The field may not be as wide open as it appears.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Stella Quaresma, Jorja Douglas and Ren\u00e9e Downer of FLO at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards held at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. \t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMichael Buckner\/Billboard \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\tBest progressive R&B album is always a fun category to watch, and some of this year\u2019s biggest presumed contenders aren\u2019t even in the running.<\/p>\n
\tSteve Lacy (Oh Yeah?<\/em>) and Erykah Badu & The Alchemist (Before the Wind Blows?<\/em><\/a>) were widely expected to compete in this category with their respective albums, but both opted to enter their projects in best alternative music<\/a> album. That opens up two spots in best progressive R&B album, which already boasts a dizzying lineup of formidable competition.<\/p>\n \tWhich artists are closest to a lock for a nomination? Durand Bernarr<\/a>, FLO and Leon Thomas<\/a>. After taking home the trophy for BLOOM <\/em>at the 2026 ceremony, Bernarr is the defending champion in this category. He dropped BERNARR<\/em>. on the heels of that win,<\/p>\n