2025 Grammy nominations and predictions - Opinion piece
By Matthew Landsman
November 20, 2024
Courtesy of GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP for Getty Images
On Nov. 8, the Recording Academy released the nominations for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The prestigious award show will take place on Feb. 2 live from the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, CA. To celebrate the nominees, I will make predictions of who will win the major categories by looking at critics' scores for each artist’s music and how well it charted. Along with my predictions, I will also state who, in my opinion, deserves each award.
Record of the Year
Nominees:
Predictions
Based on Sabrina Carpenter’s longevity with “Espresso” this summer and her rise to fame this year, I think she will take home the award. If I had to choose a second option that might win I would say “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone due to the Grammy’s last few years of her winning multiple awards.
Who should win?
If I were to choose who should win Record of the Year, I would pick “360” by Charli XCX. As a long-time fan of XCX, she has had the biggest year, finally making it mainstream with “Brat.” The song is very catchy and was stuck in my head as soon as it came out.
Song of the Year
Nominees:
Predictions
The top choice I believe will win is “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. The song is more of a ballad and caters to all audiences so I think this could win. It also had an exceptional track record going straight to the top of the U.S. and global Spotify chart for weeks. “Die With A Smile” is still towards the top of those charts.
My second choice for what I predict will win is “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone. The song had major success on the charts and the Grammy’s will most likely given the past few years have Taylor Swift win at least some of the major category awards.
Who should win?
I would love to see “TEXAS HOLD EM’” or “Good Luck, Babe!” win. “TEXAS HOLD EM’” started Beyoncé’s country era which was long overdue as a Houston, Texas native. The single was catchy and the perfect start to a promising era with the third “Renaissance” act. “Good Luck, Babe!” is such a powerful single and, to me, propelled Chappell Roan to mainstream fame I think this song deserves a Grammy because it is such a unique song.
Best Pop Solo Performance
Nominees:
Predictions: The top choice for this category I think is “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. This song was everywhere and stayed in the top charts for most of the year even after the summer was over. It is ranked as one of the biggest songs in Billboard history and I think the Recording Academy would like to give it to someone who is nominated for their first Grammy awards. Secondly, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” could also take home this award because the Grammy’s love Billie Eilish and tend to give her a few awards each show since her debut album.
Who should win?: I would love to see “Apple” by Charli XCX take home the award. This song is such a good song to dance to and it also has a profound meaning if you read the lyrics. According to Genius, “Despite its fruit-flavored lyrics and title, “Apple” is actually an exploration of Charli’s relationship with her parents and family. Detailing themes of generational trauma, introspection, and escapism, she describes herself as an apple – hanging on her family’s tree.”
Best New Artist
Nominees:
Predictions: The race for this category is definitely between Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter who both rose to mainstream popularity this past year. They have been all over the Billboard charts and touring the country having a record-breaking year. Both of these artists have been in the game for a long time and finally, people are recognizing their talents.
Who should win?: I would be fine with either Chappell Roan or Sabrina Carpenter winning. They both put out perfect pop albums and revived the pop people have been looking for in new artists. The women both have incredible vocals and have truly shown out this year, I would be happy if either of them took it home.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Nominees:
Predictions
“Die With A Smile” is the first choice I think will win this award. This song, since its release, has been everywhere topping charts in the States and globally. It is more of a stripped-back song, which is typically well-received at the Grammy Awards. For example, Billie Eilish won Song of the Year in 2023 for “What Was I Made For?” and “driver’s license” by Olivia Rodrigo won Best Pop Solo Performance in 2021. These two powerhouses have a great chance of taking home the award.
My second prediction that I think could win is “Guess” by Charli XCX & Billie Eilish. This unexpected duo saw immediate success upon the release of this remix and Billie is a favorite in the Recording Academy’s eyes. I think they could want someone new to win and Charli XCX would be great choice to win this award.
Who should win?
“the boy is mine” by Ariana Grande featuring Brandy & Monica should win in my opinion. Grande was inspired by Brandy and Monica’s smash song “the boy is mine,” an R&B classic. Ariana’s version with them had perfect melody changes, out-of-this-world vocals and gave everything it needed to. Also, Brandy and Monica were not talking for decades and Grande brought them back together which is just incredible. Not only did they make a great song, but Grande healed a friendship between two very important people in the industry.
Best Pop Vocal Album
Predictions
This award will go to either “Short n’ Sweet” or “eternal sunshine.” This prediction is based on critic’s reviews. Sabrina’s album did pretty well for itself, solidifying Carpenter as a main pop artist. Carpenter has stellar vocals on this album and shows everyone she is here to stay. Grande is a powerhouse vocalist who has won this award beforehand. Compared to the other albums, it seemed to be received well with pretty good reviews.
Who should win?
I think Ariana Grande deserves this award 100%. She was snubbed a lot from the main categories and to me, this is hers to win. No one else can compare when it comes to vocals as Grande has the most impressive range. “eternal sunshine” showed that she can hit those low notes and hit incredible high notes as well. Since the “Wicked” movie, her pronunciation has never been clearer and you can tell she improved her vocal ability during the filming of the movie.
Album of the Year
Nominees:
Predictions
My predictions for this race are based on critics' reviews and numbers will go to either Taylor Swift’s “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT” or “BRAT” by Charli XCX. Swift could win based on her success in this category with four wins in total and the success of this album. “BRAT” was one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year marking a new career high for XCX. I think she genuinely has the best chance to win this award.
Who should win?
I would love to see Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, or Sabrina Carpenter win. These three women have been working hard for so many years and to see them recognized this year couldn’t be more deserved. All of them had such big moments this year with these records and truly had exceptional music. I would be happy if any of those three artists were to win.
Record of the Year
Nominees:
- “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
- “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
- “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
- “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
- “360” by Charli XCX
- “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
- “Now and Then” by The Beatles
Predictions
Based on Sabrina Carpenter’s longevity with “Espresso” this summer and her rise to fame this year, I think she will take home the award. If I had to choose a second option that might win I would say “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone due to the Grammy’s last few years of her winning multiple awards.
Who should win?
If I were to choose who should win Record of the Year, I would pick “360” by Charli XCX. As a long-time fan of XCX, she has had the biggest year, finally making it mainstream with “Brat.” The song is very catchy and was stuck in my head as soon as it came out.
Song of the Year
Nominees:
- “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” by Beyoncé
- “Please Please Please” by Sabrina Carpenter
- “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
- “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
- “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
- “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
- “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey
Predictions
The top choice I believe will win is “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. The song is more of a ballad and caters to all audiences so I think this could win. It also had an exceptional track record going straight to the top of the U.S. and global Spotify chart for weeks. “Die With A Smile” is still towards the top of those charts.
My second choice for what I predict will win is “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone. The song had major success on the charts and the Grammy’s will most likely given the past few years have Taylor Swift win at least some of the major category awards.
Who should win?
I would love to see “TEXAS HOLD EM’” or “Good Luck, Babe!” win. “TEXAS HOLD EM’” started Beyoncé’s country era which was long overdue as a Houston, Texas native. The single was catchy and the perfect start to a promising era with the third “Renaissance” act. “Good Luck, Babe!” is such a powerful single and, to me, propelled Chappell Roan to mainstream fame I think this song deserves a Grammy because it is such a unique song.
Best Pop Solo Performance
Nominees:
- “BODYGUARD” by Beyoncé
- “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
- “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
- “Apple” by Charli XCX
- “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
Predictions: The top choice for this category I think is “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. This song was everywhere and stayed in the top charts for most of the year even after the summer was over. It is ranked as one of the biggest songs in Billboard history and I think the Recording Academy would like to give it to someone who is nominated for their first Grammy awards. Secondly, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” could also take home this award because the Grammy’s love Billie Eilish and tend to give her a few awards each show since her debut album.
Who should win?: I would love to see “Apple” by Charli XCX take home the award. This song is such a good song to dance to and it also has a profound meaning if you read the lyrics. According to Genius, “Despite its fruit-flavored lyrics and title, “Apple” is actually an exploration of Charli’s relationship with her parents and family. Detailing themes of generational trauma, introspection, and escapism, she describes herself as an apple – hanging on her family’s tree.”
Best New Artist
Nominees:
- Teddy Swims
- Shaboozey
- Chappell Roan
- RAYE
- Khruangbin
- Doechii
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Benson Boone
Predictions: The race for this category is definitely between Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter who both rose to mainstream popularity this past year. They have been all over the Billboard charts and touring the country having a record-breaking year. Both of these artists have been in the game for a long time and finally, people are recognizing their talents.
Who should win?: I would be fine with either Chappell Roan or Sabrina Carpenter winning. They both put out perfect pop albums and revived the pop people have been looking for in new artists. The women both have incredible vocals and have truly shown out this year, I would be happy if either of them took it home.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Nominees:
- “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
- “the boy is mine” by Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica
- “Guess” by Charli XCX & Billie Eilish
- “LEVII’S JEANS” by Beyoncé featuring Post Malone
- “us.” by Gracie Abrams featuring Taylor Swift
Predictions
“Die With A Smile” is the first choice I think will win this award. This song, since its release, has been everywhere topping charts in the States and globally. It is more of a stripped-back song, which is typically well-received at the Grammy Awards. For example, Billie Eilish won Song of the Year in 2023 for “What Was I Made For?” and “driver’s license” by Olivia Rodrigo won Best Pop Solo Performance in 2021. These two powerhouses have a great chance of taking home the award.
My second prediction that I think could win is “Guess” by Charli XCX & Billie Eilish. This unexpected duo saw immediate success upon the release of this remix and Billie is a favorite in the Recording Academy’s eyes. I think they could want someone new to win and Charli XCX would be great choice to win this award.
Who should win?
“the boy is mine” by Ariana Grande featuring Brandy & Monica should win in my opinion. Grande was inspired by Brandy and Monica’s smash song “the boy is mine,” an R&B classic. Ariana’s version with them had perfect melody changes, out-of-this-world vocals and gave everything it needed to. Also, Brandy and Monica were not talking for decades and Grande brought them back together which is just incredible. Not only did they make a great song, but Grande healed a friendship between two very important people in the industry.
Best Pop Vocal Album
- “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT” by Taylor Swift
- “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” by Chappell Roan
- “eternal sunshine” by Ariana Grande
- “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” by Billie Eilish
- “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter
Predictions
This award will go to either “Short n’ Sweet” or “eternal sunshine.” This prediction is based on critic’s reviews. Sabrina’s album did pretty well for itself, solidifying Carpenter as a main pop artist. Carpenter has stellar vocals on this album and shows everyone she is here to stay. Grande is a powerhouse vocalist who has won this award beforehand. Compared to the other albums, it seemed to be received well with pretty good reviews.
Who should win?
I think Ariana Grande deserves this award 100%. She was snubbed a lot from the main categories and to me, this is hers to win. No one else can compare when it comes to vocals as Grande has the most impressive range. “eternal sunshine” showed that she can hit those low notes and hit incredible high notes as well. Since the “Wicked” movie, her pronunciation has never been clearer and you can tell she improved her vocal ability during the filming of the movie.
Album of the Year
Nominees:
- “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT” by Taylor Swift
- “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” by Chappell Roan
- “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” by Billie Eilish
- “Djeese Vol. 4” by Jacob Collier
- “BRAT” by Charli XCX
- “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter
- “COWBOY CARTER” by Beyoncé
- “New Blue Sun” by André 3000
Predictions
My predictions for this race are based on critics' reviews and numbers will go to either Taylor Swift’s “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT” or “BRAT” by Charli XCX. Swift could win based on her success in this category with four wins in total and the success of this album. “BRAT” was one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year marking a new career high for XCX. I think she genuinely has the best chance to win this award.
Who should win?
I would love to see Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, or Sabrina Carpenter win. These three women have been working hard for so many years and to see them recognized this year couldn’t be more deserved. All of them had such big moments this year with these records and truly had exceptional music. I would be happy if any of those three artists were to win.