Billboard has published its predictions for the "Big Four" categories at the 69th Grammy Awards, with a rule change now allowing artists to be entered up to four times in the best new artist category, rather than three. This makes it possible for country crossover star Ella Langley to be nominated across all four general-field categories (album, record and song of the year, plus best new artist), a feat last achieved by a country crossover artist in 1968. Several other major names, including Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan and RAYE, are also tipped for multiple nominations, underlining a highly competitive year ahead of the ceremony.

The eligibility window runs from 31 August 2025 to 28 August 2026, with first-round voting between 12 and 22 October and nominations announced on 16 November 2026. As in the past three years, each of the six general-field categories will have eight nominees. For album of the year specifically, Billboard highlights Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl as a strong contender that could give her a record eight solo nominations in the category, alongside potential nods for Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Noah Kahan, Ella Langley and Bruno Mars.