The Recording Academy has announced the official nominations for the GRAMMYS 2026 Best Musical Theatre Album category. Five standout Broadway cast recordings are in contention: “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Death Becomes Her,” “Gypsy,” “Just in Time,” and “Maybe Happy Ending.” The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026, airing live on CBS. The awards recognize recordings released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, continuing a four-year trend of exclusively Broadway-based nominees.
Nominee Breakdown and Eligibility Updates
This year’s GRAMMYS 2026 marks the first under revised Recording Academy rules. The number of eligible principal vocalists has increased from four to six, and producers contributing at least 50% of the album’s runtime are now recognized. Composers and lyricists of 50% or more of the score may also be nominated if previously unrecognized.
Here are the five nominated albums:
- Buena Vista Social Club Producers: Marco Paguia, Dean Sharenow & David Yazbek Cast: Original Broadway Cast
- Death Becomes Her Vocalists: Taurean Everett, Megan Hilty, Josh Lamon, Christopher Sieber, Jennifer Simard & Michelle Williams Producers: Noel Carey, Sean Patrick Flahaven, Julia Mattison & Scott M. Riesett
- Gypsy Vocalists: Danny Burstein, Kevin Csolak, Audra McDonald, Jordan Tyson & Joy Woods Producers: David Caddick, Andy Einhorn, David Lai & George C. Wolfe
- Just in Time Vocalists: Emily Bergl, Jonathan Groff, Erika Henningsen, Gracie Lawrence & Michele Pawk Producers: Derik Lee, Andrew Resnick & Bill Sherman
- Maybe Happy Ending Vocalists: Marcus Choi, Darren Criss, Dez Duron & Helen J Shen Producers: Deborah Abramson, Will Aronson, Ian Kagey & Hue Park
Industry Reactions and Commentary
Broadway insiders have praised the nominations for their diversity and musical depth. “It’s a strong field that reflects the evolving sound of musical theatre,” said Scott M. Riesett, producer of “Death Becomes Her.”
Critics also noted the inclusion of newer productions alongside revivals like “Gypsy.” “The GRAMMYS 2026 lineup showcases both innovation and tradition,” commented Playbill editor Rachel Chan.
Impact on Theatre and Recording Recognition
The Best Musical Theatre Album category continues to elevate cast recordings as standalone artistic achievements. The GRAMMYS 2026 nominations reinforce Broadway’s dominance in this space, with no off-Broadway or international productions included.
The updated eligibility criteria may lead to broader recognition for ensemble-driven shows and collaborative production teams. This shift could influence future cast album formats and recording strategies.
What’s Next: Ceremony and Voting Timeline
Voting for the GRAMMYS 2026 will conclude in January, with winners announced during the live ceremony on February 1, 2026. The event will be held in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS, with streaming available via Paramount+.
Additional Grammy categories, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year, will be revealed in the coming weeks.
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