The competition for the 2025 Grammys is set to be intense, as revealed by today’s nominee announcement. Music fans will recognize many of the names listed. Beyoncé tops the nominations with an impressive 11 nods for her groundbreaking country album, Cowboy Carter, making her the most-nominated artist ever. She is followed by Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, who received seven and six nominations, respectively.
The 2025 Grammys saw a surge in new talent, with Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan earning nominations in major categories such as Album of the Year and Best New Artist. However, some stars were excluded from categories fans expected, and some singers were not included at all.
Beyoncé and Cowboy Carter span multiple genres.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter featuring collaborations with Miley Cyrus, Shaboozey, Linda Martell, and Dolly Parton, swept the Grammys as the most nominated single project this year. The album helped the singer become the most Grammy nominated artist of all time with 99 lifetime nominations, surpassing a previous tie with her husband, Jay-Z. Cowboy Carter also granted Beyoncé her first official nominations in the Recording Academy’s country categories, a significant feat for any Black artist.
The battle of the pop queens.
Women have been leading the charge at the Grammys in recent years, and this year is no exception. Despite the tough task of choosing favorites, each artist is deserving of a win. This year pop music saw numerous releases from female superstars, leading to the nominations for the 67th annual Grammy Awards. Pop royalty took center stage in major categories like Album of the Year and Song of the Year, with favorites like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish, as well as rising stars like Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter. 2023 was hailed as the “Year of the Woman,” with artists like Swift breaking records with The Tortured Poets Department, Beyoncé revolutionizing the scene with Cowboy Carter, Charli XCX transforming fans into brats, Carpenter savoring espresso, and Chappell Roan chanting “H-O-T T-O G-O.”
Ariana Grande was overlooked in the nominations for the awards.
Ariana Grande’s seventh studio album, titled Eternal Sunshine, has emerged as a notable absence in this year’s Album of the Year category, raising eyebrows among fans and critics alike. Despite the album garnering a plethora of positive reviews from music critics and achieving commercial success with two number-one singles, it seems to have been largely overlooked when it comes to award nominations. This oversight is particularly surprising given the album’s artistic depth and Grande’s impressive vocal performances throughout.
While Eternal Sunshine did manage to secure a nomination in the Best Pop Vocal Album category, many were left wondering why it didn’t receive more recognition. Additionally, the track “Yes, And?” was nominated for Best Dance Pop Recording, showcasing Grande’s genre versatility. The remix of “The Boy Is Mine” was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. However, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” was not nominated, leaving fans disappointed and questioning the awards committee’s decision-making process.
One possible explanation for this oversight could be the significant focus on Grande’s involvement in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, which has dominated her schedule and public appearances this year. This high-profile project has undoubtedly shifted some attention away from her music, leading to speculation that it may have inadvertently affected the recognition of her album. Additionally, the recent buzz generated by fellow artists like Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter could have contributed to a crowded field of contenders, making it even more challenging for Grande’s work to stand out in the nominations.
Dua Lipa, Hozier, and Jack Antonoff got snubbed too
In a similar vein, Dua Lipa, Hozier, and Jack Antonoff, all of whom have enjoyed a fruitful year in the music industry, also found themselves on the sidelines when it came to major category nominations. Lipa’s third studio album, Radical Optimism, was met with critical acclaim and fan enthusiasm, yet it shockingly received no nominations in either the general or pop categories, leaving many to question the voting process. Hozier, who celebrated his first-ever No. 1 hit with the infectious pop rock single “Too Sweet,” also faced disappointment as the track was excluded from the 2025 Grammy nominations, despite its commercial success and widespread popularity.
Jack Antonoff, a seasoned producer who has taken home the Grammy for Producer of the Year for the past three consecutive years, also found himself without a nomination in this prestigious non-classical category. This absence is particularly surprising given his track record of producing chart-topping hits and his significant contributions to the music industry. However, Antonoff still has reasons to celebrate, as he received nominations in other categories, including two nods for Song of the Year, which may help to soften the blow of missing out on the top honors.
Pop Royalty on the Rise: Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter Battle for 2024 Supremacy”
The two biggest pop breakouts of 2024, Carpenter and Short n’ Sweet, have been nominated for the Best New Artist award. Carpenter was nominated for two songs in Record and Song of the Year, “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” respectively, indicating a slightly higher interest in her music. Additionally, Short n’ Sweet’s performance in Best Engineered Album may earn her more respect among technical voters.
Tylya, Rema and Tems Shine Amidst Ongoing Drama
Tyla’s controversial album transition from R&B to pop has led to mixed nominations in the Academy. his transition has not only raised eyebrows but also opened up new avenues for her artistry, illustrating the evolving landscape of musical genres. Meanwhile, fellow artists Rema and Tems have also made notable strides in their careers, both receiving nominations for Best Global Music Album. Their willingness to explore and incorporate elements of pop, R&B, and hip-hop into their music reflects a broader trend of genre-blending that is becoming increasingly popular in today’s music scene.
Tems, in particular, has garnered attention not just for her global reach but also for her nomination for Best R&B Song. This recognition underscores the growing acceptance and appreciation of African music among R&B voters, who are beginning to embrace the rich tapestry of sounds that artists from the continent bring to the table. The Best African Music Performance category, however, is undergoing a noticeable transformation as it becomes more westernized. A prime example of this shift is Chris Brown’s foray into Afrobeats with his track “Sensational,” which illustrates how mainstream artists are increasingly looking to African rhythms and styles to diversify their own musical offerings. This blending of cultures and genres highlights the dynamic nature of the global music industry and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for artists who dare to cross traditional boundaries.
