Wet Leg, the British indie rock band, approached the cover design for their sophomore album with creativity and inspiration. The band gathered various intriguing items, including velvet worms and lizard-like gloves, and retreated to an Airbnb for brainstorming. This process led to the creation of the cover for their track “Moisturizer,” which effectively combines playful femininity with an unusual, evocative aesthetic.
Rhian Teasdale, the lead vocalist, took on the role of art director alongside Iris Luz and Lava La Rue. Teasdale described their goal as creating an image that captured both girly charm and an unsettling quality. This unique juxtaposition resulted in a Grammy nomination for best album cover, a distinction being recognized anew after a gap of over 50 years.
The nominated covers this year also include works from prominent artists like Bad Bunny, Tyler, the Creator, Perfume Genius, and Djo. Each nomination acknowledges the art directors, with most recording artists included as nominees, excluding “Glory” by Perfume Genius, which features two prominent art directors recognized instead.
Traditionally, album covers were assessed as part of a broader category for best recording package, but the Recording Academy has chosen to highlight cover art specifically in its own category. This change reflects the evolution of music consumption in the digital age and aims to shine a light on visual artists essential to music creation.
Photographer Neil Krug, nominated for Djo’s cover “The Crux,” emphasized the significance of cover art in shaping the overall narrative of an album. His collaboration involved capturing the essence of a surreal, nostalgic aesthetic that resonates deeply with the public, while also understanding the nuances of the performing artist’s identity.
For Perfume Genius, his album cover, depicting a complex inner dialogue about public persona versus private life, was also crafted with careful thought and intention. The imagery represents various themes including intimacy, vulnerability, and the struggle of self-expression.
“Chromakopia,” the cover for Tyler, the Creator’s latest album, was captured through a meticulously orchestrated process, punctuated by a visual narrative that engages viewers. The last shot revealed a poignant moment that embodies the artist’s vision, showcasing both emotion and artistic direction.
Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” reflects a deeper cultural connection, with its simplicity evoking nostalgia for communal gatherings and island life while also resonating with the album’s overarching theme of storytelling and history.
As the Grammy Awards upfront for this new category, nominees were prepped to consider creativity, design elements, and overall influence of cover art. This marks an exciting shift that recognizes art directors while retaining a connection to the designers behind album aesthetics.
The nominees for best album cover include a diversity of styles and concepts, indicating the depth and creativity currently present in music visualizations. This year’s ceremony is set for February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, promising to showcase the innovative talents behind music’s visual culture.