The 67th annual Grammy awards are set to take place on Feb. 25, 2025 and nominations were recently announced for “Music’s Biggest Night.” The long list of nominated artists features both renowned pop superstars, like Billie Eilish and Beyonce, as well as newer up-and-coming singers, such as Benson Boone.
Grammy nominations have always been a source of controversy, sparking debates about snubs, favoritism, and whether they truly reflect the best in music. This year is no different, with fans and critics questioning the Recording Academy’s choices.
The winners may yet again reflect the Grammys’ tendency to prioritize mainstream appeal over true artistry, overlooking actual talent in favor of safer, more commercial choices. However, there are some artists that I think deserve their nominations.
Beyonce’s country success
After being controversially shut out of the country genre at the 2017 Grammys, Beyonce has made a comeback with nominations spanning across the country genre. From Best Country Solo Performance for “16 Carriages” to Best Country Album, Cowboy Carter has shown up across the board. Although these nominations are a major win for her, it’s important to remember that the country category has become more progressive in recent years.
Beyonce has racked up 11 new nominations, becoming the most-nominated artist in Grammy history. Along with the country categories, she has also received nominations in pop and rap as well. Despite this, her presence in R&B, a genre she’s dominated for a long time, feels increasingly neglected. A snub in Best R&B Song came as a surprise to me, considering her unique blend of country and R&B on Cowboy Carter. However, her submission, “Tyrant,” does feel more like an experiment rather than a clear-cut R&B song, considering it features a Dolly Parton feature.
Why Chappell Roan should take the win for Best New Artist
While all of the nominees are deserving, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter clearly stand out as the top contenders for Best New Artist. Both artists have had breakout years and received nominations in the “Big Four” Grammy categories — Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist.
However, Roan has an advantage in this category, as she is fresh off the release of her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which came out in September 2023. In contrast, Carpenter’s sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, was released in August 2024. Because emails i can’t send solidified Carpenter’s already-long career in 2022, I don’t think she should be eligible for a nomination for Best New Artist.
While Roan debuted in 2017, she only recently gained mainstream recognition. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess had such an intense cultural impact, and Roan’s rise to fame and success with this album makes her worthy of a win in this category.
Best New Artist is meant to highlight not only who has broken into the mainstream but also who demonstrates talent and originality. Roan embodies both qualities, making her the deserving winner in this race. However, I do think that Carpenter deserves a win for Song of the Year.
The perfect pairing: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
The Best Duo/Group Performance should undoubtedly go to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for “Die with a Smile.” This song quickly topped charts and broke records. Bruno Mars is known for dropping songs every few years, yet he still manages to keep his albums relevant, which speaks to his songwriting skills and talent as a musician.
The soft rock vibe of the song is something new for both Gaga and Mars, but their voices blend so well that it feels like a perfect fit. While “the boy is mine” may also be a likely winner, the unique sound of Gaga and Mars together makes them the clear choice for this award.
Ariana Grande snubbed: Why Eternal Sunshine deserved more
Ariana Grande’s absence from the main Grammy categories is nothing short of a snub. While her nominations in other categories are well-deserved, it’s hard to ignore that her latest album, Eternal Sunshine, deserved a spot in at least one of the main categories.
The album blends pop and R&B, along with hints of disco and house, making it a refreshing change from her past work while still staying true to her signature sound. Grande also vocalizes her feelings and experiences with such depth and vulnerability that it feels personal and relatable to listeners.
The lack of recognition in the major categories feels like a missed opportunity to honor not only her musical growth but also her ability to connect with her audience on a deeper level. Everything from the album’s lyrics, vocals, and even the visual aesthetics should have easily earned Grande at least one nomination in the major categories.
The Grammys promises to be eventful, especially with record-breaking nominations on the table. It’ll be interesting to see if Taylor Swift makes history, again, this year—or if Charli XCX’s cultural phenomenon Brat will steal the show. No matter what, I hope the Academy will finally bridge the gap between industry expectations and what the people actually want.
