The 67th Grammy Awards promise a night of thrilling wins, surprising upsets, and heated debates. One of the most anticipated storylines revolves around the legendary Beatles, nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance for their resurrected track "Now and Then." While a win for Best Rock Performance appears likely, given the Recording Academy’s penchant for rewarding nostalgic, posthumous projects, Record of the Year presents a tougher challenge. The Beatles face stiff competition from pop heavyweights, making a victory in this category less certain. Their nomination itself, however, marks a significant return to the Grammy spotlight after a nearly three-decade absence.
Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us" stands as a strong contender for Record of the Year. Amid a pool of formidable nominees, including Chappell Roan’s "Good Luck, Babe," Sabrina Carpenter’s "Espresso," and Taylor Swift’s "Fortnite," Lamar’s track resonates with a unique power. "Not Like Us" captivated listeners with its intricate lyricism, enigmatic production, and the added intrigue of Lamar’s public feud with Drake. The song became a rap phenomenon, topping charts, amassing over a billion streams on Spotify, and securing top spots on numerous year-end lists. Its ability to command attention in today’s saturated media landscape makes it a true standout and a deserving candidate for the coveted award.
Beyoncé’s country-infused album, Cowboy Carter, has garnered significant attention, leading to a multitude of nominations across various country categories. The question isn’t whether she’ll win a country award, but which one. She’s nominated for Best Country Solo Performance, Best Country Duo/Group Performance, Best Country Song, and Best Country Album, as well as Best Americana Performance. While she faced a controversial shutout at the CMA Awards, her historical dominance at the Grammys positions her as a serious contender. However, she faces strong competition from established country artists like Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves, pop crossover artist Post Malone, and rising star Jelly Roll. Her strongest chances likely lie with Best Country Album, where voters consider the entire body of work, and Best Country Song for the widely recognized "Texas Hold ‘Em."
The Best New Artist category presents a captivating duel between Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter. Roan, with her breakout album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, captured the music world’s attention with honest songwriting and anthemic tracks like "Good Luck, Babe." Her rapid rise to fame, captivating festival performances, and red-carpet presence mark a unique moment in pop music. Carpenter, meanwhile, boasts an equally impressive resume, with a chart-topping album, a hit single, a Netflix special, a major U.S. tour, and viral SNL appearances. While Carpenter would be a frontrunner in most years, Roan’s phenomenal breakthrough makes this a particularly close race.
The Best Metal Performance category poses a question: are the Grammys ready for truly extreme music? Nominees include established acts like Metallica, Judas Priest, Gojira, and Spiritbox, but also Knocked Loose, a hardcore band whose album You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To has been hailed as a landmark achievement in the genre. Knocked Loose’s inclusion represents a potential shift in the Grammy’s recognition of heavier music. While a win against giants like Metallica would be a significant upset, it would also signify a welcome evolution in the academy’s appreciation for the more aggressive corners of the metal world. This category offers a compelling glimpse into the future of metal representation within the mainstream music awards landscape.
Finally, the Album of the Year category features Charli XCX’s Brat, an album that permeated pop culture through TikTok, memes, and a spirit of playful rebellion. Critically acclaimed and topping numerous best-of lists, Brat stands as a defining moment in 2024 pop music. However, predicting a Grammy win is never easy. The Grammys have a history of unpredictable choices, and Charli XCX faces formidable competition, including Roan, Eilish, Carpenter, Beyoncé, Jacob Collier, André 3000, and the record-breaking Taylor Swift. While Brat arguably deserves the award, Swift’s consistent Grammy success makes her a perpetual favorite, suggesting a potential victory for the pop superstar. This year’s Grammy Awards are sure to be a night of close contests and potentially surprising outcomes.
