Stars shined at the 68th annual Grammy Awards as Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar took home top prizes. Plus, millions are digging out from a historic winter storm in the South. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener.
Tag: Kendrick Lamar
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Bad Bunny wins album of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards, a first for a Spanish-language album
Bad Bunny won album of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards for his critically-acclaimed “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” closing out a surprising and history-making night. It is the first time a Spanish-language album has taken home the top prize.“Puerto Rico, believe me when I tell you that we are much bigger than 100 by 35,” he said in his acceptance speech in Spanish, referring to a Puerto Rican colloquialism about the island’s small size. “And there is nothing we can’t achieve. Thank God, thank you to the Academy, thank you to all the people who have believed in me throughout my career.“To all the people who worked on this album, thank you mami for giving birth to me in Puerto Rico, I love you,” he continued.Then he switched to English: “I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams.”Harry Styles presented the award — the English singer previously took home the top prize in 2023 for “Harry’s House.” He beat Bad Bunny that year, who was nominated for “Un Verano Sin Ti” — the first Spanish-language album to be up in the category.Anti-ICE messages from the stageBillie Eilish won song of the year for “Wildflower” and used the moment to add her voice to the chorus of musicians criticizing immigration authorities Sunday.“No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said while accepting the award for the song from her 2024 album “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” “(Expletive) ICE is all I want to say.”Immigration was a pointed theme of the night. Bad Bunny, after winning an award for his zeitgeist-shaping album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” used his speech to share an anti-ICE message, highlighting the humanity of all people.“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said, starting out his speech in English to huge applause. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”Before Bad Bunny took home the best música urbana album trophy, Olivia Dean was named best new artist.”I never really imagined that I would be up here,” she said, receiving her first Grammy while wiping away tears. “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here … I am a product of bravery, and I think that those people deserve to be celebrated.”Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll and more win bigKendrick Lamar and SZA won record of the year at an electric 2026 Grammy Awards Sunday night for “Luther.”Cher presented the award and mistakenly said it goes to “Luther Vandross” instead of Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their single “Luther.”One of the song’s producers, Sounwave, began the acceptance speech by saying, “Let’s give a shoutout to the late and great Luther Vandross.”Lamar also won the first televised award of the night, rap album for “GNX,” accepting the trophy from Queen Latifah and Doechii.“It’s an honor to be here,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Hip-hop is always going to be right here … We’re gonna be having the culture with us.”The victory means Lamar broke Jay-Z’s record to become the rapper with the most career Grammys. Jay-Z has 25; after he took home rap album and record of the year, Lamar’s total is 27.Pop vocal album went to Lady Gaga for “Mayhem.”“Every time I’m here, I still feel like I need to pinch myself,” Gaga said in her speech.Pop solo performance went to Lola Young for “Messy,” whose speech playfully lived up to the song’s spirit.“I don’t know what to say,” she joked about “obviously” not having a speech prepared. “I’m very, very grateful for this.”The inaugural contemporary country album category went to Jelly Roll for “Beautifully Broken.”This year, the Grammys renamed country album to contemporary country album and added a traditional country album category, a distinction that exists in other genres. But the news arrived right after Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” won best country album, inspiring backlash online.“I believe music had the power to change my life,” Jelly Roll said in his acceptance speech, which he spent the majority of thanking God.Pharrell Williams received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award.“To everyone in this room who believes in the power of Black music,” he said, “thank you so much.”And Cher was presented the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. “The only thing I want you to take away,” she said, “I’ve been in this business for 60 (expletive) years. I just want to tell you, never give up on your dreams.”A live concert experienceA powerful Grammy Awards in memoriam segment celebrated the legacies of the late D’Angelo and Roberta Flack at the 68th annual ceremony Sunday night.Ms. Lauryn Hill appeared on the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999, when she became the first hip-hop artist to win album of the year for her “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”The D’Angelo tribute was first: A medley of several songs, among them “Brown Sugar” with Lucky Daye, “Lady” with Raphael Saadiq and Anthony Hamilton and “Devil’s Pie” with Leon Thomas.Then, Hill focused her attention on Roberta Flack: “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” with Jon Batiste, “Where Is The Love” with John Legend and Chaka Khan, and a mesh of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” with her Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean.If there was one set that felt like avant-garde artistic performance piece on Sunday night, it was Tyler, the Creator’s medley of “Thought I Was Dead,” “Like Him,” (in which he was joined by Regina King) and “Sugar On My Tongue.” It played out like theater: others would be wise to take note.All eight nominees in the best new artist category participated in a medley at the award show across multiple stages, the back halls of the arena and even the venue’s loading dock. It was an interesting and impressive mod-podge of different styles, from the British soul of Lola Young and Olivia Dean to Addison Rae and Katseye’s hypnotic pop. The Marías kicked things off with their dreamy indie rock; sombr and Alex Warren offered their radio hits — “12 to 12” and “Ordinary” respectively. Leon Thomas reminded the audience why he’s the only nominee also up for album of the year with his fully formed R&B.The hits arrived fast and furious in the show’s first hour. Rosé and Bruno Mars’ opened Grammys with an electric rendition of their multicultural pop smash, “APT.”; the Blackpink singer channeled a pop-punk Gwen Stefani in her tie and platinum blond hair. Sabrina Carpenter with her “Manchild” kiss-off. Justin Bieber slowed things down with “Yukon” from his comeback record “Swag.” Lady Gaga reimagined her hit “Abracadabra” as an electro-rock song.Surprises were abundant — even before the show startedAn exciting, early theme of the 68th Grammy Awards? First time winners.During the Premiere Ceremony held at the adjacent Peacock Theater in Los Angeles ahead of the main show, the Dalai Lama won his first Grammy for audio book, narration and storytelling recording, beating out Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. You read that correctly.“Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” won song written for visual media at the Premiere Ceremony, marking the first time a K-pop act has won a Grammy. Songwriters delivered their acceptance speech in both English and Korean, highlighting the song’s bilingual appeal.Music film went to “Music for John Williams,” which means director Steven Spielberg has officially won his first Grammy. That makes him an EGOT winner — an artist with an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Oscar.Artists speak out Trump administration’s immigration crackdownsThroughout Sunday’s Grammys, artists offered pro-immigration and anti-ICE messaging.During the Premiere Ceremony, country duo/group performance went to first-time winners Shaboozey and Jelly Roll. Shaboozey accepted the award with tears in his eyes. “I want to thank my mother, who as of today, has retired from her job of 30 years … working as a registered nurse in a psych ward … as an immigrant in this country. Thank you, mom.“Immigrants built this country, literally, actually. So, this for them,” he concluded. “Thank you for bring your culture, your music and your stories.”Amy Allen won songwriter of the year, nonclassical for a second year in a row and wore an “ICE Out” pin, an anti-immigration enforcement message. So did Kehlani – who won her first Grammy for R&B performance and later, her second, for R&B song.“I’ve never won anything before, this is a really crazy feeling,” she said as she fought back tears, reflecting on her first nomination 10 years ago. Then she shifted gears to focus on the current political moment: “Imma leave this and say, (expletive) ICE.”“I’m scared,” Gloria Estefan said of the current political moment backstage at the Grammys. “There are hundreds of children in detention centers. … I don’t recognize my country in this moment right now.”
Bad Bunny won album of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards for his critically-acclaimed “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” closing out a surprising and history-making night. It is the first time a Spanish-language album has taken home the top prize.
“Puerto Rico, believe me when I tell you that we are much bigger than 100 by 35,” he said in his acceptance speech in Spanish, referring to a Puerto Rican colloquialism about the island’s small size. “And there is nothing we can’t achieve. Thank God, thank you to the Academy, thank you to all the people who have believed in me throughout my career.
“To all the people who worked on this album, thank you mami for giving birth to me in Puerto Rico, I love you,” he continued.
Then he switched to English: “I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams.”
Harry Styles presented the award — the English singer previously took home the top prize in 2023 for “Harry’s House.” He beat Bad Bunny that year, who was nominated for “Un Verano Sin Ti” — the first Spanish-language album to be up in the category.
Anti-ICE messages from the stage
Billie Eilish won song of the year for “Wildflower” and used the moment to add her voice to the chorus of musicians criticizing immigration authorities Sunday.
“No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said while accepting the award for the song from her 2024 album “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” “(Expletive) ICE is all I want to say.”
Immigration was a pointed theme of the night. Bad Bunny, after winning an award for his zeitgeist-shaping album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” used his speech to share an anti-ICE message, highlighting the humanity of all people.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said, starting out his speech in English to huge applause. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
Before Bad Bunny took home the best música urbana album trophy, Olivia Dean was named best new artist.
“I never really imagined that I would be up here,” she said, receiving her first Grammy while wiping away tears. “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here … I am a product of bravery, and I think that those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll and more win big
Kendrick Lamar and SZA won record of the year at an electric 2026 Grammy Awards Sunday night for “Luther.”
Cher presented the award and mistakenly said it goes to “Luther Vandross” instead of Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their single “Luther.”
One of the song’s producers, Sounwave, began the acceptance speech by saying, “Let’s give a shoutout to the late and great Luther Vandross.”
Lamar also won the first televised award of the night, rap album for “GNX,” accepting the trophy from Queen Latifah and Doechii.
“It’s an honor to be here,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Hip-hop is always going to be right here … We’re gonna be having the culture with us.”
The victory means Lamar broke Jay-Z’s record to become the rapper with the most career Grammys. Jay-Z has 25; after he took home rap album and record of the year, Lamar’s total is 27.
Pop vocal album went to Lady Gaga for “Mayhem.”
“Every time I’m here, I still feel like I need to pinch myself,” Gaga said in her speech.
Pop solo performance went to Lola Young for “Messy,” whose speech playfully lived up to the song’s spirit.
“I don’t know what to say,” she joked about “obviously” not having a speech prepared. “I’m very, very grateful for this.”
The inaugural contemporary country album category went to Jelly Roll for “Beautifully Broken.”
This year, the Grammys renamed country album to contemporary country album and added a traditional country album category, a distinction that exists in other genres. But the news arrived right after Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” won best country album, inspiring backlash online.
“I believe music had the power to change my life,” Jelly Roll said in his acceptance speech, which he spent the majority of thanking God.
Pharrell Williams received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award.
“To everyone in this room who believes in the power of Black music,” he said, “thank you so much.”
And Cher was presented the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. “The only thing I want you to take away,” she said, “I’ve been in this business for 60 (expletive) years. I just want to tell you, never give up on your dreams.”
A live concert experience
A powerful Grammy Awards in memoriam segment celebrated the legacies of the late D’Angelo and Roberta Flack at the 68th annual ceremony Sunday night.
Ms. Lauryn Hill appeared on the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999, when she became the first hip-hop artist to win album of the year for her “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”
The D’Angelo tribute was first: A medley of several songs, among them “Brown Sugar” with Lucky Daye, “Lady” with Raphael Saadiq and Anthony Hamilton and “Devil’s Pie” with Leon Thomas.
Then, Hill focused her attention on Roberta Flack: “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” with Jon Batiste, “Where Is The Love” with John Legend and Chaka Khan, and a mesh of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” with her Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean.
If there was one set that felt like avant-garde artistic performance piece on Sunday night, it was Tyler, the Creator’s medley of “Thought I Was Dead,” “Like Him,” (in which he was joined by Regina King) and “Sugar On My Tongue.” It played out like theater: others would be wise to take note.
All eight nominees in the best new artist category participated in a medley at the award show across multiple stages, the back halls of the arena and even the venue’s loading dock. It was an interesting and impressive mod-podge of different styles, from the British soul of Lola Young and Olivia Dean to Addison Rae and Katseye’s hypnotic pop. The Marías kicked things off with their dreamy indie rock; sombr and Alex Warren offered their radio hits — “12 to 12” and “Ordinary” respectively. Leon Thomas reminded the audience why he’s the only nominee also up for album of the year with his fully formed R&B.
The hits arrived fast and furious in the show’s first hour. Rosé and Bruno Mars’ opened Grammys with an electric rendition of their multicultural pop smash, “APT.”; the Blackpink singer channeled a pop-punk Gwen Stefani in her tie and platinum blond hair. Sabrina Carpenter with her “Manchild” kiss-off. Justin Bieber slowed things down with “Yukon” from his comeback record “Swag.” Lady Gaga reimagined her hit “Abracadabra” as an electro-rock song.
Surprises were abundant — even before the show started
An exciting, early theme of the 68th Grammy Awards? First time winners.
During the Premiere Ceremony held at the adjacent Peacock Theater in Los Angeles ahead of the main show, the Dalai Lama won his first Grammy for audio book, narration and storytelling recording, beating out Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. You read that correctly.
“Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” won song written for visual media at the Premiere Ceremony, marking the first time a K-pop act has won a Grammy. Songwriters delivered their acceptance speech in both English and Korean, highlighting the song’s bilingual appeal.
Music film went to “Music for John Williams,” which means director Steven Spielberg has officially won his first Grammy. That makes him an EGOT winner — an artist with an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Oscar.
Artists speak out Trump administration’s immigration crackdowns
Throughout Sunday’s Grammys, artists offered pro-immigration and anti-ICE messaging.
During the Premiere Ceremony, country duo/group performance went to first-time winners Shaboozey and Jelly Roll. Shaboozey accepted the award with tears in his eyes. “I want to thank my mother, who as of today, has retired from her job of 30 years … working as a registered nurse in a psych ward … as an immigrant in this country. Thank you, mom.
“Immigrants built this country, literally, actually. So, this for them,” he concluded. “Thank you for bring your culture, your music and your stories.”
Amy Allen won songwriter of the year, nonclassical for a second year in a row and wore an “ICE Out” pin, an anti-immigration enforcement message. So did Kehlani – who won her first Grammy for R&B performance and later, her second, for R&B song.
“I’ve never won anything before, this is a really crazy feeling,” she said as she fought back tears, reflecting on her first nomination 10 years ago. Then she shifted gears to focus on the current political moment: “Imma leave this and say, (expletive) ICE.”
“I’m scared,” Gloria Estefan said of the current political moment backstage at the Grammys. “There are hundreds of children in detention centers. … I don’t recognize my country in this moment right now.”
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Live Updates: Full list of winners at the 68th Grammys
The Grammys, also known as music’s biggest night. How did this appreciation of music come to be? I’m Megan Campanova, the entertainment reporter for Hearst National Desk. Here’s what you need to know about the Grammys. The Grammys started in 1959, and at the time there were only 28 categories. Now, today, there are 95 different categories, but only about 5 to 7 are usually televised. The ones that are televised are obviously the big four, so the big four are Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best New Artist, and Album of the Year, and then. Producers can kind of decide the other ones that they want to add in that best fit the broadcast of that year. Uh, members who vote on these Grammys and who get the award are members of the Recording Academy. So members of the Recording Academy are producers, engineers, artists, anyone who kind of has any influence in making *** song, they get to vote on who gets *** Grammy. The nomination process begins in August of the previous year to August of last year. So, for example, in 2026, the nominations will be from August 2024 to August 2025. Any song released in that time frame is eligible for *** Grammy.
Discover the full list of the 68th Grammy Award winners, highlighting outstanding achievements for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and more.See below for a full list of nominees, with the winners in bold. Best rap album”Let God Sort Em Out,” Clipse, Pusha T and Malice”Glorious,” GloRilla”God Does Like Ugly,” JID”GNX,” Kendrick Lamar”Chromakopia,” Tyler, the CreatorAlbum of the year”Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Bad Bunny”Swag,” Justin Bieber”Man’s Best Friend,” Sabrina Carpenter”Let God Sort Em Out,” Clipse, Pusha T and Malice”MAYHEM,” Lady Gaga”GNX,” Kendrick Lamar”Mutt,” Leon Thomas”Chromakopia,” Tyler, the CreatorRecord of the year”DtMF,” Bad Bunny”Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter”Anxiety,” Doechii”Wildflower,” Billie Eilish”Abracadabra,” Lady Gaga”luther,” Kendrick Lamar with SZA”The Subway,” Chappell Roan”APT.,” Rosé and Bruno MarsSong of the year”Abracadabra,” Henry Walter, Lady Gaga and Andrew Watt”Anxiety,” Jaylah Hickmon”APT.,” Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown, Rogét Chahayed, Henry Walter, Omer Fedi, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Chae Young Park and Theron Thomas”DtMF,” Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Scott Dittrich, Benjamin Falik, Hugo René Sención and Tyler Thomas Spry”Golden,” EJAI and Mark Sonnenblick”luther,” Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha, Matthew Bernard, Ink, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Kendrick Lamar, Mark Anthony Spears, Solána Rowe and Kamasi Washington”Manchild,” Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff and Sabrina Carpenter”Wildflower,” Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas O’Connell.Best new artistOlivia DeanKatseyeThe MariasAddison RaeSombrLeon ThomasAlex WarrenLola Young Best Pop Solo Performance“DAISIES,” Justin Bieber“Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter“Disease,” Lady Gaga“The Subway,” Chappell Roan“Messy,” Lola Young Best Pop Vocal Album “SWAG,” Justin Bieber”Man’s Best Friend,” Sabrina Carpenter”Something Beautiful,” Miley Cyrus”MAYHEM,” Lady Gaga”I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy — Part 2,” Teddy SwimsBest Contemporary Country Album “Patterns,” Kelsea Ballerini”Snipe Hunter,” Tyler Childers”Evangeline Vs. The Machine,” Eric Church”Beautifully Broken,” Jelly Roll”Postcards From Texas,” Miranda LambertBest Música Urbana Album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” Bad Bunny”Mixteip,” J Balvin”FERXXO VOL X: Sagrado,” Feid”NAIKI,” Nicki Nicole”EUB DELUXE,” Trueno”SINFÓNICO — En Vivo,” Yandel
Discover the full list of the 68th Grammy Award winners, highlighting outstanding achievements for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and more.
See below for a full list of nominees, with the winners in bold.
Best rap album
“Let God Sort Em Out,” Clipse, Pusha T and Malice
“Glorious,” GloRilla
“God Does Like Ugly,” JID
“GNX,” Kendrick Lamar
“Chromakopia,” Tyler, the Creator
Album of the year
“Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Bad Bunny
“Swag,” Justin Bieber
“Man’s Best Friend,” Sabrina Carpenter
“Let God Sort Em Out,” Clipse, Pusha T and Malice
“MAYHEM,” Lady Gaga
“GNX,” Kendrick Lamar
“Mutt,” Leon Thomas
“Chromakopia,” Tyler, the Creator
Record of the year
“DtMF,” Bad Bunny
“Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter
“Anxiety,” Doechii
“Wildflower,” Billie Eilish
“Abracadabra,” Lady Gaga
“luther,” Kendrick Lamar with SZA
“The Subway,” Chappell Roan
“APT.,” Rosé and Bruno Mars
Song of the year
“Abracadabra,” Henry Walter, Lady Gaga and Andrew Watt
“Anxiety,” Jaylah Hickmon
“APT.,” Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown, Rogét Chahayed, Henry Walter, Omer Fedi, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Chae Young Park and Theron Thomas
“DtMF,” Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Scott Dittrich, Benjamin Falik, Hugo René Sención and Tyler Thomas Spry
“Golden,” EJAI and Mark Sonnenblick
“luther,” Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha, Matthew Bernard, Ink, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Kendrick Lamar, Mark Anthony Spears, Solána Rowe and Kamasi Washington
“Manchild,” Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff and Sabrina Carpenter
“Wildflower,” Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas O’Connell.
Best new artist
Olivia Dean
Katseye
The Marias
Addison Rae
Sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young
Best Pop Solo Performance
“DAISIES,” Justin Bieber
“Manchild,” Sabrina Carpenter
“Disease,” Lady Gaga
“The Subway,” Chappell Roan
“Messy,” Lola Young
Best Pop Vocal Album
“SWAG,” Justin Bieber
“Man’s Best Friend,” Sabrina Carpenter
“Something Beautiful,” Miley Cyrus
“MAYHEM,” Lady Gaga
“I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy — Part 2,” Teddy Swims
Best Contemporary Country Album
“Patterns,” Kelsea Ballerini
“Snipe Hunter,” Tyler Childers
“Evangeline Vs. The Machine,” Eric Church
“Beautifully Broken,” Jelly Roll
“Postcards From Texas,” Miranda Lambert
Best Música Urbana Album
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” Bad Bunny
“Mixteip,” J Balvin
“FERXXO VOL X: Sagrado,” Feid
“NAIKI,” Nicki Nicole
“EUB DELUXE,” Trueno
“SINFÓNICO — En Vivo,” Yandel
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Grammys 2026 Red Carpet Arrivals: FKA Twigs, YungBlud, PinkPantheress and More
The 68th Grammy Awards are here, and the biggest stars in music are walking the red carpet. This year’s ceremony, which takes place on Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. PT, is held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Rap superstar Kedrick Lamar, who took home five awards at last year’s show, leads all artists with nine nominations. His late 2024 release, “GNX,” will compete for album of the years agaist Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Justin Bieber’s “Swag,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend,” Clipse’s “Let God Sort Em Out,” Lady Gaga’s “Meyhem,” Leon Thomas’ “Mutt” and Tyler, the Creator’s “Chromakopia.”
Lady Gaga was close behind with seven nominations, beating her 2010 record of six and putting her in a tie for the second-most nominations with producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut. She scored noms for album of the year, record of the year, song of the year, best pop solo performance, best pop vocal album, best dance pop recording and best traditional pop vocal album.
Third place was a four-way tie between breakout Leon Thomas, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny and audio engineer and mixer Serban Ghenea, who all earned six noms.
One of the year’s biggest songs came from an unexpected source: Netflix. “Golden,” from the streamer’s animated smash hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” is competing for best song with Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Doechii’s “Anxiety,” Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT.,” Bad Bunny’s “DtMF,” Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Carpenter’s “Manchild” and Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower.”
Tracks competing for record of the year are Bad Bunny’s “DtMF,” Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Doechii’s “Axiety,” Eilish’s “Wildflower,” Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” and Rosé and Mars’ “APT.”
Check out the best looks from the 2026 Grammys red carpet below.
Jack Dunn
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The Best Red Carpet Fashion Moments at the 2026 Grammy Awards
Tonight, the Grammy Awards return to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, as the music industry’s biggest stars gather to celebrate the best records and performances of the year. Comedian Trevor Noah is taking on hosting duties for the sixth year in a row.
The 68th annual Grammy Awards are sure to be a star-studded evening, with performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, Reba McEntire, Justin Bieber, Lauryn Hill, Duff McKagan, Brandy Clark, Andrew Wyatt, Lukas Nelson, Slash, Clipse and Pharrell Williams, as well as a Best New Artist production with all of the category’s eight nominees: Addison Rae, Alex Warren, Katseye, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Sombr and The Marías.
Carole King, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Doechii, Harry Styles, Jeff Goldblum, Karol G, Lainey Wilson, Marcello Hernández, Nikki Glaser, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah and Teyana Taylor are among the presenters announced thus far.
Aside from a bevy of musical talent, the night also always includes a very exciting red carpet. At the Grammys, attendees aren’t scared to try something new when it comes to fashion—or something so fantastically outrageous that style commentators are sure to discuss for years to come. Below, see all the best and most thrilling fashion moments from the 2026 Grammy Awards show in Los Angeles.
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber. Getty Images Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber
Justin Bieber in Balenciaga, Hailey Bieber in Alaïa
Tate McRae. Getty Images for The Recording A Tate McRae
in Balenciaga
Jon Batiste. Getty Images Jon Batiste
Kesha. Getty Images for The Recording A Kesha
Don Lemon. Getty Images Don Lemon
Paris Hilton. WireImage Paris Hilton
Halle Bailey. Getty Images Halle Bailey
Pharrell Williams and Angélique Kidjo. Getty Images for The Recording A Pharrell Williams and Angélique Kidjo
in Louis Vuitton
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Getty Images Chrissy Teigen and John Legend
Lady Gaga. Getty Images Lady Gaga
in Matières Fécales
Grace Potter. Getty Images for The Recording A Grace Potter
Carole King. Getty Images for The Recording A Carole King
Noah Kahan. Getty Images for The Recording A Noah Kahan
in Armani
Bad Bunny. Billboard via Getty Images Bad Bunny
in Schiaparelli
Karol G. Getty Images Karol G
in Paolo Sebastian
Miley Cyrus. Getty Images Miley Cyrus
in Celine
Billie Eilish. Getty Images Billie Eilish
in Hodakova
Claudia Sulewski and Finneas O’Connell. Getty Images Claudia Sulewski and Finneas O’Connell
Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo. WireImage Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo
Laufey. Getty Images Laufey
in Miu Miu
Doechii. WireImage Doechii
in Robert Cavalli
Madison Beer. WireImage Madison Beer
Lainey Wilson. Getty Images Lainey Wilson
in Gaurav Gupta
Addison Rae. Getty Images Addison Rae
in Alaïa
Este Haim, Danielle Haim and Alana Haim. WireImage Este Haim, Danielle Haim and Alana Haim
in Louis Vuitton
Nikki Glaser. Getty Images Nikki Glaser
Trevor Noah. WireImage Trevor Noah
in Ralph Lauren
Kelsea Ballerini. Getty Images Kelsea Ballerini
in Etro
Chappell Roan. Getty Images Chappell Roan
in Mugler
Sombr. Getty Images Sombr
in Valentino
Olivia Dean. Getty Images Olivia Dean
in Chanel
Heidi Klum. Getty Images for The Recording A Heidi Klum
Ejae. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Ejae
in Dior
Queen Latifah. Getty Images Queen Latifah
in Stéphane Rolland
Coco Jones. Getty Images for The Recording A Coco Jones
in Kristina K
Madeleine White. AFP via Getty Images Madeleine White
Rosé. Getty Images Rosé
in Giambattista Valli
Sabrina Carpenter. Getty Images Sabrina Carpenter
in Valentino
Kelsey Merritt. Getty Images Kelsey Merritt
Tyla. Getty Images Tyla
in Dsquared2
Michelle Williams. Getty Images Michelle Williams
in Jean-Louis Sabaji Couture
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‘Sinners,’ ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Lead NAACP Image Awards Nominations
[ad_2] Brande VictorianNominees for the 2026 NAACP Image Awards have been announced, with Sinners leading in overall nominations with a total of 18, including outstanding motion picture, supporting actor nominations for Delroy Lindo and Miles Caton, supporting actress nominations for Jayme Lawson and Wunmi Mosaku and an outstanding actor nod for Michael B. Jordan.
Coming in second place with a total of nine nominations is Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which garnered an outstanding motion picture nod and outstanding actor nomination for Denzel Washington, as well as supporting actor noms for A$AP Rocky and Jeffrey Wright.
Leading television nominees is Bel-Air (Peacock), which in its final season received seven nominations, followed by Abbott Elementary (ABC), Reasonable Doubt and Ruth & Boaz (Netflix) with six nominations each. Mara Brock Akil’s adaptation of Forever also received five nominations, bringing Netflix to a total of 47 overall nominations, the most of any studio.
Teyana Taylor and Kendrick Lamar lead in overall individual nominations with six each, including Entertainer of the Year, the top honor for which Cynthia Erivo, Doechii and Michael B. Jordan are also nominated. Erivo and Lamar were both nominated for the award last year, which went to Keke Palmer.
The NAACP has also introduced two new categories this year: outstanding literary work – journalism and outstanding editing in a motion picture or television series, movie or special.
“The NAACP Image Awards is our declaration to our community that ‘We See You,’ affirming Black creativity, excellence and humanity across every space where our stories are told,” said NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson in a news release. “From film, television and music to literature and beyond, the voices of all of our nominees tell stories that honor our past, celebrate our identity, and remind us that storytelling has the power to move culture forward.”
Public voting for select awards categories is now open at www.naacpimageawards.net until midnight Feb. 7.
Average Joe star and comedian Deon Cole will host the 57th NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 28 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles. The ceremony will air live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET. Winners in non–televised Image Awards categories will be recognized at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors on Feb. 26 and virtually on YouTube/NAACPPlus Feb. 23-25.
See the full list of nominees below.
Entertainer of the Year
- Cynthia Erivo
- Doechii
- Kendrick Lamar
- Michael B. Jordan
- Teyana Taylor
Outstanding Comedy Series
- Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Harlem (Prime Video)
- Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
- The Residence (Netflix)
- The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
- Cedric The Entertainer – The Neighborhood (CBS)
- David Alan Grier – St. Denis Medical (NBC)
- David Oyelowo – Government Cheese (Apple TV)
- Mike Epps – The Upshaws (Netflix)
- Vince Staples – The Vince Staples Show (Netflix)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
- Ayo Edebiri – The Bear (FX/Hulu)
- Maya Rudolph – Loot (Apple TV)
- Michelle Buteau – Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
- Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Uzo Aduba – The Residence (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- Colman Domingo – The Four Seasons (Netflix)
- Giancarlo Esposito – The Residence (Netflix)
- Josh Johnson – The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
- Wendell Pierce – Elsbeth (CBS)
- William Stanford Davis – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- Edwina Finley – The Residence (Netflix)
- Ego Nwodim – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
- Janelle James – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Jerrie Johnson – Harlem (Prime Video)
- Wanda Sykes – The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding Drama Series
- Bel-Air (Peacock)
- Beyond The Gates (CBS)
- Forever (Netflix)
- Paradise (Hulu)
- Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
- Forest Whitaker – Godfather of Harlem (MGM+)
- Jabari Banks – Bel-Air (Peacock)
- Michael Cooper Jr. – Forever (Netflix)
- Morris Chestnut – Watson (CBS)
- Sterling K. Brown – Paradise (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
- Angela Bassett – 9-1-1 (ABC)
- Emayatzy Corinealdi – Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
- Lovie Simone – Forever (Netflix)
- Patina Miller – Power Book III: Raising Kanan (STARZ)
- Queen Latifah – The Equalizer (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Adrian Holmes – Bel-Air (Peacock)
- Ato Essandoh – The Diplomat (Netflix)
- Caleb McLaughlin – Stranger Things (Netflix)
- Jacob Latimore – The Chi (Showtime)
- Wood Harris – Forever (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Aisha Hinds – 9-1-1 (ABC)
- Audra McDonald – The Gilded Age (HBO Max)
- Karen Pittman – Forever (Netflix)
- Karen Pittman – The Morning Show (Apple TV)
- Nicole Beharie – The Morning Show (Apple TV)
Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
- G20 (Prime Video)
- Ironheart (Disney+)
- Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
- Straw (Netflix)
- Washington Black (Hulu)
Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
- Brian Tyree Henry – Dope Thief (Apple TV)
- Giancarlo Esposito – Please Don’t Feed The Children( Tubi)
- Idris Elba – Heads of State (Prime Video)
- Taye Diggs – Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers & Ours (Lifetime)
- Tyler Lepley – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
- Brandy Norwood – Christmas Everyday (Lifetime)
- Dominique Thorne – Ironheart (Disney+)
- Serayah – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
- Taraji P. Henson – Straw (Netflix)
- Viola Davis – G20 (Prime Video)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
- CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)
- Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (PBS)
- Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm With Robin Roberts (ABC)
- Michelle Obama: The Style, The Power, The Look: A Conversation with Robin Roberts (ABC)
- The Don Lemon Show (YouTube)
Outstanding Talk Series
- House Guest (YouTube TV)
- Sherri (Syndicated)
- Tamron Hall Show (ABC)
- The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
- The View (ABC)
Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Services/Game Show
- Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
- Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
- Full Court Press (ESPN, ESPN+)
- Love & Marriage: Huntsville (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
- Ready to Love (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
Outstanding Variety (Series or Special)
- Tiny Desk Concerts Celebrates Black Music Month 2025 (NPR)
- HBCU Honors (BET Networks)
- BET Awards 2025 (BET Networks)
- Wicked: One Wonderful Night (NBC)
- Ali Siddiq: My Two Sons (YouTube/Moment PPV)
Outstanding Children’s Program
- Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+)
- Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
- Iyanu (Cartoon Network)
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
- Reading Rainbow (KidZuko)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–Series)
- Amanda Christine – IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Max)
- Blake Cameron James – IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Max)
- Jeremiah Felder – The Residence (Netflix)
- Leah Sava Jeffries – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
- Percy Daggs IV – Paradise (Hulu)
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
- Abby Phillip – CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)
- Don Lemon – The Don Lemon Show (YouTube)
- Henry Louis Gates, Jr. – Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates. Jr. (PBS)
- Scott Evans – House Guest (YouTube TV)
- Sherri Shepherd — Sherri (Syndicated)
Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
- Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough – Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
- Barbara Corcoran, Lorie Grenier, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Daniel Lubetzky, Kevin O’Leary – Shark Tank (ABC)
- Bozoma St. John and Jimmy Fallon – On Brand with Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
- Kevin Hart – BET Awards 2025 (BET Networks)
- Steve Harvey – Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
Outstanding Guest Performance
- Brandee Evans – Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
- Dave Chappelle – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
- Janet Hubert – Bel-Air (Peacock)
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner – Murder in a Small Town (FOX)
- Morris Chestnut – Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
Outstanding Animated Series
- Disney Jr.’s Ariel (Disney Jr.)
- Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
- Iyanu (Cartoon Network)
- Lil Kev (BET+)
- Weather Hunters (PBS KIDS)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
- Anika Noni Rose – The Mighty Nein (Prime Video)
- Ayo Edebiri – Big Mouth (Netflix)
- Cedric the Entertainer – The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+)
- Graceyn Hollingsworth – Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
- Kyla Pratt – The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+)
Outstanding Short Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction/Documentary
- College Gameday: Michael Vick (ESPN)
- Glam Through The Ages (KeyTV Network)
- Noochie’s Live From The Front Porch (YouTube TV)
- The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show starring Kendrick Lamar (FOX)
- The Daily Show: After The Cut (Comedy Central)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
- Chinaka Hodge – Ironheart (Disney+)
- Daniel Lawrence Taylor – Boarders (Tubi)
- Haolu Wang – Black Mirror (Netflix)
- Jas Summers – Stay (Hulu)
- Tearrance Averelle Chisolm – Demascus (Tubi)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, Movie)
- Glynn Turman – Straw (Netflix)
- Jay Ellis – All Her Fault (Peacock)
- Rockmond Dunbar – Straw (Netflix)
- Sterling K. Brown – Washington Black (Hulu)
- Ving Rhames – Dope Thief (Apple TV)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
- Angela Bassett – Zero Day (Netflix)
- Lyric Ross – Ironheart (Disney+)
- Marsai Martin – G20 (Prime Video)
- Sherri Shepherd – Straw (Netflix)
- Teyana Taylor – Straw (Netflix)
Outstanding New Artist
- Elmiene – “Useless Without You” (Def Jam Recordings)
- Lee Vasi – “Love Me To Life” (Capitol CMG/Leeda Music Group)
- Madison McFerrin – “Scorpio” (MadMcFerrin Music LLC)
- Monaleo – “Who Did the Body?” (Columbia Records)
- Ravyn Lenae – “Bicycle Race” (Atlantic Records)
Outstanding Male Artist
- Bryson Tiller – Solace & The Vices (RCA Records/TrapSoul)
- Chris Brown – “It Depends” feat. Byrson Tiller (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
- GIVĒON – Beloved (Epic Records)
- Kendrick Lamar – “luther” (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
- Leon Thomas – MUTT Deluxe: Heel (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
Outstanding Female Artist
- Alex Isley – Hands (Warner Records)
- Cardi B – Am I the Drama? (Atlantic Records)
- Doechii – “Anxiety” (Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records)
- SZA – SOS Deluxe: LANA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
- Teyana Taylor – Escape Room (Def Jam Recordings)
Outstanding Jazz Album
- For Dinah – Ledisi (Candid Records)
- We Insist! 2025 – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell (Candid Records)
- Beneath the Skin – Nnenna Freelon (Origin Records)
- Live-Action – Nate Smith – Nate Smith (Naive)
- Griot Songs – Omar Thomas Large Ensemble (Omar Thomas Music)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
- Jekalyn X The Legends – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
- Live at Maverick City – Maverick City Music (Tribl Records, LLC)
- Only On The Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett (Freligious Music)
- Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel)
- The Live Reunion: Washington D.C. – JJ Hairson and Youthful Praise (James Town Music)
Outstanding International Song
- “In Our Sight” – Skip Marley (Def Jam Recordings)
- “Is It” – Tyla (Epic Records)
- “Love” – Burna Boy (Spaceship/Bad Habit/Atlantic Records)
- “With You” – Davido feat. Omah Lay (RCA Records/Sony Music UK)
- “You4Me” – Tiwa Savage (Everything Savage/EMPIRE)
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
- “Anxiety” – Doechii (Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records)
- “Boots on the Ground” – 803Fresh (Snake Eyez Music Group/APG)
- Escape Room – Teyana Taylor (Def Jam Recordings)
- “Folded” – Kehlani (Atlantic Records)
- “luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
Outstanding Album
- Am I The Drama? – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)
- Beloved – GIVĒON (Epic Records)
- Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T, Malice (Roc Nation Distribution)
- Mutt Deluxe: Heel – Leon Thomas (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
- SOS Deluxe: LANA – SZA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
- Godfather of Harlem: Season 4 (Original Series Soundtrack) (Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment)
- Highest 2 Lowest (Original Soundtrack) (A24)
- Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Masterworks, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)
- The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder: Season 3 (Music from the Series) (Walt Disney Records)
- Wicked: For Good (The Soundtrack) (Republic Records)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
- “Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard feat John Legend (Motown Gospel)
- “Constant” – Live – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore, Anthony Gargiula (Tribl Records)
- “Do it Again” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records)
- “Don’t Faint” – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
- “Jesus I Do” – Mariah Carey feat. The Clark Sisters (gamma.)
Outstanding Song – Soul/R&B
- “Folded” – Kehlani (Atlantic Records)
- “Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist (Epic Records)
- “It Depends” – Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
- “Yes It Is” – Leon Thomas (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
- “Bed of Roses” – Teyana Taylor (Def Jam Recordings)
Outstanding Song – Hip-Hop/Rap Song
- “Anxiety” — Doechii (Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records)
- “Chains & Whips” – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice (Roc Nation Distribution)
- “ErrTime” – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)
- “Ride” (Remix) – Chance the Rapper feat. Do or Die & Twista (CTR LLC)
- “Typa” – GloRilla (CMG/Interscope Records)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
- 803Fresh feat. Fantasia – “Boots on the Ground” Remix (Snake Eyez Music Group/Artist Partner Group)
- Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice – “Chains & Whips” (Roc Nation Distribution)
- Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – “For Good” (Republic Records)
- Mariah Carey, The Clark Sisters – “Jesus I Do” (gamma.)
- Travis Greene & Andra Day – “Let Freedom Ring” (Greenelight Music/TRIBL Records)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
- Cardi B, Kehlani – “Safe” (Atlantic Records)
- Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher – “It Depends” (Remix) (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
- kwn feat. Kehlani – “Worst Behavior” (RCA Records)
- FLO – “The Mood” (Remixes) (Uptown Records/Republic Records)
- Leon Thomas & Chris Brown – “MUTT” (Remix) (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
Outstanding Original Score for Television/Film
- Boots (Madison Gate Records)
- Eyes of Wakanda Original Soundtrack (Hollywood Records)
- Marvel’s Ironheart: Vol. 1 (Original Soundtrack) (Hollywood Records)
- One of Them Days (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Madison Gate Records, TriStar Productions)
- Sinners (Original Motion Picture Score) (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
- Can’t Get Enough – Kennedy Ryan (Forever/Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group)
- Chronicles of Ori: An African Epic – Harmonia Rosales (W. W. Norton & Company)
- Death of the Author – Nnedi Okorafor (William Morrow)
- Happy Land – Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Berkley, Penguin Random House)
- Harlem Rhapsody – Victoria Christopher Murray (Berkley, Penguin Random House)
Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
- A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm & Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics – Juanita Tolliver (Legacy Lit/Hachette Book Group)
- Born in Flames – Bench Ansfield (W. W. Norton & Company)
- From These Roots – Tamara Lanier (Penguin Random House, Crown)
- Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era – Calvin Stovall Jr. (Brown Books Publishing Group)
- I Am Nobody’s Slave – Lee Hawkins (HarperCollins Publishers)
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
- Anela Malik – American Soul: The Black History of Food in the United States (National Geographic Partners, LLC)
- Charles B. Fancher – Red Clay (Blackstone Publishing)
- Dr. Judith Joseph – High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy (Little, Brown Spark)
- Lorna Lewis – A Sky Full of Love (Lake Union)
- Zoe B. Wallbrook – History Lessons (Soho Crime)
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography
- 107 Days – Kamala Harris (Simon & Schuster)
- The Look – Michelle Obama (Crown)
- Toni at Random – Dana A. Williams (Amistad, HarperCollins)
- Truly – Lionel Richie (HarperOne)
- Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three – Dawn Staley (Black Privilege Publishing (Atria Books, Simon & Schuster))
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
- American Soul: The Black History of Food in the United States – Anela Malik (National Geographic Partners, LLC)
- Braided Heritage: Recipes and Stories on the Origin of American Cuisine – Dr. Jessica Harris (Penguin Random House/Clarkson Potter)
- We the Pizza: Slangin’ Pies and Savin’ Lives – Muhammad Abdul-Hadi (Penguin Random House/Clarkson Potter)
- Who Better Than You? – Will Packer (Penguin Random House)
- Wine Pairing for the People – Cha McCoy (Harvest, an imprint of WilliamMorrow, HarperCollins)
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
- Death of the First Idea – Rickey Laurentiis (Alfred A. Knopf)
- Florida Water – Aja Monet (Haymarket Books)
- The Grace of Black Mothers – Martheaus Perkins (Trio House Press)
- The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems – Patricia Smith (Scribner)
- We Look Better Alive – Ali Black (Burnside Review Press)
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
- Black Boy, Rise – Brynne Barnes (Chronicle Books)
- Black Diamond Kings: Heroes of Negro League Baseball – Charles R. Smith Jr. (Candlewick Press)
- My Quiet Place – Monica Mikai (Chronicle Books )
- The History of We – Nikkolas Smith (Penguin Young Readers)
- Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark – Allen R. Wells; Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge (Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers/Macmillan)
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
- (S)Kin – Ibi Zoboi (HarperCollins/Versify)
- Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi – Angie Thomas (HarperCollins/Clarion Books)
- The Scammer – Tiffany D. Jackson (HarperCollins – Quill Tree Books)
- The Story of My Anger – Jasminne Mendez (Penguin Young Readers)
- Through Our Teeth – Pamela N. Harris (HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books)
Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel
- Creaky Acres: A Graphic Novel – Calista Bril (Penguin Young Readers)
- Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls – Rob Edwards (Stranger Comics)
- One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel – Rita William-Garcia (HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books)
- Parable of the Talents A Graphic Novel Adaptation – Octavia E. Butler, adapted by Damien Duffy, Illustrated by John Jennings and David Brame (Abrams ComicArts)
- They Choose Violence – Sheldon Allen (AWA Studios)
Outstanding Literary Work – Journalism
- “As Black New Yorkers Move Out, N.Y.C. Politics May Be Reshaped” – Maya King (Newspaper)
- “Audra McDonald Took The Stage and Rewrote The Rules” – Adam Davenport (Online)
- “Black joy and boots: How line dancing is fanning cultural connection” – Lisa Respers France (News Service)
- “HBCUs Reel as Trump Cuts Black-Focused Grants: ‘This Is Our Existence’ ” – Jasper Smith (Online)
- “On Borrowed Time” – Anissa Durham (Online)
Outstanding Motion Picture
- Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
- One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
- Sarah’s Oil (Amazon MGM Studios)
- Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
- André Holland – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
- Denzel Washington – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
- Michael B. Jordan – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Nnamdi Asomugha – The Knife (Relatively Media)
- Tyriq Withers – HIM (Monkeypaw Productions)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
- Cynthia Erivo – Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
- Danielle Deadwyler – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
- Keke Palmer – One Of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
- Kerry Washington – Shadow Force (Lionsgate)
- Tessa Thompson – Hedda (Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
- A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
- Damson Idris – F1 (Apple Original Films)
- Delroy Lindo – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Jeffrey Wright – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
- Miles Caton – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
- Janelle James – One Of Them Days (Sony)
- Jayme Lawson – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Regina Hall – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
- 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
- Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
- Magazine Dreams (Briarcliff Entertainment)
- Opus (A24)
- Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Entertainment)
Outstanding International Motion Picture
- 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
- My Father’s Shadow (MUBI)
- Souleymane’s Story (Kino Lorber)
- The Fisherman (Luu Vision Media)
- The Secret Agent (NEON)
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
- A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
- Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Miles Caton – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Tabitha Brown – Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Films)
- Tyriq Withers – HIM (Monkeypaw Productions)
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
- Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Buddy Guy, Delroy Lindo, Peter Dreimanis, Lola Kirke, Li Jun Li, Saul Williams, Yao – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams – One Of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
- Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Coleman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh – Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
- Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
- Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee, Jason Clarke – A House of Dynamite (Netflix)
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
- Elio (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
- KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)
- Sneaks (Briarcliff Entertainment)
- The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
- Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture
- Anthony Mackie – Sneaks (Briarcliff Entertainment)
- Craig Robinson – The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
- Danielle Brooks – The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
- Lil Rel Howery – Dog Man (DreamWorks Animation)
- Quinta Brunson – Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
- ADO (Baylor University)
- Before You Let Go (Find Your People Program)
- Best Eyes (American Film Institute Conservatory)
- Ella (Netflix)
- Food for the Soul (P.A. Works)
Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
- ASALI: Power of The Pollinators (Upenndo! Productions)
- Black Man, Black Man (Chainwheel Productions)
- Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II (Cutting Edge Animation)
- Jazzy Bells (Deep C Digital)
- Wednesdays with Gramps (DreamWorks Animation)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
- Cassandra Mann – Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Entertainment LLC)
- Contessa Gayles – Songs from the Hole (Netflix)
- Nnamdi Asomugha – The Knife (Relativity Media)
- R.T. Thorne – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
- Rachael Abigail Holder – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Motion Picture
- Amari Price – The Knife (Relativity Media)
- Estella K. Kahiha – The Woman in the Yard (Athena Studios)
- Jahleel Kamara – Shadow Force (Lionsgate)
- Naya Desir-Johnson – Sarah’s Oil (Amazon MGM Studios)
- Peyton Jackson – The Woman in the Yard (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture
- Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Kira Kelly – HIM (Universal Pictures)
- Martim Vian – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich)
- Sean Bobbitt – Hedda (Amazon MGM Studios)
- Shabier Kirchner – Materialists (A24)
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
- Being Eddie (Netflix)
- Fatherless No More (First Gen Films)
- Left Behind (Corso Films)
- The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix)
- Who in the Hell is Regina Jones? (Weigel Productions)
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
- A Star Without A Star: The Untold Juanita Moore Story (Apple TV)
- Eyes on the Prize III: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest 1977-2015 (HBO Max)
- Great Migrations: A People on the Move (PBS)
- High Horse: The Black Cowboy (Peacock)
- Number One On the Call Sheet (Apple TV)
Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)
- Black Longevity (Apt. 5f)
- CIRILO, A Legacy Untold (JOCMedia & Entertainment)
- Freeman Vines (Switchboard)
- Masaka Kids, a Rhythm Within (Netflix)
- The Ebony Canal: A Story of Black Infant Health (Ya Momz House)
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
- Aisha Muharrar – Hacks – “Clickable Face” (HBO Max)
- Frida Perez – The Studio – “The War” (Apple TV)
- Lizzy Darrell – Abbott Elementary – “100th Day of School” (ABC)
- Monique D. Hall – Sesame Street – “Tamir’s Art Show” (MAX)
- Naomi Ekperigin – St. Denis Medical – “Buffalo Bruce and the Matty Kid” (NBC)
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
- Ajani Jackson – Law & Order – “Episode 10” (NBC)
- Bryce Ahart, Stephanie McFarlane – FBI – “Episode 12” (CBS)
- C.A. Johnson – The Beast in Me – “Thanatos” (Netflix)
- Cynthia Adarkwa – The Pitt -“12:00 P.M.” (HBO Max)
- Walter Mosley – The Lowdown – “Tulsa Turnaround” (FX/Hulu)
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special
- Aireka Muse – Friends & Lovers (Lifetime Movie Network)
- Jas Summers – Stay (Hulu)
- Jerrod Carmichael – Jerrod Carmichael: Don’t Be Gay (HBO Max)
- Michael Elliot, Cory Tynan – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
- Roye Okupe and Brandon Easton – Iyanu: The Age of Wonders (Cartoon Network)
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
- Chloé Zhao – Hamnet (Focus Features)
- Nora Garrett – After the Hunt (Amazon MGM Studios)
- Ryan Coogler – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Syreeta Singleton – One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
- Walter Mosley, Nadia Latif – The Man in My Basement (Andscape)
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
- Amy Aniobi – Survival of the Thickest – “It’s Not A MoMent, It’s A Movement, Bitch!” (Netflix)
- Colman Domingo – The Four Seasons – “Ultimate Frisbee” (Netflix)
- Paul Hunter – Government Cheese – “Father Facts, Figures, and Failures” (Apple TV)
- Theodore Witcher – Demascus – “The Thanksgiving Episode” (Tubi)
- Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary – “The Science Fair” (ABC)
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
- Angela Barnes – Ironheart – “The Past Is the Past” (Disney+)
- Anton Cropper – Reasonable Doubt – “Feelin’ It” (Hulu)
- Jet Wilkinson – The Copenhagen Test – “Copenhagen” (Peacock)
- Mario Van Peebles – Power Book III: Raising Kanan – “Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself” (STARZ)
- Salli Richardson-Whitfield – The Gilded Age – “My Mind Is Made Up” (HBO Max)
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special
- Alanna Brown – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
- Nicole G. Leier – Trapped in the Spotlight (Lifetime)
- Olatunde Osunsanmi – Star Trek: Section 31 (Paramount+)
- Tailiah Breon – Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story (A&E)
- Troy A. Scott – I’ll Never Let You Go (Lifetime)
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
- Elijah Bynum – Magazine Dreams (Briarcliff Entertainment)
- Guillermo del Toro – Frankenstein (Netflix)
- Lawrence Lamont – One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
- R.T. Thorne – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
- Ryan Coogler – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Film)
- Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson – Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (Hulu)
- Andre Gaines – Boo-Yah – A Portrait of Stuart Scott (ESPN)
- Contessa Gayles – Songs from the Hole (Netflix)
- Reginald Hudlin, Shola Lynch – Number One on the Call Sheet (Apple TV)
- Yemi Oyediran – King of Them All: The Story of King Records (PBS)
Outstanding Podcast – News and Information
- Accidentally Informed (ComebackTV Presents)
- Native Land Pod (iHeartMedia/Reasoned Choice Media)
- The Assignment with Audie Cornish (CNN)
- The Don Lemon Show (Lemon Media Network)
- The Joy Reid Show (Image Lab Media Group LLC)
Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help
- Ageless, Fearless, & Unscripted (Williamson Media Group)
- Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford (Forged Path Productions)
- IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Higher Ground)
- Just Heal with Dr. Jay (Cue & Coda Films)
- Money And Wealth With John Hope Bryant (Black Effect-iHeartPodcasts)
Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture
- Baby, This is Keke Palmer (Wondery)
- Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay (The Ringer)
- IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Higher Ground)
- The Don Lemon Show (Lemon Media Network)
- What Now? with Trevor Noah (Day Zero Productions)
Outstanding Podcast – Arts, Sports and Entertainment
- IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Higher Ground)
- Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe (Hillman Grad & Lemonada Media)
- ReLiving Single with Erika Alexander & Kim Coles (Hartbeat)
- Shawn Stockman’s On That Note (CTG Media)
- SPOLITICS with Jemele Hill (Unbothered Inc)
Outstanding Podcast – Scripted/Limited Series/Short Form
- Exonerated: The Cost of Wrongful Conviction (WURD Radio)
- Interesting Things with JC (Jim Connors LLC)
- Kingsland (SBH Productions and Audible)
- Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown (Lemonada Media)
- The Prophecy Season 2 (Audible, Simpson Street and Q Code Media)
Outstanding Costume Design (TV or Film)
- Bel-Air – Queensylvia Akuchie (Peacock)
- Highest 2 Lowest – Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (A24)
- Love, Brooklyn – Missy Mickens (Greenwich Entertainment)
- Sinners – Ruth E. Carter (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Wicked: For Good – Paul Tazewell (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Make-up (TV or Film)
- All’s Fair – Kate Biscoe (Hulu)
- Bel-Air – Alyssa Hudson (Peacock)
- Chief of War – Christian Tinsley (Apple TV)
- Highest 2 Lowest – Ngozi Olandu Young (A24)
- Sinners – Ken Diaz (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Hair Styling (TV or Film)
- All’s Fair – Valerie Jackson (Hulu)
- Bel-Air – Terry Hunt (Peacock)
- Beyond the Gates – Wankala L. Hinkson (CBS)
- Reasonable Doubt – Deaundra Metzger (Hulu)
- Sinners – Shunika Terry (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or Television Series, Movie, or Special
- Deanna Nowell, ACE – Ironheart (Disney+)
- Maysie Hoy, ACE – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
- Michael P. Shawver – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Ralph Jean-Pierre – The Beast in Me (Netflix)
- Shaheed Qaasim – Poker Face (Peacock)
Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)
- Butterfly – Yeonheon Jung (Prime Video)
- F1 – Gary Powell (Apple TV)
- G20 – Grant Powell (Prime Video)
- Shadow Force – Dartenea Bryant (Starz)
- Sinners – Andy Gill (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Art/Comedy
- Darren Watkins Jr. – @IShowSpeed
- Jordan Howlett – @jordan_the_stallion8
- Joshua Neal – @joshuadneal
- Lou Young – @Louuuyoung
- Tee Sanders – @teesanderscomedy
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Political/Culture
- Elizabeth Booker Houston – @bookersquared
- Garrison Hayes – @garrisonh
- George Lee Jr. – @theconsciouslee
- Joshua Doss – @doss.discourse
- Lynae Vanee – @lynaevanee
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Fashion/Beauty
- Allyiah Gainer – @allyiahsface
- De’arra Taylor – @dearra
- Eni Popoola – @enigivensunday
- Jackie Asamoah – @jackieaina
- Wisdom Kaye – @wisdm
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Gaming/Tech Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Fashion/Beauty
- Berlin Edmonds – @Berleezy
- Cory Kenshin – @CoryxKenshin
- Gerard Williams – @Hiphopgamer
- Jay Ann Lopez – @blackgirlgamers
- Khleo Thomas – @khleothomas
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Fitness/Wellness/Food
- Alex Hill – @justaddhotsauce
- Jeanette Jenkins – @msjeanettejenkins
- Keith Lee – @Keith_Lee125
- Kimberly Villalobos – @KimmysKreations.1
- Massy Arias – @Massy.arias
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The Belcalis Vs. Barbie Brawl & The Other Craziest Celebrity Beefs Of 2025
50 Cent vs. Diddy
Source: John Lamparski/ Shareif Ziyadat Unlike many flash-in-the-pan celebrity beefs, 50 Cent and Sean “Diddy” Combs (P. Diddy) have maintained tension for nearly two decades. The feud traces back to the mid-2000s, when 50 Cent released a diss track called “The Bomb,” accusing Combs of involvement in the Notorious B.I.G. ‘s 1997 murder, a claim the latter has always denied, according to PEOPLE. Over the years, the animosity has persisted, driven by industry rivalries, competition over endorsements (such as vodka brands), and public comments.
The rivalry surged to new heights in 2023, when 50 Cent started weighing in on Combs’ legal troubles, following a series of controversies. The drama first intensified in November 2023 when Combs’ ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, accused him of rape and sexual assault. He denied the claims, and the lawsuit was settled the very next day. At the time, 50 Cent joked about Combs losing some of his business partnerships, posting on X that he would be willing to step in.
A few months later, Combs faced more upheaval when authorities raided his Los Angeles and Miami homes through HSI investigations. 50 Cent again shared his thoughts on X, suggesting he believed the allegations against Combs were legitimate.
“Now it’s not Diddy do it, it’s Diddy done,” he wrote. “They don’t come like that unless they got a case.”
In 2025, the rivalry gained fresh attention with the release of the Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning, executive-produced by 50 Cent. The series highlights sexual misconduct allegations and the legal troubles surrounding Combs, including his criminal conviction and prison sentence, and some interpreted 50 Cent’s involvement as an extension of their long-standing beef rather than a neutral project.
Even in isolation from official beef moments, fans and commentators treat the documentary and 50 Cent’s relentless public commentary as proof the feud hasn’t cooled.
Remy Ma vs. Papoose & Claressa Shields
Source: Scott Legato/Getty Images for The Fire Inside/ Terence Rushin / Getty In 2024, the Remy Ma and Papoose cheating scandal reached a peak when professional boxer Claressa Shields called out Remy Ma after the rapper accused her of having an affair with Papoose. But the drama escalated in May 2025 when Remy publicly criticized her estranged husband for allegedly delaying their divorce.
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, Remy went live on Instagram to address comments Shields made on The Breakfast Club, saying she had no “ill-will” toward the situation. The boxer said that while Papoose’s divorce had to be “taken care of,” she and the rapper were madly in love despite Remy’s “chaos.”
During an Instagram Live session, Remy insisted that she had already moved on from the drama and had requested that Papoose file for divorce. She even offered to pay for it if necessary. She added, “Everything is signed and ready to go,” putting the delay on her ex, and hinted that if Shields wanted to shell out cash for the split to be official, it would be “great.”
Papoose quickly responded on Instagram, sharing a screenshot of an email confirming that he had filed for divorce in New Jersey.
“This was so easy to file for divorce. Why hasn’t she done it? #pumpfaking,” he wrote. “The only reason I haven’t filed previously is for the sake of my daughter. She has to go to school. When two individuals behave like civilized adults, you can get a divorce peacefully/privately. And that was my intentions. But when a person wants to be bitter, & clout chase. It turns into a circus. Which can lead to an embarrassment for my child.”
He went on to call Remy a liar and claimed she had been trying to get back together with him. Remy Ma fired back on IG Live, calling her ex a liar for suggesting she wanted to rekindle their relationship. She also accused him of failing in his fatherly duties.
“Sidebar: and you haven’t taken my daughter to or from school since last year. But that’s allegedly why u got a place so close to my crib lol Double Sidebar: Like I always tell you…If u miss me, just say that, no need to start an unnecessary fight.”
Regarding the divorce filing, the rapper claimed that Papoose waited until she publicly called him out before filing.
“Did y’all see the date on that divorce filing? He filed that today. He filed that today. Who gave you the money? They gave you the money? You should thank me. Look at me doing you favors again…I got y’all lit.”
The drama continued to intensify that month, with Remy claiming Papoose blocked her on social media and threatened to put his son on her IG Live to prove he wasn’t an active father. After a day of drama, Papoose claimed he had written the majority of Remy Ma’s raps.
The feud may now be cooling down, as Papoose and Shields recently appeared on The Breakfast Club, saying they wanted to move on from the controversy.
Tamar Braxton vs. Funky Dineva
Source: Arturo Holmes/Paras Griffin In August 2025, Tamar Braxton and Funky Dineva had a very public fallout following a night that almost turned scandalous and fatal. The controversy began on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, when Tamar teased her new Heartbreak Retrograde EP, starring a married Mendeecees Harris, just a week after claiming she “almost died” and was “found in a pool of blood,” without giving full details.
In the promo, the 48-year-old singer was seen snuggling up with Harris, and planting a kiss on the reality TV star, though she clarified in captions that he was only a “FRIEND.” Still, the internet erupted with speculation about a possible romance. Rumors were fueled by sightings of Tamar and Mendeeces together at V12 Lounge, allegedly hours before her accident. The photos also captured Dineva partying with the singer that same night, but what started as speculation quickly turned into controversy.
Some internet sleuths accused Dinvea of having something to do with Tamar’s incident, which sent the YouTuber into a heated rampage. In a now-deleted YouTube livestream, Dineva referred to Tamar as “the lady” and claimed he had no knowledge of what happened after leaving the club.
On Aug. 27, Dineva addressed the situation on social media, expressing hurt over Tamar’s silence over the allegations. He also called her accident “a PR stunt,” claiming he was used as “collateral damage” to promote the singer’s new album.
He continued:
“@Tamarbraxton you ain’t even gone try to clear any of this up and tell these people I didn’t do anything to you…. I was accused of NOT BEING A FRIEND TO YOU. When at the end of the day, it was YOU NOT BEING A FRIEND TO ME!! I didn’t deserve any of this, and I’m deeply hurt!”
Tamar eventually responded, stating she didn’t want to fight with the social media star.
“No matter what he says, I love @MsFunkyDineva anyway. Had I known what was going on while I was in the hospital trying to recover, I would have said something. It’s terrible that what ever I DIDN’T say turned into all this. I just want PEACE.”
She clarified on Instagram that she did not fake her accident.
“I wish it was a lie. Or a ‘PR’ stunt. I’m devastated that ANYONE would suggest that. Please enjoy my EP. I worked very hard, and I spent my OWN money for my Tamartian friends to enjoy.”
A day later, on Aug. 28, Tamar shared a joint video explaining her injuries with Dr. Amira Ogunleye, which included “multiple dental fractures, a nasal fracture, and even a tooth completely knocked out of the socket.” Despite this, Dineva continued to criticize her online.
Funky followed up by accusing Tamar of having an affair with Mendeecees, something she strongly denied.
Source: Prince Williams / Getty Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake
Source: Prince Williams / Paras Griffin The Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef simmered long before 2025, but dominated headlines this year. According to USA Today, tension began with subliminal messages in tracks dating back to 2013, including Lamar’s “Control,” which aimed at Drake.
But the beef really boiled up after the release of Drake and J. Cole’s 2023 track “First Person Shooter.” On the infamous track, J.Cole called himself and the two rivals the “big three” of rap, but that title didn’t sit well with Lamar. The Cali-bred hip-hop artist responded in Future and Metro Boomin’s March release “Like That” rapping: “forget ‘the big three … it’s just big me” and apparently referencing Drake: “It’s time for him to prove that he’s a problem.”
This led to Lamar’s 2024 diss track “Not Like Us,” which carried into 2025 with a ton of success and sizzling drama. The track won five Grammys in February 2025, and Lamar performed it at the Super Bowl, showcasing his trolling skills, alongside Drake’s ex Serena Williams, no less.
Drake wasn’t silent, however. The Super Bowl performance came after Drizzy filed a defamation lawsuit in NYC against Universal Music Group over the fiery diss, claiming the lyrics and music video falsely portrayed him as a pedophile, damaging his reputation. TMZ reported that Drake alleged UMG promoted the track to devalue his brand. The case was dismissed in October 2025, though Drake filed a motion to appeal that same month.
Nicki Minaj vs. SZA
Source: Christopher Polk Nicki Minaj also took aim at SZA in 2025. In July, the Grammy-nominated rapper publicly accused SZA’s manager, TDE’s Terrence “Punch” Henderson, of bullying her.
It all began on July 15, when Nicki called out Henderson, claiming he was “bullying” her on “Twitter for no reason.” The origin of the allegations was unclear, though Punch had tweeted about “Broken Barbies” earlier that morning. While the tweet referred to Lyric Michelle’s new song from his “Room Full Of Mirrors” group and had nothing to do with Nicki, she appeared to take it personally.
Shortly after Nicki’s rant, SZA responded on X with a cryptic message: “Mercury retrograde…don’t take the bait lol silly goose.” Though she didn’t mention anyone specifically, Nicki immediately accused her of subtweeting and went on the offensive:
“Go draw your freckles back on bookie,” she tweeted. “Bh looking & sounding like she got stung by a fing bee. dot dot dot Draws on my fake freckles.”
Nicki also criticized SZA’s achievements, targeting her record-breaking 2022 album, SOS, which went 9X platinum in under 3 years. The album made SZA the only Black artist to spend over 80 weeks in the Billboard 200’s Top 10, surpassing Michael Jackson’s record, as previously reported.
“B***h put out a whole new album as a deluxe to an already existing album that was out for like a year or 2, so the original album could break records,” Nicki said. “Like what in the insecure lack of morals & integrity you doing? I thought she was like a real artist? Girl bye.”
The two traded a few more barbs before the feud appeared to simmer down.
Eventually, SZA responded to one of Nicki’s tweets, calling her a “fake girl’s girl” and highlighting her alleged superiority. The TDE singer presented evidence that Minaj had requested features from her twice and even rapped lyrics SZA had written:
“Nicki … You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you’ve asked for features twice to no response,” she tweeted. “In addition to rapping my lyrics on feeling myself ‘Cooking up the bass looking like a kilo’? Lol ur having a moment … I’m not sure why, but be blessed.”
SZA also shared a screenshot of alleged messages between a team member and Nicki asking, “Is SZA recording right now? Got this hook, I think she would be dope on.” From there, the online beef largely dissipated.
In a November GQ interview, SZA addressed the situation, explaining there was “no backstory” and that she didn’t even know Nicki personally.
“I don’t know her,” SZA began. “We have no connection to each other. There’s no backstory. Like, there was no through-line narrative. It was just like, ‘Roc Nation…I don’t know where it came from. That’s not even my place to correct a narrative that I don’t got s**t to do with. It was a little strange. It was very like, ‘Why?’ But also, you know, ‘I guess.’ ”
What do you think of these wild celebrity feuds of 2025? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
RELATED: Relationship Recap: 2025 Celebrity Weddings, Engagements & Entanglements
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5 Of The Most Iconic Tours Of 2025
Looking back on the electric, record-shattering year of music we’ve just lived through, it’s hard to even grasp the sheer flood of amazing artists that have toured this year, let alone narrow the list down. However, at The Honey POP, we love a challenge, and we’ve rounded up the tours that have us replaying fan cams like our lives depended on it. From Lady Gaga’s theatrically unhinged Mayhem Ball to Charli’s neon-chaos Brat Tour, here are the five most iconic tours of 2025.
Chromakopia: The World Tour – Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator kicked off his seventh headlining tour, Chromakopia: The World Tour, back in February. The album, released in late 2024, earned critical acclaim for its genre-bending experiments, wry storytelling, and unexpected features, fueling instant sellouts worldwide. Starting in Saint Paul, MN, the tour quickly blew up online, with fans praising Tyler’s captivating stage presence and crisp vocals. Beyond dominating the stadiums and box office, Tyler commanded the stage, winning praise from everybody!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TYLER, THE CREATOR:
DISCORD| FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITEGrand National Tour – SZA and Kendrick Lamar
The Grand National Tour, Kendrick Lamar’s headlining tour featuring SZA, has been showstopping, showing the strong artistry of both performers and bringing to life their award-winning collaborations. The tour was announced following the release of Lamar’s album GNX, and shattered multiple box-office records, proving that their artistry is just as explosive live as it is in the studio. Fans praised the show’s seamless transitions between their solo sets and joint performances, calling it one of the most iconic co-headlining tours in years.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SZA:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITETO LEARN MORE ABOUT KENDRICK LAMAR:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITEShort n’ Sweet Tour – Sabrina Carpenter
While The Short n’ Sweet Tour has been far from short, it is oh so sweet, and we at THP! are so very sad to see it end. The Short n’ Sweet Tour started back in September 2024 and just had its closing night in Los Angeles on November 23rd, where Sabrina didn’t hold back with the treats and sweets for us, arresting the perfectly chirpy Miss Piggy and running through a finish line for her iconic ‘Juno’ pose. From SZA to Marcello Hernandez as Domingo, The Short n’ Sweet Tour gave us countless unforgettable arrests and just as many unforgettable outfits from Sabrina, making it one of the most iconic tours of the year. While we are sad to see the tour end, there is bound to be endless Carpenter content to hold us over until she makes her Coachella headlining debut.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SABRINA CARPENTER:
DISCORD|FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITEThe Brat Tour – Charli XCX
While we were blessed with the, might we say, historic SWEAT Tour, Charli XCX didn’t hold back and gave us even more to be thankful for this year by embarking on the Brat Tour, which included her 2025 festival run plus more arena shows. The world tour began back in November 2024 and ended earlier this August in South Korea with a show-stopping performance at One Universe Festival. From her moody party looks to ever-iconic guests, Charli kept us fed with this tour, making it a no-brainer to add to our top iconic tours of the year. We can’t wait for more new music to come for our queen Charli in the new year.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHARLI XCX:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITEThe Mayhem Ball – Lady Gaga
The Mayhem Ball transported us to places we’ve never been as Gaga showed us a macabre, gothic spectacle with her magnificent wardrobe, including a towering crimson cage dress inspired by Mugler’s 1985 Lady Macbeth costume. Beyond the closet, Gaga kept her little monsters fed with an expansive setlist, including both older favorites like ‘Poker Face’ and new top hits like ‘Abracadabra.’ Fans left her show buzzing; it was theatrical, ferocious, and quintessentially Gaga.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LADY GAGA:
DISCORD| FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITEWhat do you think were the most iconic tours of 2025? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram; we always want to hear from fellow stans.
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Every Album That Went #1 On The Billboard 200 In 2025
In 2025, twenty-three different albums reached number one on the Billboard 200. These ranged from industry powerhouses to debuts, from deluxe versions to older albums, and even from animated idols to real ones! From SOS on January 4th to DO IT on December 6th, here’s every Billboard 200 number one from 2025.
SOS – SZA
The first album to top the Billboard 200 in 2025 was a true chart phenomenon – SZA’s SOS. The album, which came out way back in 2022, has hit the number one spot on the Billboard 200 in three (yes, three!) separate years, and has spent over 100 weeks in the top 10. In fact, it peaked at #1 on three different occasions this year alone! What’s more, in 2025, SOS became the longest-running U.S. top 10 album by a Black artist.
WHAM – Lil Baby
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny has had an iconic year, right?! His sixth solo studio album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, is maybe his best work yet, and we’re clearly not the only ones who think so. The album spent four non-consecutive weeks at number one in 2025, and we reckon it’ll probably return to the top spot in 2026, too. See you at the Super Bowl, King!
Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is another album that reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200 in 2025 despite not being released this year. Surprise-dropped in November 2024, GNX was easily one of the best albums of that year, and clearly it’s not out of rotation yet!
Some Sexy Songs 4 U – PartyNextDoor & Drake
So Close to What – Tate McRae
Tate’s third album, So Close to What, was also her first to debut at number one on the Billboard 200! With singles like ‘Sports Car,’ ‘Revolving Door,’ and ‘It’s ok I’m ok,’ this album was clearly one of the most polished pop records of the year!
MAYHEM – Lady Gaga
We guarantee that, just like us, you haven’t been able to escape ‘Abracadabra’ or ‘Die with a Smile’ all year. But then again, why would you want to?! As well as giving us GRAMMY-winning hits and one of the most exciting tours of 2025, The Mayhem Ball, the album saw Lady Gaga return to her pop roots. No wonder MAYHEM became her seventh album to top the Billboard 200!
MUSIC – Playboi Carti
Eternal Sunshine – Ariana Grande
Thanks to the release of Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead, Ariana’s 2024 album, Eternal Sunshine, returned to the top of the Billboard 200 in 2025. Featuring new tracks: ‘twilight zone,’ ‘Hampstead,’ ‘dandelion,’ ‘warm,’ ‘past life,’ and an extended version of ‘intro (end of the world),’ these new releases are maybe some of our favorite Ari b-sides of all-time.
More Chaos – Ken Carson
Skeletá – Ghost
Ghost’s Skeletá is unlike any other album that topped the Billboard 200 in 2025! For a start, Ghost is a Swedish rock band, and this was their first-ever U.S. number one! In fact, this is only the second time, ever, that a Swedish performing artist has nabbed the top spot. The only other act to do it? Ace of Base way back in 1993.
Even In Arcadia – Sleep Token
I’m the Problem – Morgan Wallen
JackBoys 2 – JackBoys & Travis Scott
The JackBoys project is one of the most exciting in music, and we were so glad to see it return for album number two this year! JackBoys consists of Travis Scott and the signees of his record label, Cactus Jack, plus a bunch more collaborators. With the likes of Travis, Don Toliver, GloRilla, Tyla, Future, Playboi Carti, and so many more, all on one album, how could JackBoys 2 not top the charts?
DON’T TAP THE GLASS – Tyler, the Creator
KARMA – Stray Kids
Can you believe we made it all the way to September before a K-Pop album topped the chart?! Well, Stray Kids arrived to fix that, and gave us some good KARMA in the process. With all 11 tracks written by 3Racha, mostly during Stray Kids’ most recent world tour, the focus of KARMA is celebrating all of their achievements (so far)! How about adding another Billboard 200 number one to that list, lads?
Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
Short and Sweet is still reigning over all our playlists, but Sabrina gifted us with another album full of her quintessential wit and pop perfection. Man’s Best Friend, led by ‘Manchild’ and ‘Tears,’ debuted straight at number one.
K-Pop Demon Hunters – Various Artists
Honestly? This is the 2025 album where we’d be more surprised if it hadn’t reached Billboard 200 number one. Songs like ‘Golden,’ Soda Pop,’ ‘Takedown,’ and more have been inescapable this year! Through K-Pop Demon Hunters, we’ve loved seeing the world of K-Pop reach even bigger audiences this year.
Breach – Twenty One Pilots
Am I the Drama? – Cardi B
The Life of a Showgirl – Taylor Swift
Probably the most talked-about album in 2025 was The Life of a Showgirl. Whether or not you love this iteration of Taylor Swift, there’s no denying her continued success! From ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ to ‘Eldest Daughter,’ she always commits to the bit, and we love that about her.
DO IT – Stray Kids
Two Billboard 200 number one albums in 2025? Stray Kids were the only act to DO IT! Last, but certainly not least, one of K-Pop’s biggest groups returned in early December. DO IT is the second in their SKZ-TAPE series, following on from 2024’s HOP, which, you guessed it, also hit number one.
Phew! That’s all of them! Which Billboard 200 number one from 2025 is your favorite? Or, were you surprised not to see your AOTY on this list? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Anna Marie
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Timothée Chalamet Jokes About Being ‘Murdered’ During Ride With Kendrick Lamar
Timothée Chalamet recalled feeling like he might get “murdered” during his brief time with rapper Kendrick Lamar. He imagined what newspaper headlines would look like, while also thinking, “That would be a crazy end [to my] Wikipedia [page].”
Timothée Chalamet revisits his Kendrick Lamar interview during rapper’s feud with Drake
Timothée Chalamet recently appeared on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast. During his conversation with the hosts, he shared what his thought process was like when he was in an interview with Kendrick Lamar before the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
“I was like, ‘Wow, he’s in the middle of this beef. Could you imagine if this is how I go out?’” the Dune actor wondered. “’Actor Timothée Chalamet murdered.’ That would be a crazy end [to my] Wikipedia [page],” the Oscar-nominated actor added.
Elsewhere in the conversation, the Marty Supreme star shared his takeaways from meeting with the rapper. He said, “My big takeaway from Kendrick was—it was during all the huge beef last year—I was just so amazed. I was so impressed that this man, who was so calm sitting next to me, and I was like, “Wow, he’s engaged in a gladiator sport right now.”
However, he admitted that it’s not something that he could ever do. He continued, “As much as I love hip-hop and all… I was sitting next to him, and I was like, ‘Wow, I could not do that.’ You know, like his calmness. I couldn’t believe like you could be that big at war with somebody that big and go about your life. I don’t know.”
“That was just unfathomable to me,” he admitted. “Otherwise, he’s somebody I grew up listening to, and I just appreciated him,” the 29-year-old added.
Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s feud reignited in 2024 when Lamar dismissed J. Cole’s “Big Three” claim (himself, Drake, and Lamar as modern hip-hop’s top artists) on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” in March 2024. This led to a massive clash between Drake and Lamar, where they released diss tracks about each other and made some serious accusations.
In January 2025, Drake sued Universal Music Group, Lamar’s record partner, over his song “Not Like Us,” alleging defamation. However, in October, the federal court dismissed the case. Meanwhile, Lamar earned five Grammy Awards for the aforementioned song.
Harsha Panduranga
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Kendrick Lamar Comedy With ‘South Park’ Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone Removed From March Release Date: ‘We’re Working Hard at Finishing the Movie’
Kendrick Lamar and “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone aren’t ready to unveil their mysterious live-action comedy just yet. Paramount has removed the trio’s untitled feature from its March 20 release date, delaying the theatrical release indefinitely as the project continues to be tinkered.
“It’s true – we’re moving (again). We’re working hard at finishing the movie,” reads a joint statement attributed to Stone and Parker’s production banner Park County and Lamar’s company PGLang.
The long-gestating film had already been bumped down Paramount’s release calendar before. When unveiled in 2024, the film had been set for a July 4, 2025 release — conspicuously timed to the Independence Day holiday. Three months out, the studio punted to March 20, 2026. Now, four months out, the film has been delayed again, this time with no new date set.
As its lack of an official title would indicate, details about Lamar, Parker and Stone’s live-action collaboration have been closely guarded. No cast members or logline have been revealed. What is known is that the film is written by comedian Vernon Chatman. Lamar, Parker and Stone are producers, along with Dave Free for PGLang.
Lamar is hot off scoring nine nominations for the 2026 Grammys, leading the field of nominees for this year’s edition with kudos for his smash hip-hop album “GNX” and single “Luther.” His single “Not Like Us” won two of the Grammys’ top three categories last year. Meanwhile, Parker and Stone are continuing production on the Trump-skewering “South Park” Season 28, premiering new episodes to Comedy Central every other Wednesday.
J. Kim Murphy
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Grammys 2026 Nominations: The Biggest Snubs and Surprises
Listen here. The 2026 Grammy nominations were announced Friday morning, marking honors for artists such as Lady Gaga—who surpassed her own nomination record this year by getting seven, including album of the year. Super Bowl 2026 halftime performer Bad Bunny did well, scoring six of his own; so did last year’s headliner, Kendrick Lamar, who scooped up nine. Sabrina Carpenter is standing tall with a half-dozen nods, including for album, record, and song of the year—all three of the night’s biggest awards.
Sure, it’s an honor just to be nominated. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have strong opinions about those nominations, right?
Vanity Fair’s staff of cultural experts erupted with opinions while taking in the nods this morning: There was jubilation for Addison Rae’s best new artist nod, and a raised eyebrow at the total exclusion of Lorde from the list. There was also confusion: what exactly is the difference between a contemporary country album and a traditional country album? And while we love Doechii’s “Anxiety,” doesn’t that song feel like it’s been around for tens of years—how is it still eligible for Grammys?
No, we’re not inviting you into our Slack channel—members only! But below, find the VF staff’s hot (and correct) takes on the biggest snubs and surprises of the 2026 Grammy nominations.
SNUB: Lorde Gets Shut Out
Lorde is hardly a Grammy virgin, having won two awards for her debut song “Royals”. Since then, she’s had a complicated relationship with the Recording Academy. Her second album, Melodrama, was nominated for album of the year, but she was not asked to perform solo come Grammy night. Fans noticed, and that decision was swept up in the online discourse about how the Recording Academy treats female artists. Since then, Lorde has struggled to get recognition from the group. Her most recent album, Virgin, was seen as a return to form—and while it didn’t produce major hits like “Royals,” it felt in the same vein as Melodrama, an album with a loyal and dedicated fanbase that went on to become very influential in pop music. Sadly, Grammy voters weren’t feeling it for Lorde. She didn’t receive one nomination this morning, not even in the smaller categories. —John Ross
SURPRISE: Addison Rae Is in for Best New Artist
“Fame is a Gun,” and Addison Rae has it pointed at the best new artist category. Rae fell on, and then off, every prediction list for this award—but when the announcement was finally made, she clinched the nomination as pop music fans rejoiced. Though her album, Addison, was widely praised by critics, many thought the Grammy voters wouldn’t understand her brand of pop, and the many nods she makes to artists like Lana Del Rey and Britney Spears. Her origin story as a TikTok star, also didn’t help. But it turns out voters liked what she was doing. During the voting period, Rae happened to be on tour; she delivered solid live performances on The Tonight Show and at the Grammy museum, which could have put her over the top. Now please put your headphones on, and listen to one of the best pop albums of the year if you haven’t already. —JR
SNUB: Elton John & Brandi Carlile’s “Who Believes in Angels?” in Album of the Year
An album that was made in a factory for Grammy voters was surprisingly snubbed this morning—proof, perhaps, that as the Recording Academy expands its membership, some of these typical shoo-ins are going by the wayside. Elton John has never won album of the year, despite being nominated for the category three times, and the sentiment that he was owed another chance is why many expected his album with Brandi Carlile to be nominated. But this was a very crowded year in music, and unfortunately for Elton, the album never really took off. —JR
SNUB: “DAISIES” Was Not “Clocking” to Voters
Despite originating what Alex Warren deniers would call the song of the summer with “Daisies,” Justin Bieber got little love in the Grammys’ big three categories. His surprise R&B album SWAG came on the heels of Bieber’s infamous “standing on business” paparazzi video, offering prodigious instrumentation and an ode to the Rhode lip-gloss-carrier iPhone case—the makings of a great album. And though it was evidently great enough for album of the year, Bieber was blanked in record and song of the year. Maybe that snub is attributable to the subsequent release of his spotty (and shockingly long) SWAG II—evidence that sequels sometimes make things worse. —Abigail Sylvor Greenberg
SURPRISE: Harlequin Squeaks into Best Traditional Pop Album
Though it’s no surprise that Mayhem received its flowers on Grammy nomination day, I was a little worried that Gaga’s other most recent album would be left in the shadows of its highly panned companion film, Joker: Folie á Deux. The vocal performances on Harlequin are truly some of Gaga’s best work—including “Happy Mistake,” which I believe is one of her best songs to date. Now to rewatch her performance of “Happy Mistake” on Jimmy Kimmel to celebrate. —Brandon Leung
SNUB: Jade in Best New Artist
As a Mixer, I have been standing by this woman for 13 years—but the lack of recognition from this side of the pond has not gotten any easier to stomach. X Factor and Little Mix alum Jade Thirwall had one of the most impressive debuts I’ve seen in years: “Angel of My Dreams” is ambitious and unique.“Fantasy,” “Plastic Box,” “Midnight Cowboy,” “Self Sabotage,” “Lip Service”—the girl didn’t let us breathe! I have a huge respect for artists who fearlessly surrender themselves to their creativity and vision, and Jade is just that. Too bad the Grammys didn’t agree —BL
SURPRISE: KATSEYE Gets a “Gnarly” Best New Artist Nod
Demon hunters aren’t the only rising stars in the K-pop space. KATSEYE, the K-pop girl group whose formation was captured on the Netflix reality competition series Pop Star Academy, scored a surprise nomination for best new artist this year. Last summer, the world watched as Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Yoonchae, Daniela Avanzini, Megan Skiendiel, and Sophia Laforteza survived a rigorous multi-year audition process before being hand-selected to form the world’s first global K-Pop group. Since their debut, KATSEYE has been steadily rising, with a viral dance for their first single “Touch” taking TikTok by storm and Gap shrewdly hiring the diverse girl group to pose for a jean ad shortly after Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle debacle. The momentum was clear when KATSEYE pulled off an unexpected win for Push Performance of the Year (whatever that is) at the VMAs in 2025. Still, a best new artist Grammy nod didn’t seem like a sure bet, given their humble reality television beginnings and the fact that other fresh-faced solo pop acts like Olivia Dean and Addison Rae seemed to dominate the discourse this year. But through a combination of talent, hard work, and certified bops, KATSEYE was able to convince the music industry to take them seriously. That’s “Gnarly.” — Chris Murphy
SURPRISE: PinkPantheress Breaks Through
Once, it was just her and her permanently shouldered purse against the world. Now PinkPantheress has finally scored her first-ever Grammy nominations: Illegal is up for best dance pop recording, and her mixtape Fancy That was nominated for best dance/electronic album. It’s a huge day for both her and Stateside addicts—her track, now remixed with Zara Larsson (also a long overdue nomination this round), lands just as both artists are catching a fresh lease on U.S. recognition and TikTok obsession. DJ Joe, The Dare to PinkPanthress’s Charli XCX—or maybe the tartan-clad Ryan Evans to her Sharpay, whatever your prerogative—also deserves credit for the Fancy That era that makes her latest work impossible to ignore. (Somehow, best new artist still passed her by—but we’ll take a win when we get one.) —Wengel Gemu
SNUB: A Big X for BigXThaPlug
In a lineage of outlaw country artists that includes Lil Nas X (2020), Jelly Roll (2024), and Shaboozey (2025), the Academy seemed primed to recognize yet another crossover country act this year: BigXThaPlug, the Texas rapper whose 2025 album I Hope You’re Happy won hearts, minds, and a place on the Billboard country charts. Indeed, the newly created best contemporary country album prize (which I’m inclined to nickname the Cowboy Carter Memorial Award) seemed designed with BigX in mind. But perhaps BigX proved a bridge too far for the Nashville voting block, because he didn’t make it onto the list. BigX also appeared on many best new artist prediction lists—but a roster of TikTok hitmakers (Olivia Dean, Lola Young) left no room for music’s favorite hip hop upstart turned Ella Langley collaborator. In fact, there was no room at all for rap or country in best new artist this year, and a total shutout of country in the show’s main prizes The Shaboozification of pop is over, it seems—at least for Grammy voters. —ASG
SNUB: Best New Artist Nominations Run Out For Role Model
Over the course of the last year, Role Model has convinced everyone from Charli xcx and Olivia Rodrigo to Natalie Portman and Kate Hudson to join him onstage while performing his viral, joy-infused hit, “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out.” But the extremely online singer/songwriter, whose name is actually Tucker Pillsbury, couldn’t charm his way into the highly sought after best new artist category this year. My guess is that the Recording Academy favored new kid on the rock block Sombr in place of Pillsbury’s more folk inspired pop-rock. Which is a huge bummer, considering Pillsbury—who released his first EP in 2017—really came into his own with his heartfelt breakup album Kansas Anymore, after making the risky leap from Soundcloud rapper to the mainstream. Don’t cry for Role Model: He has a role in Lena Dunham‘s upcoming rom-com, and a focus firmly on his next album. As he told Vanity Fair last year on the eve of his album release, “I’m happy with the music I’ve made and where my career is at. I feel like this is my happy ending—finally.” That said, I will be keeping an eye on Pillsbury’s cheeky “enemies list” on Instagram—because the Recording Academy might have just earned itself a spot on it. —Daniela Tijerina
SNUB: No Flipping Nominations for Benson Boone
The ubiquity of a pop song does not always translate into a Grammy nomination, much to my surprise, specifically with the case of Benson Boone’s “Mystical Magical.” We, as a people, have been inundated with this record on almost every platform possible, from Midwestern GRWMs and spoofs on TikTok to Spotify’s suspicious habit of repeatedly queuing this song after Radiohead. Because of this virtual inescapability, I had assumed Boone’s song would be nominated for either song or record of the year. I am happy to be wrong, though I fear the era of “moonbeam ice cream” is not yet over: there is still a chance that the Recording Academy could wheel out Benson Boone for a surprise performance at the Grammys, where he backflips continuously to this song. My guess is that I was not the only one for whom this ice cream flavor has run dry. —Wisdom Iheanyichukwu
SURPRISE: What Does “Traditional” and “Contemporary” Country Even Mean?
Over the last few years, country music’s long-running war between cowboys and city slickers reached new levels of intensity, as Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan became megastars while Beyoncé and Post Malone entered the genre. This divide led to some upsets during awards ceremonies, and even Beyoncé was memorably surprised when she took home the country trophy last year. For the 2026 Grammys, a new split between “traditional country” and “contemporary country” was meant to address some hurt feelings—but though they may have made sense in theory, the biggest surprise is that these new categories are incredibly arbitrary in practice.
Wallen and Bryan both declined to submit their most recent albums for Grammy eligibility, and no further pop stars made an entry into the genre. So the divide is mainly one of vibes. Willie Nelson and his son Lukas Nelson are both on the traditional side. So is their friend and acolyte Margo Price. Considering their attitudes towards major-label Nashville, that all makes sense. Kelsea Ballerini and Eric Church wound up in a logical place on the contemporary side, too. But it’s hard to see how Tyler Childers is considered contemporary when similarly twangy artists Zach Top and Charley Crockett are not. And every Miranda Lambert album focuses on blowing up the binary between traditional and pop country, so either outcome wouldn’t feel quite right for her. In the end, there’s not a bad album in this bunch—even Jelly Roll’s occasionally baffling country-rap extravaganza Beautifully Broken is worth a listen—so I suppose I can be satisfied knowing that there will be two big country moments on stage during this February’s show. —Erin Vanderhoof
SURPRISE: Knocking on EGOT’s Door
How about that: Timothée Chalamet just earned his first Grammy nomination for the music of A Complete Unknown. The actor’s rise to the Grammys has been fated ever since that viral “Statistics” video where he first showcased his musical prowess. As a big fan of Bob Dylan, I was very excited for the Dylan Disease (no one calls it that) to take over a new generation thanks to Chalamet’s amazing portrayal of him in the film. Now I implore the Recording Academy, on behalf of all fans of Muad’Dib, to do what the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has failed to do and make sure Chalamet does not go home empty-handed that night. When Vogue recently asked if Chalamet would ever return to television, he responded with a simple “No.” That said, an EGOT could still be in his future if Emmy voters agree to revisit his 2012 stint in Homeland and reward him with a retroactive award. (They do that, right?) —WI
Wengel Gemu, Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Brandon Leung, Chris Murphy, John Ross, Abigail Sylvor Greenberg, Daniela Tijerina, Erin Vanderhoof, Kase Wickman
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AI song generator Udio offers brief window for downloads after Universal settlement upsets users
Artificial intelligence song generation platform Udio said it would give its frustrated users 48 hours starting Monday to download their songs before the company shifts to a new business model to comply with a legal settlement.
The short reprieve comes after Udio on Wednesday said it had settled copyright infringement claims brought by Universal Music, a label with artists including Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
AI companies are now fighting so many copyright lawsuits that a tech industry lobby group, the Chamber of Progress, last week called on President Donald Trump to sign an executive order directing federal attorneys “to intervene in legal cases” to defend the industry’s practice of building generative AI tools by feeding them on copyrighted works.
Citing more than 50 pending federal cases, the group asked for help stopping court fights leading to “potentially company-killing penalties” that threaten AI innovation. But artists have warned that AI tools built on their works also threaten their livelihoods.
In the biggest settlement so far, AI company Anthropic agreed to pay $1.5 billion — or $3,000 per book — to settle claims from authors who alleged the company illegally pirated nearly half a million of their works to train its chatbot.
Udio and Universal didn’t disclose the financial terms of their new music licensing agreements. They also said they will team up on a new streaming platform.
As part of the agreement, Udio immediately stopped allowing people to download songs they’ve created, which sparked a backlash and apparent exodus among paying users.
“We know the pain it causes to you,” Udio later said in a post on Reddit’s Udio forum, where users were venting about feeling betrayed by the platform’s surprise move and complained that it limited what they could do with their music.
Udio said it still must stop downloads as it transitions to a new streaming platform next year. But over the weekend, it said it will give people 48 hours starting at 11 a.m. Eastern time Monday to keep their “past creations.”
“Udio is a small company operating in an incredibly complex and evolving space, and we believe that partnering directly with artists and songwriters is the way forward,” said Udio’s post.
The settlement deal was the music industry’s first since Universal, along with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Records, sued Udio and another AI song generator, Suno, last year over copyright infringement.
Udio and Suno pioneered AI song generation technology, which can spit out new songs based on prompts typed into a chatbot-style text box. Users, who don’t need musical talent, can merely request a tune in the style of, for example, classic rock, 1980s synth-pop or West Coast rap.
Record labels have accused the platforms of exploiting the recorded works of artists without compensating them.
In its lawsuit filed against Udio last year, Universal sought to show how specific AI-generated songs made on Udio closely resembled Universal-owned classics like Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” The Temptations’ “My Girl,” ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and holiday favorites like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”
A musician-led group, the Artist Rights Alliance, said Friday that the Universal-Udio settlement represents a positive step in creating a “legitimate AI marketplace” but raised questions about whether independent artists, session musicians and songwriters will be sufficiently protected from AI practices that present an “existential threat” to their careers.
“Licensing is the only version of AI’s future that doesn’t result in the mass destruction of art and culture,” the group said. “But this promise must be available to all music creators, not just to major corporate copyright holders.”
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INTERVIEW: Ink Spills All About Her ‘BIG BUSKIN’’ EP, ‘Sweet Tea,’ & More!
If you think you’ve never heard Ink, we guarantee you that you’re wrong! This GRAMMY-nominated songwriter has already made it onto your playlists with songs like Beyoncé’s ‘16 CARRIAGES,’ Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘luther,’ and Lay Bankz’s ‘Tell Ur Girlfriend.’ But now, she’s proudly stepping onto the stage with her own narratives and voice on her debut EP, BIG BUSKIN’, which proves that Ink is a vital storyteller defining this generation in music. We need music that connects and transforms us more than ever, and she has the perfect pen for the job.
Across 13 songs, Ink throws a moving ‘Hoedown’ that walks us through her love story with music, her views on persistence and tough times, and the passion that’s carried her through life. “They can steal your style, but they can’t steal your story,” she muses on the spoken opener, ‘Inktro,’ over a western-inspired soundscape. At the heart of each song lies Ink’s authenticity and pure, all-encompassing love for the music she makes, especially on emotive tracks like the incredible ‘God’s Been Drinkin’.’ Even the EP title is an ode to her love for her craft – some of her earliest musical pursuits involved busking and learning how to make her storytelling as moving as possible, and the ‘Tony Machine on 42nd’ interlude tells the story of one of those performances.
The hell with all that BS — press play and find out — real music is back!
Ink
We’re ‘Comin’ Back’ from our listening experience with some extra sweet news: we got to ask Ink all about BIG BUSKIN’, writing her truth, and her biggest inspirations! Press play on BIG BUSKIN’ then keep reading to learn more about the project from the musical genius who created it.
Hey Ink, congratulations on the EP release! What has it been like for you to drop it and see how much fans are loving it?
It’s been incredible to drop the EP! Finally being able to say it’s out now is surreal.There are so many thoughtful lyrics on your standout single ‘Sweet Tea,’ with one of our favorites being “we can’t take it back, so really we gotta live again.” Which line from the song are you most proud of?
“Yeah, my granny never even cuss ‘til she got Alzheimer’s / Uh, real GOAT, greatest of all timers.”The ‘Sweet Tea’ music video includes so many sweet home movie clips and throwback moments. What was it like for you to revisit so many memories for the song and video?
It was the best part about it. It just took me back down memory lane. It felt so good to be back home and just have the spirit of my family and those that aren’t here anymore still be there to celebrate.We’re so excited about your debut BIG BUSKIN’ EP! Which song were you most hyped for fans to hear and why? Which tracks are the most meaningful to you?
They’re all meaningful to me, but I’m most hyped for fans to hear ‘Sweet Tea’ because they get to hear a little about the fam, and ‘All I Got’ since it really summarizes the EP. Plus all the inkerludes!Inspired by ‘Turquoise Cowboy,’ which color do you think best matches the energy of BIG BUSKIN’?
Turquoise with a little wood grain.The BIG BUSKIN’ title nods to your own experiences busking around Atlanta, which you’ve described as “resilience in motion.” What’s something you learned during that phase of your musical journey that you’ve taken with you as you’ve grown?
The world is a beautiful place, you’ve just gotta choose to see it.In your recent INKtionary post on Instagram, you listed one of the definitions of BIG BUSKIN’ as “to live loud, global, and unapologetic – outlaw energy with superstar reach.” How do you stay true to yourself and your roots as your star rises?
I just carry on the memory of the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met as I go. I take my boots off, get my feet in the grass, and connect to nature.Alongside your own work, you have writing credits on iconic songs like Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘luther,’ Beyoncé’s ‘TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,’ and Lil Nas X’s ‘STAR WALKIN’!’ How do you approach writing for another artist differently than writing for your own releases, and how do your experiences on those songs inform how you approach your music?
Each artist has their own story, so I just see it as me being there to help serve them creatively. It helps me learn new things for my process, as each artist has a different process and story. They each teach me something different.You told Billboard that you wrote the lyrics to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on flash cards one day after school – as a publication run by fans, we love the passion! Is there a certain song on the album that has most influenced you and your music?
I think the whole album – it gives you the sense of creating a body of work. Some artists can make a few great songs, but she really made a great body of work.From Beyoncé to Shaboozey and Post Malone, country is definitely ‘Comin’ Back’ to the mainstream spotlight lately! What do you feel makes country so moving, especially in a time when we need the magic of music more than ever?
The storytelling!You’ve called yourself “a faucet of creative energy that never runs out” to The Tennessean. When do you feel most inspired, and what inspires you most?
Life and the people and places in it make me feel most inspired. I can just open my eyes and there’s a song waiting.What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2025/2026?
Performing, pulling up, doing shows, and lots of great music. Next year I’ll also be dropping my debut album!Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?
Pull up when you see the spill!
It sounds like BIG BUSKIN’ is just the very beginning, and we can’t wait to see what Ink will spill next! Thank you so much to Ink for answering our questions and pouring so much heart into every song you touch.
Now, honeybees, we have some questions for you! What are your favorite tracks on the BIG BUSKIN’ EP? Who do you hope to hear Ink write with in the future? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.
Check out more sweet music recs!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INK:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE | YOUTUBERelated
Madison Murray
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Judge Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Suit Over “Not Like Us”
Drake’s claims that “Not Like Us” lyrics were defamatory dismissed because they are opinion
On Thursday, Federal Judge Jeannette A. Vargas dismissed Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us”. The lawsuit alleged that UMG intentionally promoted the song even though it contained false and defamatory pedophilia allegations against Drake, Lamar was not named in the suit.
Drake mentioned that the song tarnished his reputation, decreased the value of his brand overall, and encouraged violence against him. The song’s cover pictured Drake’s house, which he believed led to the multiple attempted break-ins at his house last year, as well as the shooting of his security guard at his Toronto home.
The suit was filed in January, and in March UMG filed to have the motion dismissed stating that Drake “lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated” and “instead of accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be, he has sued his own record label in a misguided attempt to salve his wounds”. UMG is the parent label for both Interscope Records, Lamar’s record label and Drake’s record label, Republic Records. The judge acknowledged the feud, which began in April 2024, marking that Drake mocked Lamar’s height and shoe size and questioned his success in “Push Ups,” while Lamar insulted Drake’s fashion sense in that same month on “Euphoria” and with the insults escalating from then becoming “vicious, personal” attacks.
Drake’s “Family Matters” accused Lamar of domestic violence and claimed that Lamar’s music producer was the biological father of Lamar’s son. Lamar’s response, “meet the grahams” accused Drake of being a sexual predator, lying about Lamar’s family, and having a second secret child. Lamar dropped “Not Like Us” a day later, accusing Drake of pedophilia. Drake responded quickly, denying all of Lamar’s accusations, but at that point, it was too late.
Lamar was widely regarded as the winner of the feud, and the information spread quickly, as “Not Like Us” continued to grow in popularity, garnering five Grammys and a spot in Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show lineup, which was the most-watched halftime show ever.
Drake’s concern over “Not Like Us” revolves around the song falsely accusing him of being a sex offender and pedophile. Lamar’s track has multiple lyrics regarding this point, including “I hear you like ‘em young”, and in reference to Drake’s album “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles”. While the judge acknowledged that “the accusation that Plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one” within “the overall context in which the statements in the recording were made, the court holds that it cannot” be taken as factual statements.
This ruling marks the concerning statements as “non-actionable opinion” because “Not Like US” is “replete with profanity, trash-talking, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language” and would not be taken by a reasonable person to be fact. The ruling absolves UMG of responsibility for promoting “Not Like Us”. Upon the dismissal of the lawsuit, UMG released a statement in agreement with the ruling, stating that “from the outset this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day”. Drake’s only response to the ruling was a statement from a spokesperson stating, “we intend to appeal today’s ruling and we look forward to the court of appeals reviewing it”. Drake’s spokesperson conveyed “we intend to appeal today, ruling and we look forward to the court of appeals reviewing it” through a statement.
Taylor Ford
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Another Major L? Judge Dismisses Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Against UMG Over ‘Not Like Us’ (UPDATE)
Drake is again walking away holding an L(oss) from a battle involving Kendrick Lamar. On Thursday (October 9), a judge dismissed the defamation lawsuit Drizzy filed against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the hit song, ‘Not Like Us.’ The federal official ruled that Kenny’s lyrics were opinion, per the Associated Press. While Drake hasn’t spoken out yet, others involved in making the track, including Mustard, seemingly have!
RELATED: Yikes! Social Media Goes OFF After Kendrick Lamar Clowns Drake With THIS Skit At First Tour Stop (VIDEO)
Judge Explains Why She Tossed Drake’s Lawsuit Against UMG
As previously reported, Drake’s and Kendrick Lamar’s rap beef exploded in the spring of 2024. The superstars traded shots from the booth for several rounds. Then, in May, Lamar put a nail in Drizzy’s metaphorical coffin with ‘Not Like Us.’ The song became a cultural phenomenon and ate the charts up—same energy for the music video he released in July. Even celebrities once tight with Drake, such as LeBron James, picked sides. And, spoiler alert, it often wasn’t the Canadian rapper’s!
‘Not Like Us,’ which calls out Drake by name, attacks him as “a colonizer” of rap culture. It also makes serious allegations about his sex life, including “I hear you like ’em young” — a claim Drake has rejected. This week, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas acknowledged in her written opinion that ‘Not Like Us’ explicitly branded Drake as a pedophile. However, Vargas said a reasonable listener could not have concluded that the song revealed objective facts about Drake.
“Although the accusation that Plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts about Plaintiff,” Judge Vargas wrote.
An aerial photo depicting Drake’s mansion doubles as the song’s cover art. The photo, per the judge, had “an overlay of more than a dozen sex offender markers,” but Vargas said it was “obviously exaggerated and doctored.”
“No reasonable person would view the Image and believe that, in fact, law enforcement had designated thirteen residents in Drake’s home as sex offenders,” Judge Vargas wrote.
Judge Vargas also pointed out that Drizzy, too, took low blows in the rap beef. Before ‘Not Like Us,’ she said Drake mocked Kendrick Lamar’s height and shoe size. Additionally, he questioned Lamar’s success in the April 2024 track ‘Push Ups.’ Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar insulted Drizzy’s fashion sense that same month in ‘Euphoria.’ Judge Vargas wrote that the insults escalated from there, becoming “vicious, personal.”
Considering the medium the rappers used to insult each other, Judge Vargas concluded that the average listener knows better. She said listeners would not consider a diss track “a product of a thoughtful or disinterested investigation, conveying to the public fact-checked verifiable content.”
Per AP, Vargas wrote that ‘Not Like Us’ was “replete with profanity, trash-talking, threats of violence, and figurative and hyperbolic language, all of which are indicia of opinion.” A reasonable listener, she added, “would conclude that Lamar is rapping hyperbolic vituperations.”
Drake’s Team & UMG Reacts To Lawsuit Dismissal
After the decision, Drake’s legal team issued a statement: “We intend to appeal today’s ruling, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it.”
For context, Drizzy filed the lawsuit in January. It does not name Kendrick Lamar. Instead, the paperwork alleges Universal Music Group (UMG) intentionally published and promoted ‘Not Like Us,’ despite knowing the lyrics contained false and defamatory allegations. The lawsuit claims the song messed up his reputation and decreased the value of his brand. Additionally, Drake alleged that the song encourages listeners to use vigilante justice against him. He even blamed ‘Not Like Us’ for attempted break-ins and the shooting of a security guard at his Toronto home.
UMG immediately denied the allegations. Interestingly, Universal Music Group is the parent record label for both Drake and Kendrick Lamar. It released a statement following the lawsuit dismissal.
“From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day,” UMG said. “We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”
Mustard Shares THIS Post After Dismissal
It’s no debate that ‘Not Like Us’ was one of 2024’s biggest songs. Even Judge Vargas described it as having a “catchy beat and propulsive bassline.” Outside of court, Kendrick Lamar’s diss won record of the year and song of the year at the Grammys. It also helped make this year’s Super Bowl halftime show the most-watched ever, as fans speculated whether Lamar would actually perform it. He did, but with altered lyrics and the acknowledgment of the UMG lawsuit!
Mustard, who produced the diss, joined Kenny on the Super Bowl stage. He’s stuck by the artist’s rivalry with Drake. After the dismissal news on Thursday, Mustard took to X with a post that has fans thinking it’s a response to the legal update!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
— Mustard (@mustard) October 9, 2025
Meanwhile, social media users on the same platform haven’t stopped cuttin’ up YET. See additional reactions HERE.
RELATED: Bye King! Drake Ditches LeBron James Tattoo For New Tribute To Canadian NBA Baller (PHOTO)
Associated Press writers Larry Neumeister, Andrew Dalton and Jennifer Peltz contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
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Drake’s ‘Not Like Us’ defamation lawsuit against UMG dismissed by judge | Globalnews.ca
A United States federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that Drake brought against Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the record company of defamation over its distribution and promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, Not Like Us.
District Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed the suit after she said Lamar’s Not Like Us was a “nonactionable opinion” that is not considered defamatory.
The feud between two of hip-hop’s biggest stars erupted in the spring of 2024, with the pair trading a series of tracks that culminated in Lamar landing the “metaphorical killing blow” with his megahit that May, Vargas said in her written opinion Thursday.
“The fact that the Recording was made in the midst of a rap battle is essential to assessing its impact on a reasonable listener,” Vargas wrote. “Even apparent statements of fact may assume the character of statements of opinion … when made in public debate, heated labor dispute, or other circumstances in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric or hyperbole.”
While the track’s lyrics explicitly branded Drake as a pedophile, Vargas said, a reasonable listener could not have concluded that Not Like Us was conveying objective facts about the Canadian superstar.
“Although the accusation that Plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that Not Like Us imparts verifiable facts about Plaintiff,” Vargas wrote.
Recapping “perhaps the most infamous rap battle in the genre’s history,” Vargas noted that before Not Like Us, Drake mocked Lamar’s height and shoe size and questioned his success in an April 2024 track called Push Ups, while Lamar insulted Drake’s fashion sense that same month in Euphoria.
From there, Vargas wrote, the insults escalated, becoming “vicious, personal.”
The judge said she considered the forum in which the insults occurred and concluded that the average listener does not think a diss track “is the product of a thoughtful or disinterested investigation, conveying to the public factchecked verifiable content.”
![Click to play video: 'Lawsuit reveals new details about shooting at Drake’s Toronto home']()
After the ruling, a spokesperson for UMG told Variety that, “From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day. We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”
Drake’s representatives told the outlet that they intend to appeal Thursday’s ruling, “and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it.”
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Not Like Us — described by Vargas as having a “catchy beat and propulsive bassline” — was one of 2024’s biggest songs.
It won record of the year and song of the year at the Grammys and helped make this year’s Super Bowl halftime show the most watched ever, as fans speculated on whether Lamar would actually perform it. (He did, but with altered lyrics.)
In January, Drake filed the defamation lawsuit against UMG, the record label he and rival Lamar are both signed to.
The Toronto rapper referred to the release of Lamar’s diss track as an example of “corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists,” according to the New York Times.
In his filing, Drake’s team said the diss track aimed at the Canadian rapper spreads the “false and malicious narrative” that he is a pedophile. The filing stated that Drake is “not a pedophile” and has “never engaged in any acts that would require him to be ‘placed on neighborhood watch.’”
“Drake has never engaged in sexual relations with a minor. Drake has never been charged with, or convicted of, any criminal acts whatsoever,” the suit read.
The lawsuit went on to detail a shooting at Drake’s home a few days after the song was released, resulting in a security guard being seriously injured.
“During the nearly 30 minutes it took for the ambulance to arrive, Drake and others laboured to keep the man alive by applying pressure to the gunshot wound with towels. Blood was everywhere,” the filing read.
![Click to play video: 'Police investigate shooting at Drake’s Toronto mansion amid rapper’s beef with Kendrick Lamar']()
According to the suit, nothing like that had happened to Drake or his family during the two decades that he had been working in the music industry.
The lawsuit also stated that the multiple break-in attempts on his home that happened following the release of the song were caused by UMG’s actions.
“With the palpable physical threat to Drake’s safety and the bombardment of online harassment, Drake fears for the safety and security of himself, his family, and his friends,” according to the suit.
Drake’s team made it known that the lawsuit was not directed at Lamar and clearly placed the blame on Universal for releasing, distributing and promoting the song.
“This lawsuit is not about the artist who created Not Like Us,” the suit read. “It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize allegations that it understood were not only false, but dangerous.”
The feud between Drake and Lamar is among the biggest in hip-hop in recent years, with two of the genre’s biggest stars at its centre.
The two were occasional collaborators more than a decade ago, but Lamar began taking public jabs at Drake starting in 2013. The fight escalated steeply earlier last year.
— With files from The Associated Press
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Katie Scott
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