• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

2016 Grammy Award Nominations Snubs and Surprises

3:52
Iconic Artists Celebrated at the Annual Kennedy Center Honors
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images/Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
ByLUCHINA FISHER
December 07, 2015, 5:00 PM

— -- The 2016 Grammy nominations were announced this morning, and as expected, Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar dominated the categories, with Lamar leading with 11 nods overall.

There were plenty of unexpected surprises and some downright snubs, with some fans asking where was Adele, who's been breaking Billboard records with her latest release, "25."

The British songstress who already has 10 Grammys wasn't snubbed; she just didn't make the cut. Her album, including the first single, "Hello," were released after the Grammy's deadline of Oct. 1, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2015.

Related Articles

2016 Grammy Award Nominations

Related Articles

<a href="Grammy Awards 2015: Top 5 Moments From the Show" target="_blank">Cute Photo! Kanye West Brings Baby North to the Studio</a>

So now that we have straightened that out, here's a list of five snubs and surprises:

Nick Jonas

He may have had one of the biggest hits of the summer, "Jealous," but Jonas' highly-anticipated solo album didn't make the cut.

D'Angelo

Fans waited 14 years for D'Angelo's "Black Messiah," his follow-up to his breakthrough release, "Voodoo." While his political statement album was not nominated for album of the year, it did get recognized in the R&B album category, while his single "Really Love" nabbed a nod for one of the five best records of the year, among better known hits by Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Ed Sheeran.

Madonna

Yes, she's Madonna and her "Rebel Heart" has some of her strongest tracks in years, but that didn't keep her from being shut out at this year's Grammy nominations.

Courtney Barnett

If you haven't heard of Courtney Barnett, you're not alone. The Australian singer-songwriter received a nod in the Best New Artist category, which is never without controversy. Remember when Esperanza Spalding won over Justin Bieber in 2011 and his fans went ballistic? Well, once again Barnett may not be much of a chart-topper but critics love her.

Rihanna

Rihanna and Kanye West's offbeat but catchy collaboration with Paul McCartney, "FourFiveSeconds," seemed a shoo-in for record of the year. Instead, the single got no love and neither did Rihanna, whose "Bitch Better Have My Money" was ignored too.

Up Next in Culture—

Melinda French Gates matches $10M raised by Olivia Rodrigo's Daisy Chain Fields Music Festival

August 31, 2026

Dolly Parton laid to rest in private Nashville burial

August 31, 2026

Sarah Ferguson set to move back to UK after months abroad

August 29, 2026

Sandra Bullock lends her past red carpet looks to Maisie Williams for 'Practical Magic 2' press tour

August 28, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News