Rosé and Bruno Mars’ catchy collaboration is poised to snag the Record of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Can you think of a better-produced track this year than one inspired by a Korean drinking game?
With an impressive slate of nominees this year, J.J. Italiano, Spotify’s head of global music curation and discovery, notes, "There were so many incredible records." This makes the task of forecasting the Record of the Year category—a prestigious accolade that recognizes not just the song itself but all the creative minds behind its production—a thrilling challenge for music enthusiasts. The distinction between Song of the Year and Record of the Year is crucial in shaping our understanding of pop music, according to Italiano. He explains, "It's fascinating that we maintain a tradition of reflecting on song structure and recording each year." In today’s fast-paced pop music environment, he warns, "The finer details can easily slip through the cracks."
The Nominees
- Bad Bunny – "Debí Tirar Más Fotos"
- Sabrina Carpenter – "Manchild"
- Doechii – "Anxiety"
- Billie Eilish – "Wildflower"
- Lady Gaga – "Abracadabra"
- Kendrick Lamar with SZA – "Luther"
- Chappell Roan – "The Subway"
- Rosé and Bruno Mars – "APT."
The Breakdown
Lady Gaga’s electrifying return to dance music with "Abracadabra" has emerged as a streaming hit, featuring a catchy chorus that name-checks numerous artists. Italiano highlights the timely release of this track, stating, "It was such a quintessential Gaga song at a moment when it felt like the world really needed that energy."
He also praises Chappell Roan's "The Subway," a song that fans eagerly awaited since she started performing it live last summer. "It’s a phenomenal track, and the recording quality is outstanding," Italiano adds.
Sabrina Carpenter's "Manchild" has been a significant presence in the airwaves, marking what Italiano describes as "the second year of Sabrina songs dominating the scene." His observation aligns with the song's widespread play on the radio and viral TikTok trends.
And let's not overlook "APT.," the unforgettable collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars. Rooted in a Korean drinking game where players stack their hands together, this track has resonated deeply with pop enthusiasts. Italiano expresses his admiration, saying, "In my opinion, it's one of the most skillfully engineered and arranged songs I've encountered in a long time."
Editor's Picks
Doechii's "Anxiety" makes use of an extended sample from Gotye’s iconic 2011 hit "Somebody That I Used to Know." While the track gained considerable traction on streaming platforms, its somewhat claustrophobic production—crafted by Doechii herself—did not appeal to every listener.
On the other hand, Kendrick Lamar’s "Luther" stands out as arguably the highlight of his latest album, GNX. Ink, one of the song’s co-writers, shared with Rolling Stone how inspiring it was to collaborate on this track, praising Lamar as "one of the most genuine creatives I've had the pleasure of working with." This combination of talent and authenticity could potentially lead to a win for the song.
Who Should Win
Kendrick Lamar with SZA – "Luther"
Kendrick Lamar’s "Luther" possesses a timeless quality, partly due to the masterful incorporation of a Luther Vandross sample from his 1982 duet with Cheryl Lynn, "If This World Were Mine." Should Lamar take home the award, it would mark consecutive victories for him, following last year’s win for "Not Like Us." Italiano reflects, "That was such a pivotal moment," suggesting that the success of the Mustard-produced track has seamlessly transitioned into the popularity of the mellow GNX single. He believes this momentum may sway voters towards "Luther," asserting, "When a song's impact is undeniable and it encapsulates the essence of the year, those are usually the tracks that come out on top in this category."
Who Will Win
Rosé and Bruno Mars – "APT."
Rosé and Bruno Mars’ "APT." is not merely a catchy fusion of cultures; it’s also an exquisitely composed track that perfectly embodies the spirit of the Record of the Year category. Italiano notes the brilliance of its arrangement and the unique recording of the pre-chorus, calling it "a masterstroke." With both co-production and co-writing credits going to Mars—who has a stellar track record at the Grammys—"APT." stands a strong chance among voters. Last year, Mars and Lady Gaga received a nod for Song of the Year for "Die With a Smile" and won for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Additionally, Mars’s collaboration with Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, swept the 2022 Grammys, including this prestigious category for "Leave the Door Open." Given this history, it's wise to be cautious when betting against Mars.
