2025 Grammy nominations: All the snubs and surprises

As a seasoned music enthusiast and critic with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this year’s Grammy nominations have left me both intrigued and somewhat perplexed.

This year’s Grammy nominations are heavily influenced by the queens of pop, such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish, with Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter joining the mix. However, a significant shake-up in the voting body of the Academy has led to changes in the Grammys’ preferences, evident in their choices and omissions this year. Here are some of the most noteworthy surprises and oversights in this year’s nominees.

2025 Grammy nominations: All the snubs and surprises

Surprise: André 3000 – the jazz-flute Album of the Year sleeper pick?

When OutKast’s lead vocalist released his unconventional jazz-flute album “New Blue Sun” in November, it was clear that he had followed his creative instincts. However, the Grammys are known to appreciate veteran artists who revitalize jazz traditions. Given Jon Batiste’s recent recognition, André 3000 might also receive accolades for his unique approach. In the very least, he is a strong contender in the instrumental composition category for “I Swore I Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album, But This Is Just How The Wind Carried Me Along This Time.

Snub: Jack Antonoff’s producer streak lapses

Following his fourth consecutive Grammy win in the producer, non-classical category in February, thanks to Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short ‘n Sweet,” Jack Antonoff appeared to be a strong contender for another nomination. However, this year he won’t extend his winning streak as he has been left out of the nominations—the first time since 2019 that he hasn’t been nominated in that category.

Surprise: The Beatles are back

AI has caused quite a bit of trouble – injuries, election misinformation, and water scarcity issues. However, it’s important to acknowledge its positive impacts as well – for instance, it played a crucial role in the creation of the final Beatles song from previously unrecoverable recordings. This technological advancement is hard to dispute when considering the innovation and skill showcased in the production of “Now And Then”. Notably, this new track earned the Beatles their eighth Grammy, sixty years after they received their first one in 1965.

Surprise: Khruangbin for new artist?

For festival-goers who’ve witnessed the renowned Texas psych-rock trio command stages for what feels like a decade, take note: Even with an established body of work, it’s possible to emerge as a ‘Best New Artist’.

Snub: Rock stars in repose

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but wonder why my beloved Rolling Stones didn’t receive more recognition from the Grammys for their comeback album “Hackney Diamonds,” produced by a hot young talent. With such an album, you’d expect them to be contenders in multiple categories – rock album, rock performance, song, and even bigger awards. Yet, they only got one nomination!

Surprise: Brat summer lives on

The Recording Academy carefully considered honoring Charli XCX with Grammys. Her album “Brat” marked the height of her career in terms of both critical acclaim and commercial success. In recognition of this, the Academy spread nominations across various categories for Charli. Notably, she received seven nominations, which is one of the highest counts for a category that explores the impact of fame on femininity through a messy meta-rave theme. Her nominations spanned several categories, including record, album, pop solo and duo/group performance, three dance music categories (similar to her contemporaries Beyoncé and Daft Punk in these genres), as well as music video and packaging.

Snub: Tommy Richman, don’t @ me

Tommy Richman’s TikTok hit “Million Dollar Baby” was one of the most catchy tunes of the year, blending a bold, funky, and airy falsetto that resonated from car windows and mobile devices for many months. There may have been some discussions about its categorization – is it rap? R&B? Pop? – but Richman apparently classified it as a rap song and melodic rap performance. Unfortunately, he did not receive any recognition in these categories during the awards season.

Surprise: Jimmy Carter, Grammy icon

Previously held office, the President is nominated for his fourth Grammy award, exclusively in the spoken-word genres, for “Last Sundays In Plains: A Centennial Celebration.” To be honest, these days, the idea of a hundred-year-old peanut farmer reading you a bedtime story is reminiscent of a peaceful paradise.

Snub: The L.A. Times’ Envelope Grammy Preview

Just as Bill Plaschke’s writings seem to have a jinxing effect on Dodger baseball, we aim to have a similar positive impact for Grammy hopefuls. Our apologies go out to Tyla, Vampire Weekend, Fuerza Regida, and Megan Moroney – may your Grammy victory celebrations be right around the corner as well!

2024-11-08 19:31

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Here’s the complete list of 2025 Grammy nominees