Taylor Swift will not be competing at the 2026 Grammy Awards, as her latest album missed the eligibility window for the upcoming ceremony. The news was confirmed with the release of the official nomination list.
This absence is due to strict Recording Academy rules and is not a reflection on the album’s quality or commercial success.
Understanding the Grammy Eligibility Cutoff
The eligibility period for the 2026 Grammys ran from 31 August 2024 to 30 August 2025. Any music released outside this window cannot be considered for nomination, a rule applied consistently to all artists.
Swift’s album, The Life of a Showgirl, was released on 3 October 2025, more than a month after the deadline had passed. According to reporting by Reuters on the nominations, the timeline is fixed and non-negotiable.
She also did not release any qualifying singles during the eligibility period, meaning she had no music in contention for the 2026 awards.
A Look at the 2026 Nominees and Swift’s Future Chances
With Swift absent from the race, other artists dominated the nominations. Kendrick Lamar received nine nods, making history as a rapper. Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Sabrina Carpenter also secured multiple nominations.
ROSÉ of Blackpink made history as a K-pop artist to receive a Grammy nomination. The 2026 ceremony will take place on 1 February in Los Angeles.
Despite missing out in 2026, Swift’s album is a frontrunner for the 2027 Grammys. It will be eligible for the next awards cycle, giving her the chance to build on her current tally of 14 Grammy wins.
While the 2026 Grammys will proceed without Taylor Swift, her latest work is poised for a major showing at the 2027 ceremony.