)

Grupo Frontera TDC Video

Carín León
Grammy nomination: best música Mexicana album (including Tejano)

Carín León TDC Video

Gloria Estefan
Grammy nomination: best tropical Latin album 

Gloria Estefan TDC Video