Sabrina Carpenter has secured six Grammy nominations for the 2026 ceremony, marking her second consecutive year as a major Grammy contender with nominations spanning record of the year, song of the year, album of the year, best pop vocal album, best pop solo performance and best music video. The Quakertown, Pennsylvania native is competing in three of the four major Grammy categories, with her seventh album “Man’s Best Friend” nominated for album of the year alongside her hit single “Manchild” earning nods for both record and song of the year.
The announcement comes just months after Carpenter’s triumphant 2025 Grammy wins, where she took home awards for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album. Carpenter made a quick turnaround with her second album in just over a year, and once again she is nominated for record, song and album of the year, demonstrating her sustained momentum in the music industry.
The Album That Earned Grammy Recognition
Man’s Best Friend, released on August 29, 2025, is Carpenter’s seventh studio album that she produced alongside Jack Antonoff and John Ryan, who also produced tracks on her previous Grammy-winning album “Short n’ Sweet”. The album opened with 366,000 album units, making it the highest-charting effort of her career and earning the biggest opening week for any female album in 2025.
Primarily a pop album with elements of disco-pop, funk, R&B, and synth-rock, the project’s lead single “Manchild” charted at number one in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, marking Carpenter’s second number-one hit. Carpenter also broke the record for the most-streamed debut for an album by a woman in 2025, totaling 184 million streams, and set a record for most-streamed album in a single day by a female artist this year.
“Manchild” Dominates Multiple Categories
Carpenter’s “Manchild” appears in three major Grammy categories for 2026: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance, while also earning a nomination for Best Music Video. Co-written with Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff, both of whom had previously worked on “Short n’ Sweet,” the song is a country-influenced pop song that lyrically adopts a playful tone as it critiques immature male behavior.
“Manchild” was released as the album’s lead single on June 5, 2025, and quickly climbed to the top of charts worldwide. The track represents Carpenter’s signature style of combining infectious melodies with sharp, witty lyrics that have become her trademark since breaking into mainstream success.
Competitive Grammy Field for 2026
The 2026 Grammy nominations feature a highly competitive field, with Kendrick Lamar leading all nominees with nine nominations. Lady Gaga received seven nominations, while Carpenter joins Bad Bunny and Leon Thomas with six nominations each. The album of the year category sees Carpenter competing against major artists including Justin Bieber, Clipse, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, The Creator.
Industry experts note that while the 2026 Grammy field may not have the same level of superstar competition as the previous year, which featured Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and other major releases, the nominations still represent significant achievements for the nominated artists. Carpenter’s continued presence in major categories demonstrates her evolution from Disney star to legitimate pop powerhouse.
Building on Previous Grammy Success
Carpenter’s 2026 nominations build directly on her breakthrough Grammy success in 2025, where she won Best Pop Solo Performance for “Espresso” and Best Pop Vocal Album for “Short n’ Sweet.” Her six nominations in 2025 marked her first-ever Grammy recognition after a decade-long career that began on Disney Channel.
The 26-year-old singer’s Grammy journey reflects her artistic evolution and strategic career development. After years of building a dedicated fanbase and refining her sound, Carpenter achieved mainstream breakthrough in 2024 with “Espresso” and “Short n’ Sweet,” which set the foundation for her continued Grammy recognition.
The Controversy and Artistic Vision
Man’s Best Friend generated significant media attention upon its announcement, particularly due to its provocative cover artwork. The original album cover depicted Carpenter in a submissive position, which sparked debates about artistic expression, empowerment, and the male gaze in pop music. Carpenter later released an alternative cover while maintaining her artistic vision for the project.
The album’s themes explore relationships, sexuality, and personal empowerment with Carpenter’s characteristic wit and irreverence. Critics have noted that while the project shows Carpenter at her creative peak, it also demonstrates her willingness to push boundaries and challenge expectations within the pop music landscape.
Production and Collaborative Process
For Man’s Best Friend, Carpenter chose to work exclusively with three of her previous collaborators: songwriter Amy Allen, and producers Jack Antonoff and John Ryan. This focused approach marked a departure from previous albums where she worked with a variety of songwriters and producers. Carpenter described the writing and recording process as feeling “like a band,” with Allen contributing melodies and lyrics during long walks while Antonoff and Ryan built cinematic arrangements for each track.
This collaborative approach allowed Carpenter to make her record producer debut, co-producing all tracks with Antonoff and Ryan. The streamlined creative team enabled a cohesive sound throughout the album while maintaining the playful, sophisticated style that has defined Carpenter’s recent work.
Chart Performance and Commercial Success
Beyond its Grammy recognition, Man’s Best Friend achieved remarkable commercial success. The album topped charts in over ten countries and broke multiple streaming records. The lead single “Manchild” became Carpenter’s second number-one hit, following “Please Please Please” from her previous album.
The album’s success demonstrates Carpenter’s ability to maintain momentum following her breakthrough year. Rather than experiencing a sophomore slump, she managed to exceed the commercial performance of “Short n’ Sweet” while earning equal critical acclaim and Grammy recognition.
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
The 68th Grammy Awards ceremony will be held on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This marks the final year that the ceremony will air on CBS before moving to ABC and Disney starting with the 2027 telecast. The Recording Academy has added two new categories for the 2026 ceremony: Best Album Cover and Best Traditional Country Album.
Carpenter’s nominations span multiple categories, giving her several opportunities to add to her Grammy collection. Her presence in the major categories places her among the most recognized artists of the year and positions her as a significant force in contemporary pop music.
The nominations also highlight the Recording Academy’s recognition of Carpenter’s artistic growth and commercial impact. From her first Grammy nominations in 2025 to her continued presence in major categories for 2026, Carpenter has established herself as a consistent and influential voice in pop music.
Industry Impact and Cultural Influence
Carpenter’s Grammy nominations reflect her broader impact on pop culture and the music industry. Her ability to combine commercial appeal with artistic authenticity has made her a role model for emerging artists. Her witty, self-aware approach to songwriting has influenced a new generation of pop artists who prioritize personality and humor alongside vocal ability and production quality.
The sustained Grammy recognition also validates Carpenter’s strategic approach to her career. Rather than rushing to capitalize on her initial success, she has methodically built upon each achievement while maintaining the creative elements that initially attracted fans and industry recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Grammy nominations did Sabrina Carpenter receive for 2026?
Sabrina Carpenter received six Grammy nominations for the 2026 ceremony, including nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video.
What album earned Carpenter her 2026 Grammy nominations?
Carpenter’s 2026 Grammy nominations are primarily based on her seventh studio album “Man’s Best Friend,” released on August 29, 2025, and its lead single “Manchild.”
Is this Carpenter’s first time being nominated for Grammy awards?
No, this marks Carpenter’s second consecutive year receiving Grammy nominations. She won two Grammy awards in 2025 for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, and received six nominations that year.
What categories is “Manchild” nominated for?
“Manchild” is nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
When will the 2026 Grammy Awards take place?
The 68th Grammy Awards ceremony will be held on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This will be the final year the ceremony airs on CBS before moving to ABC and Disney.
How did “Man’s Best Friend” perform commercially?
“Man’s Best Friend” opened with 366,000 album units, making it Carpenter’s highest-charting effort and the biggest opening week for any female album in 2025. The album also broke streaming records for female artists.