The 2025 Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 2, 2025 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, have the music industry buzzing as the official nominations will be revealed on November 8, 2024. With the product eligibility period running from September 16, 2023, to August 30, 2024, several blockbuster albums, streaming giants, and critical favorites are poised to shape the nomination landscape. Let’s explore some key predictions across the most anticipated categories, based on commercial success, critical acclaim, and cultural impact.
Album of the Year Contenders
It’s expected that solo female artists will dominate the Album of the Year category, possibly taking seven of the eight spots, similar to the 2024 Grammys where six solo women and the group boygenius filled most of the nominations. Jon Batiste was the sole male nominee last year. For 2025, Chris Stapleton appears to be the leading male contender. To qualify for Album of the Year and Record of the Year, releases must have occurred within the eligibility period of September 16, 2023, to August 30, 2024.
Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department: Swift could become the woman with the most nominations in this category, as her latest album has already spent 12 weeks at No. 1.
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter: Likely to score her fifth nomination in this category, Beyoncé’s eighth studio album also marks her venture into country music. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for two weeks.
Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft: Eilish’s third album could appeal to traditional voters, featuring minimal collaborations. She’s already a previous winner in this category.
Ariana Grande, Eternal Sunshine: A return for Grande with her seventh album, co-produced by pop heavyweights Max Martin and ILYA, which peaked at No. 1 for two weeks.
Sabrina Carpenter, Short N’ Sweet: Dropped just before the eligibility cutoff, this album was co-produced by Jack Antonoff, who has a history of Grammy success. Its late release date adds excitement for its potential nomination.
Chappell Roan, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess: As a debut album, Roan’s release has a shot at making history as the first female pop artist to be nominated since Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR.
Chris Stapleton, Higher: Stapleton’s fifth album could be his second nomination here, following Traveller. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
Tyla, Tyla: With strong guest appearances and a Grammy win for best African music performance, Tyla’s self-titled album is a dark horse contender.
Likely Contenders: Zach Bryan, The Great American Bar Scene; Charli XCX, brat; Doja Cat, Scarlet; Future & Metro Boomin, We Don’t Trust You; Post Malone, F-1 Trillion; Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well; 21 Savage, American Dream; Kali Uchis, Orquídeas; Usher, Coming Home; Lainey Wilson, Whirlwind.
Record of The Year Contenders
The race for Record of the Year at the 2025 Grammys is shaping up to be highly competitive, with both seasoned veterans and fresh faces making a strong impact on the charts. Artists like Beyoncé, who holds the record for the most nominations in this category, and rising stars such as Benson Boone and Chappell Roan, are poised to compete for this coveted honor. While familiar names like Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar bring their signature styles back into contention, newer artists like Sabrina Carpenter are also vying for their first major Grammy recognition. With tracks spanning various genres and emotional depths, this year’s nominees reflect both commercial success and artistic innovation, promising a dynamic lineup.
Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ’Em”: Beyoncé could extend her lead with a record ninth nomination in this category. The song’s genre classification (pop or country) remains a question. It topped the Hot 100 for two weeks.
Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things”: This emotionally charged song is reminiscent of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.” It climbed to No. 2 on the Hot 100, marking Boone’s highest entry yet.
Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso”: Carpenter’s catchy single reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 and could become her first major Grammy nod, with its infectious hooks making it a strong contender.
Billie Eilish, “Lunch”: This would mark Eilish’s fifth nomination in this category. Known for her stripped-back, intimate sound, “Lunch” hit No. 5 on the Hot 100, produced by her brother FINNEAS.
Ariana Grande, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”: Grande’s collaboration with Max Martin and ILYA could earn her a second nod in this category. It debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
Hozier, “Too Sweet”: This is Hozier’s first major Grammy contention since “Take Me to Church” was nominated. The song reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 and showcases his signature haunting sound.
Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”: In the midst of a public feud with Drake, Lamar’s diss track topped the Hot 100 for two weeks. A nomination would tie him with Jay-Z for the most nods in this category by a rapper.
Chappell Roan, “Good Luck, Babe!”: Roan’s debut hit reached No. 10 on the Hot 100. It was produced by Daniel Nigro, a familiar Grammy presence through his work with Olivia Rodrigo.
Likely Contenders: Doja Cat, “Agora Hills”; Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me”; Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar, “Like That”; Muni Long, “Made for Me”; Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help”; Tommy Richman, “Million Dollar Baby”; Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”; Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone, “Fortnight”; 21 Savage, “Redrum”; SZA, “Saturn.”
Song of the Year Contenders
The Song of the Year category is expected to see several overlaps with Record of the Year, as many tracks often double up in these categories. Taylor Swift, who holds the record for the most nominations in this category but has yet to win, is a leading contender once again. Themes of gratitude, self-reflection, and love dominate the field, with songs ranging from introspective ballads to catchy pop anthems. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande are vying for recognition alongside rising stars like Benson Boone and Chappell Roan.
“Espresso” (Sabrina Carpenter): An irresistible pop tune that has gained momentum, praised by both fans and artists like Adele.
“Fortnight” (Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Jack Antonoff): Swift returns with this introspective track, co-written with Antonoff and Malone, both of whom have multiple past nominations.
“Lunch” (Billie Eilish, FINNEAS): This would mark the sibling duo’s fifth nomination in this category, potentially setting a new Grammy record for wins.
“Beautiful Things” (Benson Boone): A philosophical track focusing on life’s blessings, co-written by Evan Blair, who also produced the single.
“Texas Hold ’Em” (Beyoncé): Beyoncé seeks her sixth nomination, co-written by Raphael Saadiq and others, exploring themes of resilience and power.
“Not Like Us” (Kendrick Lamar): A scathing track from Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake, which could tie him with Jay-Z for the most Song of the Year nods by a rapper.
“We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” (Ariana Grande, Max Martin, ILYA): A heartfelt track, which could bring Grande her first nomination in this category, alongside seasoned producer Max Martin.
“Good Luck, Babe!” (Chappell Roan): A poignant song about coming to terms with one’s sexual orientation, co-written by Grammy veterans Justin Tranter and Daniel Nigro.
Likely Contenders: “Agora Hills” (artist: Doja Cat); “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” (Shaboozey); “Deeper Well” (Kacey Musgraves); “I Had Some Help” (Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen); “Made for Me” (Muni Long); “Obsessed” (Olivia Rodrigo); “Pink Skies” (Zach Bryan); “Redrum” (21 Savage); “Saturn” (SZA); “Too Sweet” (Hozier).
Best New Artist Contenders
The Best New Artist category for the 2025 Grammy Awards is expected to feature a diverse group of rising stars, ranging from country to pop and rap. This category honors artists who have achieved a breakthrough in the public eye within the eligibility year. If a solo female artist wins, it will set a new record for consecutive wins by solo women, as the last seven winners have been women. Here are some of the key contenders:
Benson Boone: At 22, Boone is the youngest nominee and could be the first male artist to win since Chance the Rapper in 2017. He aims to follow in the footsteps of Debby Boone, who won in 1978.
Chappell Roan: Roan’s debut album and performances alongside Olivia Rodrigo have pushed her into the spotlight. Her unique style and success with Island Records make her a standout contender.
Megan Moroney: Moroney has gained significant traction with hits like “Tennessee Orange” and a successful second album. After winning New Female Artist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, she’s now eyeing the Grammys.
Sexyy Red: With her mixtape and chart-topping single “Get It Sexyy,” Sexyy Red has become a prominent voice in rap. She has the potential to bring her raw, unapologetic style to the Grammy stage.
Sabrina Carpenter: Despite releasing six albums, Carpenter’s recent rise to prominence makes her eligible. With her breakthrough into the Top 10, she’s a strong contender for her first Grammy win.
Teddy Swims: Swims has had a rapid rise, with his debut album reaching the Top 20 and his hit single “Lose Control” topping the Hot 100. At 31, he’s the oldest of this year’s potential nominees, but his genre-spanning appeal gives him an edge.
Shaboozey: A genre-bending artist blending country and hip-hop, Shaboozey is making waves in country music with his album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going and his hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Likely Contenders: The Beaches; Dasha; Djo; 4Batz; Knox; October London; Tommy Richman; Nate Smith; Brittney Spencer; Tigirlily Gold
Behind the Grammy Curtain: How Nominees Are Selected and Who Votes for Music’s Biggest Night
The Grammy Awards are a prestigious recognition in the music industry, and the process of determining nominees and winners is carefully organized and overseen by the Recording Academy. Here’s a breakdown of how the process works:
1. Submission Process
Artists, producers, record labels, and other eligible professionals can submit their music for consideration. This music must have been released within the Grammy’s eligibility period, which typically runs from September of the previous year to August of the current year.
2. Screening Committees
Once submissions are received, they are reviewed by screening committees made up of industry professionals. These committees ensure that each entry is placed in the correct genre and category. For example, they ensure a hip-hop song isn’t mistakenly placed in a pop category. This step is about categorization, not voting on quality.
3. Nominating Process
After screening, the eligible submissions go through a voting process. Members of the Recording Academy—professionals from various areas of the music industry—cast their votes. They receive ballots and vote only in the categories where they have expertise. For example, a sound engineer might vote in technical categories like Best Engineered Album, but not in categories for genres where they don’t have direct knowledge.
The “Big Four” categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist) are voted on by all eligible members of the Academy, regardless of their area of expertise.
4. Final Voting
After the nominations are determined, another round of voting takes place, where Academy members vote for the winners. Again, they vote in categories where they have expertise, with all members eligible to vote in the “Big Four” categories.
5. Voting Members
Voting members of the Recording Academy are individuals who work in the music industry, such as performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and other professionals. These members must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having been credited with a significant role in a commercially released music project. Their participation ensures that the Grammys are peer-voted and represent a broad spectrum of the music community.
6. Special Committees (For Some Categories)
In certain categories, like the General Field (which includes Album of the Year, Song of the Year, etc.) or Best New Artist, there are special committees that review the top votes to ensure fairness and eliminate any potential biases. These committees help shape the final list of nominees.
7. Announcing the Winners
Winners are announced during the Grammy Awards ceremony, which typically takes place in early February. These winners are determined by the final voting round and reflect the decisions of industry peers.
Additional Notes:
- The Grammys don’t consider commercial success (like sales or streams) directly. However, broader popularity can influence voting decisions, as voters are likely to be more familiar with those works.
- The process is designed to be as fair and peer-driven as possible, ensuring that the awards represent the opinions of music professionals across a wide range of genres.
For more information, you can check out the Recording Academy’s official page on Grammy voting.
