As the 67th Grammy Awards approaches, fans and critics are abuzz with speculation on who will snag nominations in the prestigious “Big Four” categories: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. With industry giants like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar all in the mix, this year could see several groundbreaking moments. Swift’s latest album could break her tie with Barbra Streisand for the most Album of the Year nominations for a female artist, while Beyoncé has the potential to make history as the Black artist with the most nods in this category.
Adding to the excitement, emerging stars like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter are strong contenders across multiple categories, possibly replicating the history-making successes of past nominees like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. Here’s a look at the likely nominees and what’s at stake.
(image: Los Angeles Times)
Album of the Year: Swift vs. Beyoncé?
Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department dominated the Billboard charts, holding the top spot for an impressive 15 weeks. Her record-breaking tour and cultural influence make her album a frontrunner, and this could be her seventh nomination in the category. Meanwhile, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, an homage to Black influence on country music, has been highly regarded for its unique style. Although it hasn’t been as commercially successful as some of her other works, Beyoncé’s cultural impact and artistry could easily earn her a nomination.
Other potential nominees include Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish, marking her third album in this category, and The Rise & Fall of a Midwest Princess by newcomer Chappell Roan, whose debut has become a sleeper hit. The indie music community would likely rejoice if Roan makes the cut, as her work has earned acclaim for its fresh, honest storytelling.
(image: CNN)
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Record of the Year: Can Beyoncé or Kendrick Lamar Claim the Prize?
In the Record of the Year race, Beyoncé’s single “Texas Hold ’Em” could earn her a record-breaking ninth nomination. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” a viral anthem with a powerful beat, could also score a nod. These veterans may face competition from younger stars like Billie Eilish, whose hit “Birds of a Feather” showcases her range and lyrical depth, and Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy), which has become a massive hit for its unique fusion of country and hip-hop elements.
Charli XCX’s single “360,” known for its edgy production, has also garnered critical praise, as has Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” It would be Carpenter’s first Record of the Year nod, and her recent success is a testament to her evolution from teen star to pop powerhouse.
(image: getty images)
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Song of the Year: Swift Aims for Her First Win
In a surprising twist, Taylor Swift, despite her seven nominations in this category, has yet to win Song of the Year. This year, her heartfelt track “Fortnight” has a good shot, with co-writers Jack Antonoff and Post Malone adding star power. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is another strong contender, featuring socially relevant themes that resonate with Grammy voters. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” could also make waves; her introspective songwriting has garnered widespread acclaim.
(image: Billboard)
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Best New Artist: A Close Race
The Best New Artist category is shaping up to be a tough competition, with breakout stars like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter leading the pack. Roan’s indie-pop success with Midwest Princess and Carpenter’s chart-topping Short n’ Sweet have set high expectations. They face tough competition from acts like Charli XCX, who has established a devoted following and critical respect with her latest album Brat.
This year’s Grammy Awards could break several records and set the stage for memorable Grammy moments.
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