Full Breakdown
CUNY Musicians Shine Among 2026 Grammy Nominees
11/20/2025, 4:22:12 PM
Recognition of CUNY Talent
The City University of New York (CUNY) has garnered significant recognition in the 2026 Grammy nominations, showcasing the exceptional talent of its faculty and students. Notably, Tania León, a distinguished professor emerita at Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center, received a nomination for Best Contemporary Classical Composition for her orchestral work, “Raíces (Origins).” Additionally, Sidney Outlaw, another professor from Brooklyn College, was nominated for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album for his album “Black Pierrot.” Han Chen, a doctoral candidate at the CUNY Graduate Center, earned a nomination for Best Classical Instrumental Solo for his performance of Florence Price’s “Piano Concerto in One Movement in D Minor.”
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez expressed pride in the university's representation among Grammy nominees, emphasizing the institution's commitment to fostering musical talent through its Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music and the CUNY Graduate Center’s music doctoral program. The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Leon Thomas and Other Notable Nominees
In addition to CUNY's nominees, singer-songwriter Leon Thomas is recognized for his album “MUTT,” nominated for Album of the Year. This project, which blends Jazz, Neo-Soul, and Rock influences, features collaborations with artists like Masego and Wale. Thomas, who transitioned from a child star to a music producer, described “MUTT” as a reflection of his confidence and artistic growth.
The Album of the Year category includes other prominent nominees such as Bad Bunny for “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” Justin Bieber for “SWAG,” Sabrina Carpenter for “Man’s Best Friend,” and Clipse for “Let God Sort Em Out.” Each of these albums showcases diverse musical styles and themes, contributing to a competitive landscape for the prestigious award.
Criticism of Grammy Nominations
Despite the excitement surrounding the nominations, some controversies have emerged. Notably, the omission of Moliy’s “Shake It to the Max” from the 2026 Grammy nominations has sparked disappointment among fans and industry insiders. The song, which achieved significant global success, was deemed ineligible for Best Global Music Performance and Best African Music categories due to its classification as a remix. Larry Jackson, CEO of gamma., expressed frustration over the Recording Academy's decision, highlighting the rigid rules that may hinder recognition for independent artists and global music.
Official Statements
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez stated, “We are proud to see CUNY so aptly represented among the latest group of Grammy Award nominees.” Meanwhile, the Recording Academy acknowledged the cultural impact of “Shake It to the Max” but reiterated that remixes do not qualify for certain categories, emphasizing their commitment to fair representation in the music industry.
Conclusion
The 2026 Grammy nominations reflect a diverse array of talent, with CUNY musicians and Leon Thomas among the recognized artists. As the awards ceremony approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the winners but also for ongoing discussions about the inclusivity and recognition of various musical genres and artists within the Grammy framework.
