With the 2025 Grammy nominations around the corner, a surprising trend has emerged: pop stars are diving into unexpected categories, creating buzz around the ballot. From Sabrina Carpenter’s country submission to Megan Thee Stallion’s rock remix, major artists are crossing genre boundaries, shaking up traditional categories, and testing the flexibility of the Recording Academy.
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Sabrina Carpenter and Beyoncé Vie for Country Grammy Recognition
In a move that’s turning heads, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter submitted her country-inspired single, Slim Pickens, to the Grammy categories for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance. Carpenter’s crossover into country comes alongside other pop and R&B heavyweights like Beyoncé, who also set her sights on country music after her successful crossover album. Beyoncé, who has historically pushed genre boundaries, collaborated with Miley Cyrus on II Most Wanted, a song from her latest album Cowboy Carter, which could score nominations for both singers in the country categories.
Country music fans and critics alike are curious to see how these cross-genre entries will fare. The Recording Academy, known for upholding genre traditions, has historically been cautious with submissions from artists not firmly rooted in country music. But with tracks like Carpenter’s Slim Pickens and Beyoncé’s collaborations generating widespread acclaim, Grammy voters may have a new perspective on welcoming these genre-blending efforts.
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Megan Thee Stallion Makes a Rock Statement
Megan Thee Stallion, primarily known for her rap prowess, is also exploring new territory this Grammy season by submitting her rock-inspired track Cobra (Rock Remix), which features metal band Spiritbox. Her song is contending for both Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. This bold submission could position Megan as a serious competitor in the rock categories, adding to her Grammy legacy in unexpected ways.
Megan’s rock nomination isn’t the only surprise in this year’s ballot. Artists like Childish Gambino and Dolly Parton are also on the ballot for rock categories, adding to an increasingly diverse field that pushes the boundaries of what’s considered “rock” at the Grammys. By entering rock, Megan and other artists are showing the versatility of their musical talents and expanding the definition of genre in today’s music scene.
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Grammy Strategies: Jelly Roll Competes with Himself
One artist to watch closely is Jelly Roll, who faces a unique challenge as he competes against himself in several categories. With multiple entries for Best Country Song, Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and Best Music Video, Jelly Roll may see votes split among his songs, which could ultimately affect his chances of winning. Similarly, Dolly Parton has multiple entries in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, reflecting a trend of artists submitting several works to maximize their chances at Grammy success.
This strategic maneuver, however, is a double-edged sword. While submitting multiple songs can increase visibility, it also risks vote division, particularly in tightly contested categories. Megan Thee Stallion navigated this challenge in 2020 when she chose to only submit Savage rather than competing with her other hit, WAP, which helped her win two Grammys without internal competition.
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Post Malone and Morgan Wallen Join Forces for Grammy Success
Country music is welcoming a range of new voices, with Post Malone leading the charge for crossover success. His recent collaborations and country-inspired songs have made him a frontrunner in several categories, including Country Album of the Year. Additionally, his duet with Morgan Wallen, I Had Some Help, is expected to gain Grammy attention, potentially earning Wallen his first Grammy nomination.
Pop stars exploring country music highlight a larger trend of genre fusion in this year’s Grammys, from Jelly Roll’s multi-genre entries to Beyoncé’s ongoing success with Cowboy Carter. This willingness to experiment across genres reveals the music industry’s evolving relationship with traditional genre boundaries, marking 2025 as a Grammy year like no other.
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