Radiohead’s return has been one of the most talked-about stories in music over the past year. After a long hiatus from large-scale activity, the band embarked on their first major tour in seven years in late 2025, playing 20 dates across Europe and reminding fans and critics alike of their enduring impact and live prowess. Their performances were widely celebrated in the press and by audiences, marking not just a nostalgic arc but a cultural resurgence that could influence award recognition in the coming season. �
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Beyond touring, Radiohead also released new material and archival recordings that have caught industry attention. Their live album Hail to the Thief (Live Recordings 2003–2009) dropped in August 2025 to positive reviews, reintroducing classic material in a fresh context and showing the band’s artistic vitality decades into their career. � Additionally, older tracks like “Let Down” experienced a viral resurgence on global charts in 2025 — a rare feat that pushes the band back into current cultural relevance more typically associated with Grammy contenders. �
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The Recording Academy often leans toward honoring both legacy and renewed relevance — a dynamic that plays in Radiohead’s favor. Historically, Radiohead has already received numerous Grammy nominations (18 in total according to Grammy’s official database) and have won multiple times, including for A Moon Shaped Pool. � While past nominations have primarily reflected studio records from earlier in their career, the Academy has in recent years shown an openness to acknowledging impactful archival projects, crossover cultural moments, and artists experiencing renewed “buzz.” Radiohead’s unique position — influential yet continually rediscovered — fits neatly into that pattern.
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There’s also palpable anticipation from fans and industry watchers that any new original material would be a major awards contender. While the band hasn’t publicly confirmed a brand-new studio album for 2026, speculation and excitement around future releases are strong, and many see 2026 as a potential season for a full comeback project. If any such project is announced closer to nomination season, Radiohead’s legacy combined with the current momentum could easily swing Grammy voters in their direction.
Ultimately, Radiohead’s influence in alternative and experimental music is undeniable — and Grammy nominations often reflect that influence as much as specific releases. With a resurgence on the charts, a major tour that reestablished them in the public eye, and a rich catalog that continues to resonate across generations, the conditions are ripe for the Recording Academy to honor them once again. Whether that’s for a specific project, performance, or legacy recognition, there’s a compelling case to be made that Radiohead will not be overlooked at the next Grammys.
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