Grammys
Record of the year
Who will win the top prize of record of the year at the Grammys? The nominations are stacked with talented artists including Jon Batiste, Boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Victoria Monét, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and SZA. While the song “Worship” by Jon Batiste falls short, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” stands out with its energy and vocal prowess. However, Taylor Swift’s immense pop influence could easily lead her to sweep the board this year.
Will win: Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Should win: Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Album of the year
The category for album of the year includes Jon Batiste, Boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monáe, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and SZA. While Lana Del Rey’s “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” offer strong competition, SOS by SZA stands out as one of the best mainstream American albums of this century. However, Taylor Swift, with her album “Midnights,” could secure a record-breaking fourth win in this category.
Will win: SZA
Should win: SZA
Song of the year
The nominated songs for song of the year consist of Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, Jon Batiste, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish. While Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” feels out of place, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” shines with its moving existential inquiry. However, Taylor Swift’s introspective lyrics in “Anti-Hero” make her a strong contender for the win.
Will win: Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Should win: Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Best new artist
The category for best new artist includes Gracie Abrams, Fred Again, Ice Spice, Jelly Roll, Coco Jones, Noah Kahan, Victoria Monét, and The War and Treaty. Ice Spice with her ratatat New York drill flow would be a deserving winner, but the Academy can be dismissive of rap artists. Fred Again, with his extensive behind-the-scenes work, might have an edge, but Victoria Monét’s journey from songwriter to the spotlight makes her a strong contender.
Will win: Victoria Monét
Should win: Ice Spice
Best pop solo performance
The best pop solo performance category includes Miley Cyrus, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift. While Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” has been the biggest success, the widely celebrated Olivia Rodrigo with her song “Vampire” could be a strong contender. However, Taylor Swift, after her incredibly successful Eras tour, might secure yet another victory.
Will win: Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Should win: Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Best rap performance
The nominations for best rap performance include Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar, Black Thought, Drake and 21 Savage, Killer Mike, and Coi Leray. Songs like “Rick Flex” lack cohesiveness, and “Players” comes across as pedestrian and unoriginal. Black Thought’s “Love Letter” offers a strong case with its a cappella freestyle, but the deserving and likely winner would be Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar’s impactful and brilliantly produced “The Hillbillies.”
Will win: Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar – The Hillbillies
Should win: Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar – The Hillbillies
Best rock performance
The contenders for best rock performance are Arctic Monkeys, Black Pumas, Boygenius, Foo Fighters, and Metallica. Phoebe Bridgers’ supergroup, Boygenius, with their song “Not Strong Enough,” showcases a mix of alt-cool and mainstream rock anthem, setting them apart. While Foo Fighters and Metallica have strong songs, Arctic Monkeys’ “Sculptures of Anything Goes” redefines rock balladry and should be recognized for its creativity and songwriting.
Will win: Boygenius – Not Strong Enough
Should win: Arctic Monkeys – Sculptures of Anything Goes
Best country solo performance
Tyler Childers, Brandy Clark, Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, and Chris Stapleton are nominated for best country solo performance. Each nominee offers top-quality songs, representing the breadth of the genre. Dolly Parton’s performance in “The Last Thing on My Mind” is a standout, displaying tenderness and regret. However, Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse” showcases powerful vocals and lyrics that deconstruct the traditional male country ideal, making him a deserving winner.
Will win: Luke Combs – Fast Car
Should win: Chris Stapleton – White Horse
