Cardi B is a globally recognized hip-hop artist with multiple chart-topping songs, yet she has not won a Grammy Award as of the latest official Recording Academy honors. While she has accumulated a long list of high-profile nominations spanning Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Rap Song, and other categories, the Grammy trophy has not been part of her collection. This status clarifier explains her most notable nominations, the difference between nominations and wins, and how wins are officially defined by the Recording Academy.
Grammy Wins Versus Nominations Explained
A Grammy win means an entry earned a plurality of votes in its award category during a given Awards season and was presented a trophy. A nomination means an entry was shortlisted as a finalist but did not receive enough votes to win. For artists and fans, distinguishing between these outcomes is essential for accurate conversations about major recognition. Cardi B has several nominations but has not converted a nomination into a win in any competitive category.
Key Competitive Nominations and Categories
Cardi B has received multiple high-profile nominations that signal industry recognition, even in the absence of a win. Below is a concise overview of her most prominent competitive submissions and the outcomes.
Notable Nominations (Competitive Categories)
| Category | Year | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Rap Solo Performance | 2019 | I Like It (with Bad Bunny & J Balvin) | Nominated |
| Best Rap Performance | 2019 | Bodak Yellow | Nominated |
| Best Rap Song | 2019 | Bodak Yellow | Nominated |
| Best Rap/Sung Performance | 2019 | MotorSport (with Migos & Cardi B) | Nominated |
| Best Rap/Sung Performance | 2021 | WAP (with Megan Thee Stallion) | Nominated |
| Best Rap Performance | 2021 | WAP (with Megan Thee Stallion) | Nominated |
| Best Rap Song | 2021 | WAP (with Megan Thee Stallion) | Nominated |
| Best Music Video | 2022 | Up (with Cardi B) | Nominated |
What Counts as a Grammy for an Artist
Within the Recording Academy framework, a win is only awarded when a submission receives more votes than any other finalist in its category. Being on the nominee list is an honor, but only winners receive the official Grammy Award trophy and the corresponding public designation of "Grammy winner." Committees, voting members, and review panels all play roles in reaching final results, and the rules are publicly documented but can evolve across cycles.
Non-Competitive and Special Honors
Some Grammy events include non-competitive recognition, such as special awards or lifetime honors, which are not tied to a specific competitive entry. Cardi B has attended ceremonies and events where broader tributes occur, but those do not equate to wins in standard competitive categories. It is important to separate such appearances from official competitive victories.
Her Broader Awards Landscape
While Cardi B has not won a Grammy, she has earned significant accolades across other major music award platforms. These include multiple American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. This pattern underscores broad commercial and audience impact, even in the absence of Grammy wins to date.
Public Perception and Media Narratives
Media coverage and social conversations sometimes blur the line between high-profile nominations and wins, especially when artists have multiple nominations. For Cardi B, headlines highlighting nominations can create an impression of wins. Maintaining clarity between nomination and win helps ensure accurate understanding of her Grammy status.
How to Track Future Grammy Results
To remain current on Cardi B’s Grammy journey, monitor official sources such as the Recording Academy’s announcements, official nominee lists each season, and verified artist or label communications. Treat speculative reports or rumors as unconfirmed until an official outcome is published.