A Humber Polytechnic professor and a proud alumna have received nominations for 2026 GRAMMY Awards. 

Justin Gray, a professor in Humber’s Bachelor of Music program who has previously won a JUNO Award, had his album Immersed nominated in the Best Immersive Audio Album category.  

Composed, performed, and produced by Gray, the album showcases the talents of 38 Toronto-based musicians from diverse musical backgrounds. Using revolutionary immersive sound recording techniques, the project places listeners at the heart of a 360-degree orchestral performance. 

The filmed version of Immersed has already earned international acclaim, winning 19 festival awards – including Best Musical Film at the Cannes World Film Festival. 

About 80 per cent of the featured musicians are Humber graduates and instructors, with Humber students also contributing to the production. All performances were recorded and filmed at Humber’s state-of-the-art recording studio. 

In addition, Humber Music (Keyboard) alumna Laila Biali had her album Wintersongs nominated in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category. Biali is going up against some true music superstars with Jennifer Hudson, Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Lady Gaga, Laufey and Barbara Streisand all receiving nominations in the category as well. 

“I truly have no idea, no idea, how I was nominated alongside these heavyweights,” said Biali in a video posted to X. “This is one of the great honours of my life.” 

“It’s going to take me awhile to process this,” Biali continued. 

Wintersongs was also nominated at this year’s JUNO Awards in the Vocal Jazz Album of the Year category, 

This year’s winners will be announced on February 1 as part of the 68th GRAMMY Awards ceremony happening in Los Angeles.