As Recording Academy voters pore over the 2026 nominations list before final-round voting closes on Jan. 5, they are sure to notice that the nominees for record and song of the year are nearly identical. Seven of the eight record of the year nominees are also up for song of the year.

The only difference between the two lists is that Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” is nominated for record of the year but not song of the year, and HUNTR/X’s “Golden” is nominated for song of the year but not record of the year.

Other than that, the lineups overlap exactly: Bad Bunny’s “DtMF,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Doechii’s “Anxiety,” Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower,” Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Kendrick Lamar with SZA’s “luther” and Rosé & Bruno Mars’ “APT.”

It’s the first time in 11 years that there is just one difference in the lineups for record and song of the year.

You probably know, but to refresh you: Record of the year honors a specific recording of a song; song of the year honors the song itself. Record of the year is awarded to the artist and producer(s), recording engineer(s) and/or mixer(s) and mastering engineer(s), if other than the artist. Song of the year is awarded solely to the songwriters.

Since the first Grammy ceremony in 1959, there was just one year when the record and song of the year nominees overlapped 100%. That was at the 1973 ceremony.

Here’s a complete list of all the times there was no more than one difference between the rosters of record and song of the year nominees. The years shown are the years of the Grammy ceremonies.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

In celebration of Latin music and its impact, a two-hour special titled A Grammy Celebration of Latin Music is set to air Sunday, Dec. 28, from 8 to 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. If you aren’t able to catch it live, you can stream the event on Paramount+.

NCIS actor and producer Wilmer Valderrama and singer-songwriter, actress and producer Roselyn Sánchez will cohost the show. The night will feature special performances from numerous Latin acts, including Ángela Aguilar, Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Aymée Nuviola, Prince Royce and Jon Secada. Michael Bublé, Maren Morris, Robin Thicke and Billy Idol are also among the performers set to take the stage.

The show will also feature three collaborations — Carín León and Nuno Bettencourt, who recently released “We Made It Look Easy/Hicimos Que Pareciera Facil”; Thicke and Orianthi; and The Warning with Idol and Steve Stevens. The show will also include a performance by the cast of Broadway’s Buena Vista Social Club, which received 10 Tony nominations this year and won four. The show is currently nominated for a Grammy for best musical show album.

If you’re intrerested in tuning in to this special in celebration of all things Latin music, we’ll be showing you how down below. The best part? It won’t cost you a cent. Keep reading to find out how to watch A Grammy Celebration of Latin Music for free.

How to Watch A Grammy Celebration of Latin Music

If you’re looking to watch the special through CBS, consider DIRECTV. All of DIRECTV‘s packages include access to CBS. However, we’d suggest the ENTERTAINMENT package. The package is currently on sale for $49.99 a month, down from $89.99 a month. This package is for those looking to tap into a slew of entertainment-based channels. If you’re unsure about committing to a new subscription, you can simply try the service out for free for five days, which will give you plenty of time to watch the two-hour special before canceling your subscription.

With a subscription, users will gain access to live TV, local networks such as NBC, ABC and PBS, and you can also watch various entertainment networks, including AMC, Bravo, E!, FX, FXX, Freeform, HGTV, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime and Paramount Network. That’s more than 90-plus channels that you can tap into with the touch of a button.

Another way to watch the special via CBS is on Fubo, which has a weeklong free trial available here. Fubo’s package includes a free DVR so you record the broadcast to watch all the performances back on-demand. Continue with one of Fubo’s streaming deals or cancel before your free trial is up to avoid being charged. See details here.

You can also stream the event via Paramount+’s Premium plan. A no-ads plan will run you $12.99 a month. The streaming service offers a seven-day free trial, which should give you plenty of time to watch the special without interruption. If you do happen to keep your subscription, which we highly recommend, you’ll have access to a vast library of more than 40,000+ ad-free episodes and movies, including music-themed hits such as Love & Hip Hop: Miami, School of Rock, Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza and much more. Paramount+ Premium plan holders will also be able to stream the service on three devices at once, gain access to SHOWTIME® Originals, download movies and shows and Stream CBS live, with more sports and events.

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

Cris MJ, Las Filtradas (Sonar LLC)

Cris MJ chose Christmas as the perfect moment to drop Las Filtradas, an 18-track LP that relies upon minimalist beats while blending reggaetón with trap textures. Opening with “Pensando Brígido,” produced by Reelian, the album leans on Autotuned vocals and straightforward street narratives to establish its sound. Focus track “Botellita de Champagne” is an explicit ode to seduction, fitting into reggaetón’s risqué traditions, while “Hoy Te Toca,” featuring FloyyMenor, brings a flirtatious vibe to the mix. Cris MJ nods to his global ambitions on “Subieron las Ventanas,” teaming up with Puerto Rican heavyweight Bryant Myers to deliver boastful, defiant verses over bass-heavy production.

True to its title, Las Filtradas — his second album this year, and fourth overall — built online buzz ahead of its release due to unauthorized leaks. While the project offers a cohesive collection for longtime fans, it largely sticks to Cris MJ’s established formula. Still, the album underscores Chilean reggaetón’s rising presence in the global urban music scene.  ISABELA RAYGOZA

Guaynaa, “Para el Año Nuevo” (Guaynaa Records LLC)

With a fresh sound rich in strings, percussion, vocals and brass, Guaynaa manifests all the positive things one could wish for in the coming year in this infectious and joyful aguinaldo — a traditional Christmas music genre from Puerto Rico and Venezuela — that invites us to dance and celebrate. “Let the good times come (Let them come!)/ The bad times are gone (They’re gone!)/ Where do we throw them? (Where?)/ Back, back, back,” sings the Puerto Rican artist, accompanied by a large orchestra, while repeating the chorus like a mantra: “For the new year you will have/ Joy, health, and prosperity.”

Written by Guaynaa alongside renowned salsa composer José Juan Hernández, and produced by Guss Music Baby with arrangements by Gustavo Alberto, “Para el Año Nuevo” is an instant classic for the holiday season. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Dale Pututi, Nesty, Wow Popy ft. Maykel Falcón, “Personaje ‘La Rumba’” (Dale Pututi)

Throughout 2025, Dale Pututi and Nesty unlocked a successful strategy: lacing traditional Cuban rhythms with contemporary music. Their new single “Personaje (La Rumba),” in collaboration with Wow Popy and Maykel Falcón, follows that formula. Produced by Alejandro Arce (Pututi) and RoMn Beatz, “Personaje” is a modern-day rumba, honoring the rich Afro-Cuban rhythm that’s often linked to the Yoruba religion. Sonically, it’s backed by different components of son and rumba melodies such as yambú, guaguancó, and columbia.

Lyrically, it’s cleverly charged with local Cuban slang and phrases, and describes a person who’s not impressed and can’t be fooled by fake people. “Personaje (La Rumba)” comes on the heels of Pututi and Nesty’s “Tata (La Conga),” which has gone viral on social media. — JESSICA ROIZ

Yng Lvcas, “LEROLE” (Yng Lvcas)

Mexican reggaetón and trap artist Yng Lvcas responds with “Lerole” to the controversy sparked by his previous song “Naqueto,” a diss track aimed at Mexican rapper Bogueto, in which he also mentions other figures in the Mexican urban music scene such as Bellakath and Yeri Mua. On “Lerole,” which is based on the famous song “Calabria” by Danish DJ and producer Rune Reilly Kölsch, Yng Lvcas reiterates his criticism, although this time without mentioning his colleague’s name.

“I made a whole genre cry/ What am I saying, a whole genre?/ The whole circus/ Something bothered them/ And that’s not my problem/ Well, I guess it is/ But look how I’m laughing,” he sings with rhythm and style, clarifying that this one is not a diss track. NATALIA CANO

Pipe Bueno, “Si Tu Boquita Fuera” (WEA Latina)

Pipe Bueno closes out 2025 in style with a new take on the Banda R-15 classic “Si Tu Boquita Fuera.” Inspired by the beloved Banda Machos version, Bueno stays true to his signature approach, celebrating the festive sounds of Mexican posadas, the warmth of the holiday season, and the joy of traditions and love. “Si Tu Boquita Fuera” is a song steeped in history, having accompanied countless celebrations. In Bueno’s hands, it is reborn: he honors its roots with reverence but infuses it with his own energy and style.

The impeccable production delivers a powerful blend rooted in the strength of banda music, yet enriched with a more acoustic, norteño touch, complete with accordion and drums. It’s a charming tribute to the past that feels fresh and vibrant, ensuring its legacy continues to be enjoyed by new generations. INGRID FAJARDO

Check out more recommendations this week in our New Music Latin playlist below:

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” smashed Billboard chart records this holiday season – and now, the pop star is getting a refund for her copyright battle over the hit song.

Back in March, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that alleged “All I Want for Christmas” infringed songwriter Vince Vance’s 1989 song of the same name. The court held that the two tracks shared only holiday clichés and ordered Vance’s attorney, Gerard Fox, to repay Carey’s legal fees as a sanction for filing “frivolous” arguments.

Related

After months of back and forth on what this sum should be, Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani ruled on Tuesday (Dec. 23) that Fox must pay Carey $92,000 for 154 hours of work by her lawyers from the entertainment powerhouse Davis Wright Tremaine.

The judge also ordered Fox to cover $15,000 in fees paid to Sony Music’s attorneys at Pryor Cashman; $2,000 for Kobalt’s legal team at Kendall Brill & Kelly; and $1,000 to Kenneth Freundlich, who represents Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” co-writer Walter Afanasieff.

“[This] amount is proportional to the clear need for deterrence and punishment in this case,” wrote Judge Almadani. “Fox has been given many opportunities to engage fairly in this litigation, but he has failed to do so and must now face the consequences.”

The total fee award of $110,000 is less than the $186,000 in combined fees sought by Carey, Afanasieff, Sony and Kobalt. Judge Almadani deducted billing entries that she said were “excessive,” “unnecessary” or rooted in “clerical or secretarial tasks.”

Related

Fox did not immediately return a request for comment on Friday (Dec. 26), nor did the lawyers for Carey, Afanasieff, Sony and Kobalt.

Tuesday’s ruling officially wraps up the litigation over “All I Want for Christmas,” which debuted in 1994 and ballooned in popularity over the last decade. The song has retaken the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 every holiday season since 2019, hitting No. 1 for a record-breaking 20th week on last week’s chart.

Carey continued to make history with “All I Want for Christmas” this week, achieving a record-extending 21st week atop the Hot 100 on Monday (Dec. 22). The song also surpassed Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” as the longest-charted title ever by a female artist, and Carey herself claimed a milestone 100th career week at No. 1.


Billboard VIP Pass

Travis Kelce gave now-fiancée Taylor Swift a brilliant cut diamond ring when he proposed in August, but when it came time to reveal which of the gifts he’d given the superstar since they began their romance is her favorite, it wasn’t the bling that he mentioned.

Related

While discussing Christmas gifts for significant others with Jason Kelce and sister-in-law Kylie Kelce on the brothers’ New Heights podcast episode that arrived Christmas Eve, the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end shared the present that Swift appreciates more than many of the others she’s received from him.

“What about, like, kitchen appliances?” Travis wondered about the likelihood of such a gift being appreciated. “I will say one of Tay’s favorite gifts that I got her was the bread slicer.”

Both Kylie and Jason nodded and shared their approval as Travis continued of Swift’s penchant for baking, “‘Cause she’s been throwing together so much f–kin’ sourdough. Gosh. I got the best gut health there is. I love you, Tay!”

Jason then chimed in with why a bread slicer would be a great gift for someone who loves to bake. “One of the unfortunate things with making fresh bread is trying to cut that s–t, and it is hard!” he exclaimed. “The slicer makes a big deal!”

Kylie — who also hosts her own podcast titled Not Gonna Lie — then confused the brothers with her next comment: “More importantly, the responsibility to eat it!”

“Whaaaaat?!” exclaimed Travis as his big brother declared, “That’s the easy part!”

Swift’s love for whipping up baked goods in her kitchen has made numerous headlines. She’s famously whipped up homemade pop-tarts for friends such as Channing Tatum as well as the Kansas City Chiefs, cinnamon rolls for her love before a game, and a loaf of fresh sourdough for longtime pal Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco.

During her first appearance on New Heights in August, the pop superstar — who made multiple $1 million donations to charity just before Christmas — revealed her love for making sourdough bread, and that she was in search of the perfect recipe. She noted: “Right now we’re very deep in a sourdough obsession that has taken over my life.”

Watch the clip of Travis revealing one of Taylor’s favorite gifts from him so far:


Billboard VIP Pass

One of BTS‘ members is putting the “V” in Vogue Japan. As revealed a couple of days before Christmas, V is the publication’s latest cover star, representing “The New Standard of Cool” as the world heads into 2026.

Related

The issue finds V discussing his friendship with bandmates RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin and Jung Kook, as well as sharing his thoughts on his own character. Demonstrating his love for his “beloved members,” V said that he thinks “anywhere would be fun” as long as he’s with his crew.

“I’d probably say, ‘I want to come back here again,’ no matter where we go,” he told the Japanese publication, according to Google’s English translation. “Except for going to the company for work, of course [laughs].”

As for his sense of self, V acknowledged, “I can’t say yet that I’m a strong person.”

“However, I want to be a strong person who will never falter, in order to live up to the expectations of the people I love,” the South Korean performer added. “But I do feel that I am a healthy person, both mentally and physically.”

The introspective interview comes at an exciting time for V, who was discharged from the South Korean military in June. In spring 2026, he’s set to make a comeback with the rest of his bandmates, who have a new album and world tour in store for ARMY after last releasing a full-length — Billboard 200-topper Be — in 2020.

During BTS’ time apart, V released a number of solo projects. Last year, he dropped a modernized version of “White Christmas,” adding his voice to the late Bing Crosby’s. Shortly afterward, he shared a collaboration with Park Hyo Shin called “Winter Ahead.”

V’s EP Layover dropped in 2023 and reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

See V on the cover of Vogue Japan and snaps from the photoshoot below.


Billboard VIP Pass

Tyler, The Creator surprised fans on Christmas with a gift under the tree, in the form of the “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” artist dropping off a new freestyle to end the year in style.

The Grammy-winning rapper got back to the bars with the hard-hitting “Sag Harbor” freestyle, which found him delivering one bristling punchline after the next, like a thousand-pound weight was lifted off Tyler’s chest.

For those who don’t know, Sag Harbor is located in the Hamptons on New York’s Long Island. On the track, Tyler reflects on his banner year, which includes notching a fourth consecutive No. 1 album atop the Billboard 200 with Don’t Tap the Glass.

“Son got his fourth No. 1 in a row, I’m a champion/ Don’t tap the glassy, rather tap the pedal on the chassi’,” he raps over the breezy production.

Following the success of his global Chromakopia World Tour, the 34-year-old has his sights set on playing stadiums for his next trek.

“F—k who y’all calling the best, I seen their ticket sales (Tch), give it a rest/ They got y’all craniums hexed, I’m on the road to doin’ stadiums next,” he predicts.

Tyler brings the avid freestyle to a close while thanking the fans for a great 2025. Text pops up in the video that reads: “What an incredible year, thank you for all the eyes and ears.”

In addition to “Sag Harbor,” it was a celebratory Christmas Day for Tyler, who officially made his feature film debut with the arrival of A24’s Marty Supreme. The star will also look to continue his winning ways at the Grammys in February, following another six nominations.

Watch the “Sag Harbour” freestyle and Tyler’s “Sugar On My Tongue (Freak Mix)” videos below.


Billboard VIP Pass

Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” ascends two spots to No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart (dated Jan. 3, 2026).

Related

The British singer-songwriter leads with her first entry on the survey, marking the latest rookie reign. HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, slayed for three weeks at No. 1 beginning in November after Lola Young’s “Messy” led for a week in May. All three songs have been promoted to radio by Republic (with “Man I Need” on Polydor/Island/Republic).

Meanwhile, “Man I Need” marks the fifth consecutive new Pop Airplay No. 1 worked by Republic, extending the longest streak of leaders for a label in the chart’s 33-year history. The song follows Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” which ruled for five weeks starting in late November; “Golden”; Justin Bieber’s “Daisies,” three weeks, beginning in October; and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” one week in September. (Dean opened dates on Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Tour this year, ahead of her The Art of Loving tour, set to kick off in July.)

Plus, Dean bookends Pop Airplay as “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” debuts at No. 40. Both songs are from her sophomore album, The Art of Loving, which rose to No. 5 on the Billboard 200 in November. “Man I Need” has reached No. 4 on the all-genre, multimetric Billboard Hot 100 and “So Easy (To Fall in Love),” No. 18.

“We started with the 6/8 groove,” Dean told Billboard in October of crafting “Man I Need.” “I had a crush at the time. I was like, ‘Listen: Talk to me!’ That initial joy when you first fancy somebody — I just wanted to channel that essence into a song.

“Every day, I’m being told a new stat,” she marveled of her chart breakthrough. “It’s a bit of a new world for me.”

All charts dated Jan. 3 will update on Billboard.com Tuesday, Dec. 30.


Billboard VIP Pass

Justin Bieber took a moment this Christmas Eve to reflect on his spiritual and professional journey through the music industry, reminding his fans and followers, “I am not a product.”

Related

In a post on Instagram on Wednesday (Dec. 24), the pop star shared snippets of Bible verses interspersed with his own thoughts about overcoming painful memories in his career. “I’m not speaking as a victim still bleeding — I’m speaking as someone restored,” Bieber wrote.

“I don’t want revenge. I want redemption,” he continued. “I’m not a product. I’m not what the industry demanded. I’m a son.”

Clarifying that he doesn’t “want to burn the music industry down,” the singer added, “I want to see it made new — safer, more honest, more human.”

Justin later shared a selfie in front of a fireplace lined with Christmas stockings, as well as a photo of himself and his wife, Rhode founder Hailey Bieber, bundled up in winter gear. “MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BIEBERS,” he wrote in the caption.

The Grammy winner has previously expressed his faith online, as well as his issues with certain facets of fame. Earlier this year, he called out the relentlessness of some paparazzi with posts on Instagram, writing in April, “Everyone telling me to move … U think I’m gonna get bullied to leave where my influence is most needed? How can we make a change if we run away from the darkness?”

In July, Justin thanked Jesus for having “patience” with him. “I can be extremely selfish and impatient yet Jesus always has his arms open toward me,” he added at the time.

This year has also seen the musician release two albums, Swag and Swag II. The former reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and set Justin up to headline Coachella in 2026 alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G, a gig for which he’s been hard at work preparing in his very own warehouse rehearsal and Twitch livestreaming space.

See Bieber’s post below.


Billboard VIP Pass

Cardi Claus brought the holiday cheer on Thursday (Dec. 25), as Cardi B and her four children celebrated Christmas together.

Related

The Bronx native posted a slideshow of photos from Christmas Day to her Instagram, which in part showed off the personality of each of her children, along with the chaos that comes with Christmas as a mother of four.

“The perfect Christmas picture don’t exist in this house,” she wrote, as photos showed all of her kids couldn’t get on the same page for a peaceful family photo.

Cardi is mom to daughters Kulture and Blossom, as well as son Wave, with estranged husband Offset. She also welcomed a baby boy in November with boyfriend Stefon Diggs. The little one’s name has not yet been publicly revealed.

Busta Rhymes and Paris Hilton were among those sending Cardi B some Christmas wishes in her comments. “Yea bardi kulture an IT girl watch out nah,” rapper Kash Doll added of Cardi’s oldest daughter.

As for Cardi’s boo, the New England Patriots star appeared to be celebrating Christmas elsewhere with his other children. “One of my boys first Christmas,” he wrote on an Instagram Stories photo of himself holding one of his sons in front of a Christmas tree.

He also made sure to share a sweet message for Cardi on Christmas. “Miss yaw!!! Don’t be squeezing him too tight you making him soft,” he quipped wrote when resharing Cardi’s photo of the rapper holding their newborn in front of a tree decorated with plush footballs.

Cardi B also got emotional seeing all of the Bardi Gang opening up tickets to her upcoming Little Miss Drama Tour for Christmas gifts from Santa.

“These videos of people receiving my concert tickets for Christmas gifts, they making me so happy, but then again I’m thinking like, ‘God damn, I gotta really work hard. I gotta give it all I got. People are receiving me for Christmas.’ Don’t worry, y’all, I’m finna go to work,” she said in a clip on her IG Story on Friday (Dec. 26).

Cardi’s got about six weeks left to train for her first headlining tour, as the North American trek is slated to kick off in Palm Desert, Calif., on Feb. 11.


Billboard VIP Pass