LOS ANGELES — The 2025 Grammy Awards are gearing up with Beyoncé leading the nominations this year, boasting an impressive total of 11. Her album “Cowboy Carter” is in contention for multiple awards and has notably matched Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” record for nominations for a single album. With a reputation as the most awarded artist in Grammy history, many are wondering if this could finally be her year to clinch the coveted album of the year title. If victorious, she would make history as the first Black woman to win this award in the 21st century.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming ceremony, attention is drawn to other notable contenders, including Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Charli xcx. The level of competition in the Grammy field is fierce, and the anticipation for who will claim the gramophone-shaped trophies is palpable.
**Album of the Year**
The nominees for this prestigious award include:
– “New Blue Sun,” André 3000
– “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé
– “Short n’ Sweet,” Sabrina Carpenter
– “BRAT,” Charli xcx
– “Djesse Vol. 4,” Jacob Collier
– “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” Billie Eilish
– “Chappell Roan: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” Chappell Roan
– “The Tortured Poets Department,” Taylor Swift
With a wealth of talent in the album of the year category, it’s viewed as a competitive battleground for pop music’s biggest releases. While some believe André 3000’s foray into an instrumental alt-jazz album is a long shot, others feel that Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” is the frontrunner. This album marks a significant statement against restrictive norms in country music, making it a necessary piece of art in today’s music landscape. Beyoncé has repeatedly been snubbed in previous years, and many fans are hoping this will be her moment.
**Record of the Year**
The nominees here feature:
– “Now and Then,” the Beatles
– “Texas Hold ’Em,” Beyoncé
– “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
– “360,” Charli xcx
– “Birds of a Feather,” Billie Eilish
– “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
– “Good Luck, Babe!”, Chappell Roan
– “Fortnight,” Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
Beyoncé’s history at the Grammys includes multiple losses in this category, though predictions lean towards her winning album of the year. The Beatles, despite being nominees, face unique challenges due to the nature of their AI-assisted comeback track. While Kendrick Lamar’s work is deserving due to its cultural impact, many believe Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” carries strong momentum to take home this award.
**Song of the Year**
In contention are:
– “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
– “Birds of a Feather”
– “Die with a Smile”
– “Fortnight”
– “Good Luck, Babe!”
– “Not Like Us”
– “Please Please Please”
– “Texas Hold ’Em”
There’s a hopeful expectation that Kendrick Lamar’s powerful lyricism in “Not Like Us” will finally gain him recognition, especially as he has been consistently deserving of a win in this category.
**Best New Artist**
The nominees include:
– Benson Boone
– Sabrina Carpenter
– Doechii
– Khruangbin
– RAYE
– Chappell Roan
– Shaboozey
– Teddy Swims
This year’s best new artist category has more than a few notable candidates, but the spotlight appears to be on either Sabrina Carpenter or Chappell Roan. While Carpenter has released several albums already, there’s a recognition that she has successfully built her brand within the industry, making it an interesting conundrum for voters.
**Best Pop Solo Performance**
The nominees are:
– “Bodyguard,” Beyoncé
– “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
– “Apple,” Charli xcx
– “Birds of a Feather,” Billie Eilish
– “Good Luck, Babe!”, Chappell Roan
This category showcases an all-female lineup, reflecting their dominance in today’s music scene. Expectations lean towards Carpenter’s hit “Espresso,” but Eilish’s melancholic yet catchy “Birds of a Feather” could also snag the award.
**Best Rap Performance**
The nominees include:
– “Enough (Miami),” Cardi B
– “When the Sun Shines Again,” Common and Pete Rock featuring Psdnuos
– “Nissan Altima,” Doechii
– “Houdini,” Eminem
– “Like That,” Future and Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar
– “Yeah Glo!”, GloRilla
– “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
Lamar’s “Not Like Us” stands out as an impactful cultural commentary, making it a strong candidate for victory in this category.
**Best Country Album**
In this category, the nominees are:
– “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé
– “F-1 Trillion,” Post Malone
– “Deeper Well,” Kacey Musgraves
– “Higher,” Chris Stapleton
– “Whirlwind,” Lainey Wilson
Despite speculation that Post Malone may take home an award, many feel that if Beyoncé doesn’t win here, it could impact her chances for the album of the year title. Her album has influenced the genre significantly, making her a strong contender.
**Best R&B Album**
The nominees consist of:
– “11:11 (Deluxe),” Chris Brown
– “Vantablack,” Lalah Hathaway
– “Revenge,” Muni Long
– “Algorithm,” Lucky Daye
– “Coming Home,” Usher
Usher is anticipated to break his Grammy drought with “Coming Home,” while Muni Long shouldn’t be overlooked, as she could make a surprise win.
**Best Dance/Electronic Album**
Nominees are:
– “BRAT,” Charli xcx
– “Three,” Four Tet
– “Hyperdrama,” Justice
– “Timeless,” KAYTRANADA
– “Telos,” Zedd
With Charli xcx’s “BRAT” making waves, it’s seen as a top contender along with KAYTRANADA’s “Timeless.”
**Best Latin Pop Album**
The nominees for this award are:
– “Funk Generation,” Anitta
– “El Viaje,” Luis Fonsi
– “GARCÍA,” Kany García
– “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” Shakira
– “ORQUÍDEAS,” Kali Uchis
Shakira’s anticipated return with “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” might claim recognition, but Kali Uchis’s “ORQUÍDEAS” has garnered significant acclaim and could surprise more than a few by winning.
The 67th Grammy Awards are set to take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, unfolding a night filled with excitement and music celebration. Keep an eye out for the final anticipated outcomes as the evening approaches.
