The GRAMMYs
2026
Dec 1st, 2025
Best Pop Vocal Album
Best Pop Vocal Album
Best Pop Vocal Album
Nominees for The GRAMMY Awards
2026
Previous Winner
Short n' Sweet (Sabrina Carpenter)
Criteria
Albums with >75% playing time of new pop vocal recordings.
Albums with >75% playing time of new pop vocal recordings.
Albums with >75% playing time of new pop vocal recordings.
The nominees for The GRAMMYs Best Pop Vocal Album 2026 are SWAG (Justin Bieber), Man's Best Friend (Sabrina Carpenter), Something Beautiful (Miley Cyrus), I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) (Teddy Swims), MAYHEM (Lady Gaga).
Read on for more information about all the nominees and their contributors..
Best Pop Vocal Album
I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)
Teddy Swims' I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) is an expansive follow-up to his debut, and features many top-shelf songwriters and producers like Julian Bunetta, Muni Long & GIVĒON. The project dives deeper into genres with pop, soul, and country influences while showcasing Teddy's vocal versatility.
Commercial success
The initial Part 1 album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart.
The album has surpassed >1B streams on Spotify, reflecting strong global streaming performance.
Upon Part 2's release, it reached #1 on Australia's ARIA Albums Chart and #2 in the UK.
Cultural impact
Teddy Swims was a Best New Artist GRAMMY nominee around the time of the album's release.
Swims launched an extensive international tour in support of the album, including sold-out arena shows across Europe and North America.
Critical response
The Guardian stated that "Funeral, Bad Dreams, Hammer to the Heart and Not Your Man are as good as this brand of pop gets." Read full review
Variety praised the album's R&B-leaning tracks, calling "Your Kind of Crazy" a beautiful soul swoon and "Black & White" a sleek slice of Philly Soul. Read full review
Rolling Stone noted the album as a "solid collection that showcases Swims’ vocal prowess and everyday-dude charisma." Read full review
I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)
Teddy Swims' I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) is an expansive follow-up to his debut, and features many top-shelf songwriters and producers like Julian Bunetta, Muni Long & GIVĒON. The project dives deeper into genres with pop, soul, and country influences while showcasing Teddy's vocal versatility.
Commercial success
The initial Part 1 album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart.
The album has surpassed >1B streams on Spotify, reflecting strong global streaming performance.
Upon Part 2's release, it reached #1 on Australia's ARIA Albums Chart and #2 in the UK.
Cultural impact
Teddy Swims was a Best New Artist GRAMMY nominee around the time of the album's release.
Swims launched an extensive international tour in support of the album, including sold-out arena shows across Europe and North America.
Critical response
The Guardian stated that "Funeral, Bad Dreams, Hammer to the Heart and Not Your Man are as good as this brand of pop gets." Read full review
Variety praised the album's R&B-leaning tracks, calling "Your Kind of Crazy" a beautiful soul swoon and "Black & White" a sleek slice of Philly Soul. Read full review
Rolling Stone noted the album as a "solid collection that showcases Swims’ vocal prowess and everyday-dude charisma." Read full review
I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)
Teddy Swims' I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) is an expansive follow-up to his debut, and features many top-shelf songwriters and producers like Julian Bunetta, Muni Long & GIVĒON. The project dives deeper into genres with pop, soul, and country influences while showcasing Teddy's vocal versatility.
Commercial success
The initial Part 1 album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart.
The album has surpassed >1B streams on Spotify, reflecting strong global streaming performance.
Upon Part 2's release, it reached #1 on Australia's ARIA Albums Chart and #2 in the UK.
Cultural impact
Teddy Swims was a Best New Artist GRAMMY nominee around the time of the album's release.
Swims launched an extensive international tour in support of the album, including sold-out arena shows across Europe and North America.
Critical response
The Guardian stated that "Funeral, Bad Dreams, Hammer to the Heart and Not Your Man are as good as this brand of pop gets." Read full review
Variety praised the album's R&B-leaning tracks, calling "Your Kind of Crazy" a beautiful soul swoon and "Black & White" a sleek slice of Philly Soul. Read full review
Rolling Stone noted the album as a "solid collection that showcases Swims’ vocal prowess and everyday-dude charisma." Read full review
Man's Best Friend
Sabrina Carpenter's seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, follows her breakthrough record Short n’ Sweet and marks her producer debut alongside collaborators Jack Antonoff and John Ryan.
Commercial success
Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Earned 366K equivalent units in its first week.
Certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Cultural impact
The album's cover art, depicting Carpenter on her hands and knees with a man grasping her hair, caused an uproar online and alternate versions were spun up as a result.
The pop star held album listening parties in LA & NYC where 26 fans were given an exclusive listen.
The music video for the single 'Tears' takes inspiration from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and features Oscar nominee Colman Domingo.
Critical response
The Guardian described Man's Best Friend as "these songs are disarmingly complex, almost weaselly in their ability to make intricate, unconventional structure sound effortless" Read full review
Rolling Stone noted that Carpenter "has few peers these days when it comes to turning some of the most uncomfortable or even painful feelings when you’re crying over an ex into giggle-worthy treats." Read full review
The Washington Post characterized the album as "a pop album that feels as zesty, clever and cathartic as stand-up comedy." Read full review
Man's Best Friend
Sabrina Carpenter's seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, follows her breakthrough record Short n’ Sweet and marks her producer debut alongside collaborators Jack Antonoff and John Ryan.
Commercial success
Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Earned 366K equivalent units in its first week.
Certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Cultural impact
The album's cover art, depicting Carpenter on her hands and knees with a man grasping her hair, caused an uproar online and alternate versions were spun up as a result.
The pop star held album listening parties in LA & NYC where 26 fans were given an exclusive listen.
The music video for the single 'Tears' takes inspiration from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and features Oscar nominee Colman Domingo.
Critical response
The Guardian described Man's Best Friend as "these songs are disarmingly complex, almost weaselly in their ability to make intricate, unconventional structure sound effortless" Read full review
Rolling Stone noted that Carpenter "has few peers these days when it comes to turning some of the most uncomfortable or even painful feelings when you’re crying over an ex into giggle-worthy treats." Read full review
The Washington Post characterized the album as "a pop album that feels as zesty, clever and cathartic as stand-up comedy." Read full review
Man's Best Friend
Sabrina Carpenter's seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, follows her breakthrough record Short n’ Sweet and marks her producer debut alongside collaborators Jack Antonoff and John Ryan.
Commercial success
Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Earned 366K equivalent units in its first week.
Certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Cultural impact
The album's cover art, depicting Carpenter on her hands and knees with a man grasping her hair, caused an uproar online and alternate versions were spun up as a result.
The pop star held album listening parties in LA & NYC where 26 fans were given an exclusive listen.
The music video for the single 'Tears' takes inspiration from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and features Oscar nominee Colman Domingo.
Critical response
The Guardian described Man's Best Friend as "these songs are disarmingly complex, almost weaselly in their ability to make intricate, unconventional structure sound effortless" Read full review
Rolling Stone noted that Carpenter "has few peers these days when it comes to turning some of the most uncomfortable or even painful feelings when you’re crying over an ex into giggle-worthy treats." Read full review
The Washington Post characterized the album as "a pop album that feels as zesty, clever and cathartic as stand-up comedy." Read full review
Lady Gaga's seventh studio album, MAYHEM, marked a return to her pop roots, alongside an iconic & theatrical visual campaign. The spontaneous recording process saw her "take helm of [her] style and claim it passionately" as both a songwriter and producer.
Commercial success
Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 219K equivalent units.
Certified Platinum by the RIAA for 1M units sold in the U.S.
Topped album charts in 23 countries and accumulated over 5B streams on Spotify.
Cultural impact
Gaga headlined Coachella 2025, which featured a 5-act night-at-the-opera style performance.
She served as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing songs from MAYHEM.
The music video for 'The Dead Dance' was directed by Tim Burton.
She launched the 'Mayhem Ball' world tour, featuring 87 shows across four continents and winning multiple Shorty Impact Awards.
Critical response
Metacritic noted MAYHEM is a "testament to the power of constant reinvention that isn’t pandering," proving Lady Gaga "remains an artist in constant motion." Read full review
Pitchfork described MAYHEM as a "massive attack of good vibes" designed to remind listeners why they fell in love with her in the first place. Read full review
The Guardian praised the album as "a fabulous return to her freaky first principles," noting its "wholesale return to dancefloor freakiness." Read full review
Lady Gaga's seventh studio album, MAYHEM, marked a return to her pop roots, alongside an iconic & theatrical visual campaign. The spontaneous recording process saw her "take helm of [her] style and claim it passionately" as both a songwriter and producer.
Commercial success
Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 219K equivalent units.
Certified Platinum by the RIAA for 1M units sold in the U.S.
Topped album charts in 23 countries and accumulated over 5B streams on Spotify.
Cultural impact
Gaga headlined Coachella 2025, which featured a 5-act night-at-the-opera style performance.
She served as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing songs from MAYHEM.
The music video for 'The Dead Dance' was directed by Tim Burton.
She launched the 'Mayhem Ball' world tour, featuring 87 shows across four continents and winning multiple Shorty Impact Awards.
Critical response
Metacritic noted MAYHEM is a "testament to the power of constant reinvention that isn’t pandering," proving Lady Gaga "remains an artist in constant motion." Read full review
Pitchfork described MAYHEM as a "massive attack of good vibes" designed to remind listeners why they fell in love with her in the first place. Read full review
The Guardian praised the album as "a fabulous return to her freaky first principles," noting its "wholesale return to dancefloor freakiness." Read full review
Lady Gaga's seventh studio album, MAYHEM, marked a return to her pop roots, alongside an iconic & theatrical visual campaign. The spontaneous recording process saw her "take helm of [her] style and claim it passionately" as both a songwriter and producer.
Commercial success
Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 219K equivalent units.
Certified Platinum by the RIAA for 1M units sold in the U.S.
Topped album charts in 23 countries and accumulated over 5B streams on Spotify.
Cultural impact
Gaga headlined Coachella 2025, which featured a 5-act night-at-the-opera style performance.
She served as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing songs from MAYHEM.
The music video for 'The Dead Dance' was directed by Tim Burton.
She launched the 'Mayhem Ball' world tour, featuring 87 shows across four continents and winning multiple Shorty Impact Awards.
Critical response
Metacritic noted MAYHEM is a "testament to the power of constant reinvention that isn’t pandering," proving Lady Gaga "remains an artist in constant motion." Read full review
Pitchfork described MAYHEM as a "massive attack of good vibes" designed to remind listeners why they fell in love with her in the first place. Read full review
The Guardian praised the album as "a fabulous return to her freaky first principles," noting its "wholesale return to dancefloor freakiness." Read full review
Something Beautiful
Miley Cyrus's 9th studio album, Something Beautiful, was executive-produced by Cyrus herself alongside Shawn Everett. It is a visual album with existential themes centered around healing from trauma and finding beauty in the darkest moments of life.
Commercial success
The album debuted and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Cyrus’s 15th top 10 appearance on the chart.
The album and its deluxe edition have surpassed 500 million combined streams on Spotify, reflecting strong global streaming performance.
Cultural impact
The musical film accompanying the album premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Festival and was later screened in theaters across North America and internationally before streaming on Hulu.
The album’s visual and musical direction, inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall, was noted for its ambitious integration of film and music, further cementing Cyrus’s reputation for artistic reinvention.
Miley, who executive produced the album, brought on collaborators like Danielle Haim, Brittany Howard, Naomi Campbell & more.
Critical response
Pitchfork described Something Beautiful as a "tonally confused entry in Cyrus’ catalog that lurches between hi-fidelity art rock and soggy, warmed-over pop." Read full review
The Guardian noted that the album "has grand ambitions but – despite some sparkling songcraft – falls short of its mind-altering promises." Read full review
Something Beautiful
Miley Cyrus's 9th studio album, Something Beautiful, was executive-produced by Cyrus herself alongside Shawn Everett. It is a visual album with existential themes centered around healing from trauma and finding beauty in the darkest moments of life.
Commercial success
The album debuted and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Cyrus’s 15th top 10 appearance on the chart.
The album and its deluxe edition have surpassed 500 million combined streams on Spotify, reflecting strong global streaming performance.
Cultural impact
The musical film accompanying the album premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Festival and was later screened in theaters across North America and internationally before streaming on Hulu.
The album’s visual and musical direction, inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall, was noted for its ambitious integration of film and music, further cementing Cyrus’s reputation for artistic reinvention.
Miley, who executive produced the album, brought on collaborators like Danielle Haim, Brittany Howard, Naomi Campbell & more.
Critical response
Pitchfork described Something Beautiful as a "tonally confused entry in Cyrus’ catalog that lurches between hi-fidelity art rock and soggy, warmed-over pop." Read full review
The Guardian noted that the album "has grand ambitions but – despite some sparkling songcraft – falls short of its mind-altering promises." Read full review
Something Beautiful
Miley Cyrus's 9th studio album, Something Beautiful, was executive-produced by Cyrus herself alongside Shawn Everett. It is a visual album with existential themes centered around healing from trauma and finding beauty in the darkest moments of life.
Commercial success
The album debuted and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Cyrus’s 15th top 10 appearance on the chart.
The album and its deluxe edition have surpassed 500 million combined streams on Spotify, reflecting strong global streaming performance.
Cultural impact
The musical film accompanying the album premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Festival and was later screened in theaters across North America and internationally before streaming on Hulu.
The album’s visual and musical direction, inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall, was noted for its ambitious integration of film and music, further cementing Cyrus’s reputation for artistic reinvention.
Miley, who executive produced the album, brought on collaborators like Danielle Haim, Brittany Howard, Naomi Campbell & more.
Critical response
Pitchfork described Something Beautiful as a "tonally confused entry in Cyrus’ catalog that lurches between hi-fidelity art rock and soggy, warmed-over pop." Read full review
The Guardian noted that the album "has grand ambitions but – despite some sparkling songcraft – falls short of its mind-altering promises." Read full review
Justin Bieber's seventh studio album, SWAG, was surprise-released, marking his first project since March 2021 and first without former manager Scooter Braun by his side.
Commercial success
Debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 163K equivalent units (9K more than his previous album).
16 of the album's 21 tracks landed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The album cleared 1B streams on Spotify, the same for each of his seven albums.
Cultural impact
SWAG accumulated four nominations for Bieber with Bieber nabbing performance nods for both 'Daisies' & 'Yukon.'
Promoted the release with billboards bearing the word 'SWAG' in Reykjavík and other cities worldwide.
Producer Dijon earned two GRAMMY nominations, including Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), for his work on the album.
Critical response
Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield stated that "the musical energy and imagination here is Bieber at his most confident." Read full review
Pitchfork noted that "for most of its 50-plus-minute runtime, Bieber appears, finally, entirely unencumbered." Read full review
Slant Magazine noted "a few gems in this swag bag, including 'Butterflies'—with its infectious blend of shimmery guitars, reverb-doused vocals, and shuffling drum loops." Read full review
Justin Bieber's seventh studio album, SWAG, was surprise-released, marking his first project since March 2021 and first without former manager Scooter Braun by his side.
Commercial success
Debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 163K equivalent units (9K more than his previous album).
16 of the album's 21 tracks landed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The album cleared 1B streams on Spotify, the same for each of his seven albums.
Cultural impact
SWAG accumulated four nominations for Bieber with Bieber nabbing performance nods for both 'Daisies' & 'Yukon.'
Promoted the release with billboards bearing the word 'SWAG' in Reykjavík and other cities worldwide.
Producer Dijon earned two GRAMMY nominations, including Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), for his work on the album.
Critical response
Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield stated that "the musical energy and imagination here is Bieber at his most confident." Read full review
Pitchfork noted that "for most of its 50-plus-minute runtime, Bieber appears, finally, entirely unencumbered." Read full review
Slant Magazine noted "a few gems in this swag bag, including 'Butterflies'—with its infectious blend of shimmery guitars, reverb-doused vocals, and shuffling drum loops." Read full review
Justin Bieber's seventh studio album, SWAG, was surprise-released, marking his first project since March 2021 and first without former manager Scooter Braun by his side.
Commercial success
Debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 163K equivalent units (9K more than his previous album).
16 of the album's 21 tracks landed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The album cleared 1B streams on Spotify, the same for each of his seven albums.
Cultural impact
SWAG accumulated four nominations for Bieber with Bieber nabbing performance nods for both 'Daisies' & 'Yukon.'
Promoted the release with billboards bearing the word 'SWAG' in Reykjavík and other cities worldwide.
Producer Dijon earned two GRAMMY nominations, including Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), for his work on the album.
Critical response
Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield stated that "the musical energy and imagination here is Bieber at his most confident." Read full review
Pitchfork noted that "for most of its 50-plus-minute runtime, Bieber appears, finally, entirely unencumbered." Read full review
Slant Magazine noted "a few gems in this swag bag, including 'Butterflies'—with its infectious blend of shimmery guitars, reverb-doused vocals, and shuffling drum loops." Read full review
Other awards in this field
Pop + Dance/Electronic
Other awards in this field
Pop + Dance/Electronic
Other awards in this field
Pop + Dance/Electronic
Best Pop Solo Performance
Best Pop Solo Performance
Best Pop Vocal Album
Best Pop Vocal Album
Best Dance/Electronic Album
Best Dance/Electronic Album
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Best Dance/Electronic Recording
Best Dance/Electronic Recording
Best Dance Pop Recording
Best Dance Pop Recording
Best Remixed Recording
Best Remixed Recording
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