Singer Sevyn Streeter has publicly backed Kendrick Lamar for the Album of the Year award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, praising his cultural impact while urging fans to reduce criticism of winners by highlighting Beyoncé’s delayed recognition. Her comments, made during an interview at a Beverly Hills event, come as the music industry prepares for the upcoming ceremony on February 1.
Streeter voiced her support on Monday, January 27, while attending the She Ready Foundation gathering at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Speaking to TMZ, she was presented with a list of nominees including Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga, but quickly chose Lamar, citing his “insane year” and the viral phrase “they not like us” from his work. This endorsement adds to the pre-Grammy buzz, with the awards set to take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles in just days.
Elaborating on her pick, Streeter emphasized Lamar’s profound influence throughout 2025, noting how his music sparked widespread conversations and solidified his status as a cultural force. She acknowledged the competitive field but argued that Lamar’s artistry and societal resonance should position him as a top contender. Her perspective echoes sentiments from many fans and critics who have lauded Lamar for his innovative approach and social commentary in recent releases.
Beyond advocating for Lamar, Streeter addressed the often-hostile reactions from fans following Grammy announcements. She called for overall calm, using Beyoncé as a key example of an artist who waited years for proper acclaim. Streeter pointed out that Beyoncé deserved the Album of the Year award for earlier projects like “Lemonade” but only received it for her 2024 country album “Cowboy Carter,” suggesting this should mitigate complaints from other artists’ supporters.
The singer framed Beyoncé’s experience as a lesson in patience and respect within the music industry, stressing that award shows can be unpredictable. She encouraged the community to celebrate artistic achievements rather than engage in negativity, a message that resonates amid ongoing debates about Grammy voting biases and genre diversity. This balanced view aims to foster a more constructive dialogue around music recognition.
Streeter, who has earned Grammy nominations for her work on albums by artists like Giveon and Flo, also shared her personal plans for the awards season. She indicated she might skip the ceremony due to other commitments, focusing instead on industry parties and meetings. This revelation adds a relatable element to her broader commentary, showing her involvement from both insider and observer perspectives.
Her remarks arrive at a pivotal moment, with the Grammys highlighting a mix of established and emerging talents across genres. By championing Lamar’s current impact and defending Beyoncé’s historical contributions, Streeter bridges generational and stylistic divides in music. This synthesis of support underscores the evolving nature of artistic legacy and fan engagement in contemporary culture.
As the event nears, Streeter’s insights could shape media narratives and fan discussions, emphasizing the role of artist endorsements in award seasons. Her appeal for reduced hostility may promote more respectful exchanges online, framing the Grammys as part of a larger cultural conversation rather than just a competition. Ultimately, her statements reflect a nuanced understanding of music’s power to inspire both celebration and reflection.
