The New Sound of Soul: Leon Thomas, Kehlani, and Durand Bernarr Signal a Progressive Shift in the GRAMMY R&B Categories

A look at the artists who are blending technical mastery with modern introspection, leading to major recognition for projects like MUTT and BLOOM.

The 2026 GRAMMY Awards are shaping up to be a year defined by both cultural anchors and boundary-breaking visionaries, particularly across the Pop, R&B, and Alternative fields. The Pop vanguard is witnessing a thrilling showdown: veteran icon Lady Gaga is back in full force, netting seven nominations including Record, Song, and Album of the Year for “Abracadabra” and MAYHEM. With 13 career GRAMMYs already under her belt, Gaga’s chameleon-like reinvention and high-art standards make her a formidable contender. Matching her in sheer nomination quantity is breakout star Sabrina Carpenter, who scored six nods for her witty, infectious album Man’s Best Friend. With nominations in the major General Field categories, Carpenter’s ascent from pop ingenue to GRAMMY darling is officially complete. Also cementing his genre-fluid power is Justin Bieber, whose six nominations, including Album of the Year for SWAG, highlight his continued commercial and critical resonance across Pop and R&B. Meanwhile, newcomer Chappell Roan translated her viral, theatrical pop success directly into a Record of the Year nomination for “The Subway,” confirming her status as the year’s most electrifying new voice.

The R&B categories are currently dominated by a progressive and deeply soulful class of talent. This year, the genre successfully breaks into the General Field, led by Leon Thomas.

The undisputed leader in the R&B field, Thomas secured an impressive six total nominations, including the rare feat of being the sole R&B artist nominated for Album of the Year for his critically lauded sophomore effort, MUTT. The project is also up for Best R&B Album, and Thomas’s nominations extend to Best New Artist, Best R&B Performance for “Mutt (Live from NPR’s Tiny Desk),” and Best Traditional R&B Performance for “VIBES DON’T LIE.” This success marks his first six solo nominations, solidifying his transition from acclaimed producer (winning a GRAMMY for his work on SZA’s “Snooze”) to a powerhouse solo act whose work seamlessly bridges progressive soundscapes with classic soul.

A multi-time GRAMMY nominee (with five career nods before this year), Kehlani affirms their status as a defining voice in modern R&B with a nomination for Best R&B Performance for the chart-topping, emotionally resonant single, “Folded.” The track, which became one of Kehlani’s highest-charting solo singles and inspired a viral “Homage Pack” remix project featuring R&B legends, also secured a nomination for Best R&B Song. Kehlani’s nomination underscores their consistent ability to deliver fearless, deeply personal, and commercially potent R&B that connects with a massive, devoted global audience.

The vocal powerhouse Durand Bernarr celebrates a strong showing with multiple nominations, most notably for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his track “Here We Are” and a nomination in Best Progressive R&B Album for his acclaimed project BLOOM. Known for his show-stopping, dynamic vocal ability and vibrant stage presence, Bernarr’s recognition highlights his role as a leading voice in the independent R&B landscape. His three total nominations this year cement his long-overdue arrival on the major awards stage, celebrating an artist who champions technical excellence while fearlessly pushing genre boundaries.

The Alternative field sees legacy acts proving their enduring relevance alongside artists who are breaking down genre walls. Hayley Williams, leveraging her rock lineage, earned strong recognition for her solo endeavor, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, which is up for Best Alternative Music Album alongside a nod for Best Alternative Music Performance (“Parachute”). She’s challenged by indie-folk mainstays Bon Iver (nominated for SABLE, fABLE) and the UK’s Wet Leg, who returned quickly with their acclaimed sophomore effort moisturizer for a follow-up nomination. The most intriguing entry is Tyler, The Creator, whose eclectic and boundary-blending project DON’T TAP THE GLASS earned a Best Alternative Music Album nomination, a testament to his expansive creative vision. Finally, the category pays homage to enduring artistry: legendary gothic rockers The Cure mark their first new album in over a decade with a nod for Songs of a Lost World, proving the genre’s deep and timeless appeal.

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