Movies

Grammys 2025 predictions: Who will win, who should win and the Beyoncé of it all

BBG News

Following the destructive wildfires in Southern California this past month, the Recording Academy has decided to focus the 67th Grammy Awards on charitable initiatives and honoring “the spirit of the city of Los Angeles.

Indeed, there are still some awards to be given out: Beyoncé is the frontrunner with 11 nominations, followed closely by Charli XCX and Post Malone, each with eight nominations, and Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar, who each have seven. The event, broadcast live on CBS from Crypto.com Arena, will be hosted by Trevor Noah and will include performances by Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Doechii, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, and Herbie Hancock, among others.

In these 11 different areas, here’s what I anticipate will unfold during tonight’s event – keep in mind, though, that no Grammy ceremony has ever left me unperplexed in some manner as it’s always full of surprises!

Music

At the 67th Grammys, several artists are nominated across various categories. They include Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Billie Eilish.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

1. André 3000: “New Blue Sun”

Andre’s New Radiant Sky

2. Beyoncé: “Cowboy Carter”

Beyoncé’s Western Rancher

3. Sabrina Carpenter: “Short n’ Sweet”

Carpenter’s Brief and Pleasant

4. Charli XCX: “Brat”

XCX’s Impudent One

5. Jacob Collier: “Djesse Vol. 4”

Collier’s Volume 4 of DJesse

6. Billie Eilish: “Hit Me Hard and Soft”

Eilish’s Strike Me Firmly and Tenderly

7. Chappell Roan: “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”

Roan’s Ascent and Descent of a Midwestern Queen

8. Taylor Swift: “The Tortured Poets Department”

Swift’s Tormented Writers Bureau

In this category at the Grammys, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift stand out as dominant figures in pop music, much like they do across the entire genre. If Taylor wins, she’ll break her own record, set in 2024, as the only artist to have won Album of the Year four times; moreover, she would be the first artist since Stevie Wonder to win back-to-back awards half a century ago. On the other hand, a victory for Beyoncé would end a longstanding debate about her not having received the most prestigious award despite being the most decorated artist in Grammy history with 32 wins. It’s worth noting that only three Black women have ever won Album of the Year in the Grammys’ nearly seven decades. By choosing to create “Cowboy Carter” using the traditional sounds that the academy has historically valued, Beyoncé seems to be challenging the organization to deny her a fifth win in this category. Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, there will undoubtedly be numerous analyses and discussions about the decision.

Will win: Beyoncé, “Cowboy Carter”
Should win: Beyoncé, “Cowboy Carter”

RECORD OF THE YEAR

* The Beatles, “Now and Then” – Then and Now by The Beatles
* Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ’Em” – Texas Poker Game by Beyoncé
* Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso” – Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
* Charli XCX, “360” – All Around by Charli XCX
* Billie Eilish, “Birds of a Feather” – Birds of the Same Feather by Billie Eilish
* Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us” – Not Like Others by Kendrick Lamar
* Chappell Roan, “Good Luck, Babe!” – Good Luck to You, Darling! by Chappell Roan
* Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone, “Fortnight” – Fortnite Collaboration by Taylor Swift (with Post Malone)

In recent music awards, there’s been a strong contention for the Record of the Year category between throwback hits like Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” and Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open”. The field is crowded with other nostalgia-inducing tracks such as Carpenter’s “Espresso”, which revives the pop-funk vibe of the 80s, and a genuine piece of history: The Beatles’ “Now and Then”, where modern AI technology was used to complete a demo by John Lennon from 1980. With Beatles fans’ enduring nostalgia and their previous lack of a Record of the Year win, could this be the year they take it? However, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” won the title of Record of 2024, so his chances for this category are slim as it’s only been awarded to a rap song once, in 2019 when Childish Gambino claimed it with “This Is America”.

Will win: The Beatles, “Now and Then”
Should win: Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”

Music

Could “The Beatles’ ‘Now and Then’ potentially be named Record of the Year?” Is this song indicative of the Academy’s preference, or does it signify a resurgence in classic rock music from the baby boomer era?

SONG OF THE YEAR

1. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – A tune named “Hangout at the Tavern” (Drunken Anthem), penned by Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins, Nevin Sastry, and Mark Williams (performed by Shaboozey)
2. “Birds of a Feather” – A track titled “Kindred Spirits,” created by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell (sung by Billie Eilish)
3. “Die With a Smile” – A song known as “Pass Away with Joy,” composed by Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Andrew Watt (performed by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)
4. “Fortnight” – A melody called “Two Weeks,” written by Jack Antonoff, Post Malone, and Taylor Swift (sung by Taylor Swift)
5. “Good Luck, Babe!” – A tune named “Best of Wishes, Sweetheart,” crafted by Daniel Nigro, Chappell Roan, and Justin Tranter (performed by Chappell Roan)
6. “Not Like Us” – A track called “We’re Not the Norm,” written by Kendrick Lamar (sung by Kendrick Lamar)
7. “Please Please Please” – A song known as “Pray Pray Pray,” penned by Amy Allen, Sabrina Carpenter, and Jack Antonoff (performed by Sabrina Carpenter)
8. “Texas Hold ’Em” – A tune named “Texan Poker,” written by Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Atia Boggs, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro and Raphael Saadiq (performed by Beyoncé)

Taylor Swift, renowned as one of the most influential songwriters of her era, is nominated for an award she’s yet to claim for the eighth time. However, it’s not her celebrated work “Fortnight” that’s in contention, but rather pieces like “Good Luck, Babe!” which showcase her melodic finesse and dramatic creativity more vividly. This song has been reinterpreted by artists ranging from Miranda Lambert to the Jonas Brothers. But Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ collaboration on “Die With a Smile” could make the race close.

Will win: “Good Luck, Babe!”
Should win: “Good Luck, Babe!”

BEST NEW ARTIST

Benson BooneSabrina CarpenterDoechiiKhruangbinRayeChappell RoanShaboozey
Teddy Swims

A multitude of successful artists are in the running for the Best New Artist category: Carpenter, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims, who each achieved a No. 1 single on Billboard’s Hot 100 last year, join Benson and Roan with songs that reached the top 5. However, there’s a strong consensus among industry insiders that the award will likely go to either Carpenter or Roan. Their live performances played a significant role in their journey throughout 2024, which could potentially tip the scales in their favor. While some may argue that Roan’s complex connection with fame might hinder her chances – as it often does for other artists – we can’t forget that the Grammys have historically been generous to those who face the challenges of stardom, such as Billie Eilish.

Will win: Chappell Roan
Should win: Chappell Roan

Music

The well-known pop artist discusses her hit collaboration with Bruno Mars, which has been shortlisted for two awards at the upcoming Grammy ceremony in February.

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM

– Sabrina Carpenter’s song title means it is short and sweet.
– Billie Eilish’s song title suggests it will impact hard in both harsh and tender ways.
– Ariana Grande’s song title refers to eternal happiness or positivity.
– Chappell Roan’s novel title describes a story about a princess from the Midwest, possibly with an up-and-down journey.
– Taylor Swift’s song title implies it is about poets who are troubled but still creating art.

The last occasion when an LP won this award without being nominated for Album of the Year was in 2019, when Ariana Grande did so with “Sweetener”. Could she pull off this feat once more? Or, the voters might choose to honor Carpenter in the Pop Vocal Album category, given her strong commitment to and subtle subversion of pop music’s core principles, which has catapulted her into one of the most prominent rising stars in music.

Will win: Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet”
Should win: Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet”

BEST RAP ALBUM

As a movie buff, I’d rephrase the song titles like this:

1. “Might Delete Later” by J. Cole could be “Trimming My Playlist Soon.”
2. “The Auditorium, Vol. 1” by Common & Pete Rock becomes “First Act in the Auditorium.”
3. “Alligator Bites Never Heal” by Doechii translates to “Scars from an Alligator’s Bite Last Forever.”
4. “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)” by Eminem could be “Slim Shady’s Final Act (The Merciful Strike).”
5. “We Don’t Trust You” by Future & Metro Boomin might be “Doubtful of Your Intentions.”

Historically, Eminem has often lost the Grammy for Best Rap Album, with six losses out of eight nominations. However, Doechii was getting a lot of attention recently, particularly with viral performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, just as voters were finalizing their ballots. Interestingly enough, only two women – Lauryn Hill from the Fugees and Cardi B – have ever won this category in its three-decade span. (In case you were curious, Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” came out after the eligibility period for this ceremony had ended.)

Will win: Doechii, “Alligator Bites Never Heal”
Should win: Doechii, “Alligator Bites Never Heal”

Music

For the Los Angeles music producer, his time in hip-hop has been a long and patient journey. He discusses how his dedication to the West Coast rap scene paved the way for the unprecedented success of Kendrick Lamar’s hit “Not Like Us.

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM

* Beyoncé, “Cowboy” Carter – “Beyoncé, ‘The Cowboy’ Carter”
* Post Malone, “F-1 Trillion” – “Post Malone, ‘F-1 Trillion Dollars'”
* Kacey Musgraves, “Deeper Well” – “Kacey Musgraves, ‘Deep Well'”
* Chris Stapleton, “Higher” – “Chris Stapleton, ‘The Highest'”
* Lainey Wilson, “Whirlwind” – “Lainey Wilson, ‘Whirling Wind’

Last year, Beyoncé wasn’t the only pop artist to explore country music. However, while Beyoncé opted to work independently from the Nashville music scene, Post Malone pursued collaborations with some of country music’s top artists and most active creators. This move could potentially earn him their support (unless they decide to back Stapleton again, who has won this category three times).

Will win: Chris Stapleton, “Higher”
Should win: Beyoncé, “Cowboy Carter”

BEST ROCK ALBUM

1. The Black Crowes’ song is titled “Happiness Bastards,” while Fontaines D.C.’s track goes by “Romance.” Green Day’s hit is known as “Saviors,” and Idles’ song is called “Tangk.” Pearl Jam’s track is named “Dark Matter” and The Rolling Stones’ song is titled “Hackney Diamonds.” Jack White’s song carries the title of “No Name.”

2. Here are the alternate versions:
– The Black Crowes – Song Happiness Bastards; Alternate Version: The Black Crowes’ track is called “Misfortune Makers”
– Fontaines D.C. – Song Romance; Alternate Version: Fontaines D.C.’s song is named “Love Letters”
– Green Day – Song Saviors; Alternate Version: Green Day’s track is called “The Rescuers”
– Idles – Song Tangk; Alternate Version: Idles’ song is known as “The Inkpot”
– Pearl Jam – Song Dark Matter; Alternate Version: Pearl Jam’s track is named “Obscurity’s Embrace”
– The Rolling Stones – Song Hackney Diamonds; Alternate Version: The Rolling Stones’ song is called “East End Gems”
– Jack White – Song No Name; Alternate Version: Jack White’s track is named “Untitled”

This year, the Grammy voting committee might favor established artists over emerging talent due to the high number of veteran acts in the category. If that’s the case, it seems like a contest between Green Day, who already has two rock album awards, and Pearl Jam, who have never won this category but received three nominations this year. It’s like a throwback to the ’90s!

Will win: Green Day, “Saviors”
Should win: Green Day, “Saviors”

Music

Reflecting on a hectic 2024, the Grammy-winning music maestro reminisces about collaborations with Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and his group, Bleachers.

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM

1. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, “Wild God” – The Wild Deity of Nick Cave & His Band
2. Clairo, “Charm” – Clairo’s Appeal
3. Kim Gordon, “The Collective” – Kim Gordon’s Group Effort
4. Brittany Howard, “What Now” – What Happens Next by Brittany Howard
5. St. Vincent, “All Born Screaming” – Everyone Began Crying Out (St. Vincent)

As a devoted music enthusiast, I was eagerly anticipating a thrilling competition between St. Vincent and Vampire Weekend at this year’s Grammys, given their impressive double wins in the alternative music album category. However, the academy’s decision to overlook Vampire Weekend’s critically acclaimed “Only God Was Above Us” has opened up a new opportunity for St. Vincent. Will they capitalize on this chance, or are the voters aiming to mix things up by possibly rewarding Kim Gordon? If I were to place a bet, I’d go with Clairo’s “Charm,” as her fellow first-timer also caught my attention.

Will win: St. Vincent, “All Born Screaming”
Should win: Clairo, “Charm”

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

AlissiaDernst “D’Mile” Emile IIIan FitchukMustard
Daniel Nigro

In terms of snubbing individuals: Although Jack Antonoff contributed to two LPs contending for album of the year (“Short n’ Sweet” and “Tortured Poets”), he was overlooked for a producer nomination, having won the award three years consecutively. If Antonoff is not considered this time around, I would be surprised if the academy doesn’t award the Grammy to Nigro, who has established creative relationships with Roan and Olivia Rodrigo.

Will win: Daniel Nigro
Should win: Daniel Nigro

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Jessi AlexanderAmy Allen Edgar BarreraJessie Jo Dillon
Raye

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that, barring an unexpected surge for Raye, Allen seems to have the edge. This is largely due to her exceptional role as Carpenter’s trusted sidekick – she even co-wrote every song on “Short n’ Sweet.” Moreover, her performance in “High Road,” a No. 1 country radio hit shared with Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph, has undeniably solidified her position.

Will win: Amy Allen
Should win: Amy Allen

Read More

2025-01-30 20:33

Previous post Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Girlfriend Turns Heads on Date Night in Stunning Mini Dress!
Next post Molly Shannon Reveals Surprising Secrets About Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz on SNL!