Upon the announcement of the 2024 Grammy nominations, a striking trend emerged: women surpassed men in the major categories. Renowned artists like SZA, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo, representing a diverse range of skills, took the spotlight with acclaimed albums delving into various facets of the human experience.
One such facet is divorce, and a wave of new releases by Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, and Kelsea Ballerini redefines the divorce album with intricate layers of complexity. While the music industry has often fixated on youth, the fact that these musicians are women in their 30s and 40s imparts a self-assuredness and emotional maturity. In a culture valuing relatability, relationship stories imbued with the weight and wisdom of age resonate as fresh. If pop stars primarily cater to teenagers, where does that leave the broader audience? The depth of a breakup ballad appears more poignant when a public split unfolds in tabloid headlines, adding an extra layer of vulnerability.
Cyrus’s adaptable pop hit “Flowers,” recognized by AP as one of the best songs of 2023, transforms from a pep talk to an empowerment anthem—a reflection of a woman rediscovering herself after a decade-long relationship culminated in divorce. With five Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year for “Endless Summer Vacation,” Cyrus navigates the aftermath of her divorce.
Clarkson’s “Chemistry,” characterized as a “relationship album,” contends for Best Pop Vocal Album, showcasing her powerhouse vocals and addressing the nuances of love and loss. In the realm of country music, Ballerini’s “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat” competes for the genre’s best album, contributing to the rich tradition of women in country exploring themes of divorce and domesticity.
While these albums differ significantly, they share a common emotional core—they were crafted amid the tumultuous experience of marriages unraveling. The divorces of Cyrus, Clarkson, and Ballerini paved the way for musical explorations that span a spectrum of emotions.
Ballerini, echoing a lineage of women in country music expressing heartbreak, challenges stereotypes and explores financial empowerment in songs like “Penthouse.” The album addresses the complexities of modern relationships, even when women achieve financial autonomy and redefine traditional roles.
Divorce narratives in music have evolved, embracing a broader range of emotions. While these records deal with grief, they also convey a sense of empowerment and gratitude. Ballerini, Clarkson, and Cyrus infuse their albums with a mix of sadness and empowerment, creating a nuanced narrative that resonates with listeners.
In the realm of music, women are currently leading the charge in articulating the experience of divorce. Other artists like Adele, Kacey Musgraves, and Carly Pearce, also 2024 Grammy nominees, contribute to this trend. Ballerini acknowledges the shift in gender expectations within country music, highlighting the evolving conversation around topics like divorce from a woman’s perspective.
Divorce records are no longer confined to exclusively sad songs; instead, they offer a blend of sorrow and empowerment. The complexity of these emotions provides listeners with an opportunity to connect on a profound level. A 2023 study found that listeners are drawn to melancholic music for its ability to evoke a shared sense of sadness and connection. These records, expressing both love and pain, navigate the intricate landscape of divorce and stand out as noteworthy, perhaps even award-worthy.
