The 2025 Grammy nominations showcase a diverse array of talented artists who have made an impact in the music industry over the past year. Leading the pack are Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Post Malone, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter, with many other artists represented across numerous categories.
Surprises and Snubs at the 2025 Grammy Nominations
SURPRISE: Album of the year pits Taylor, Beyoncé, and Sabrina against… André 3000? In a surprising turn of events, André 3000’s instrumental flute album “New Blue Sun” has been nominated for album of the year alongside popular artists like Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Billie Eilish. This unexpected nomination has raised eyebrows among Grammy enthusiasts, as “New Blue Sun” offers a unique and unconventional musical experience compared to more mainstream albums.
SURPRISE-ISH: Beyoncé reigns supreme across genre lines. Beyoncé’s album “Cowboy Carter” has sparked discussions about its genre classification, with nominations spanning categories like pop, country, Americana, and rap. With a total of 11 nominations this year, Beyoncé continues to push boundaries and showcase her versatility as an artist.
SURPRISE: Chappell and Sabrina secure the big four. Rising stars Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter have made waves with their nominations in the record, album, and song of the year categories, as well as for best new artist. Their recognition highlights their impact on the music scene in the past year.
KIND OF A SNUB: Ariana Grande left out of the general fields. Despite releasing her seventh album “Eternal Sunshine,” Ariana Grande finds herself relegated to the pop categories for nominations. This unexpected exclusion raises questions about the recognition of her work in the broader music industry.
SNUB: Victoria Monét and Killer Mike nowhere to be found. Despite their previous success, both Victoria Monét and Killer Mike did not receive nominations this year, leaving fans surprised by their absence from the ballot. Their exclusion raises concerns about the recognition of diverse artists in the music industry.
NOT A SURPRISE: Zach Bryan gets no nominations. Opting not to submit this year, Zach Bryan’s decision to forgo nominations comes after previous success in the country categories. His absence from the nominations reflects a growing trend of artists choosing to distance themselves from traditional award shows.
SURPRISE: Kendrick is competing against himself. Kendrick Lamar’s multiple nominations this year include competing against himself in certain categories, showcasing his continued influence and impact on the music industry. Despite not releasing a new album, Lamar’s presence is strongly felt in this year’s nominations.
SNUB: Jack Antonoff left out of producer of the year. Jack Antonoff’s absence from the producer of the year nominations comes as a surprise, considering his previous dominance in the category. This unexpected snub raises questions about the criteria used to select nominees in this competitive field.
SURPRISE-ISH: Best new artist is a mixed bag. The diverse mix of artists nominated for best new artist showcases a range of talent and potential in the music industry. With both expected and unexpected inclusions, this category highlights the evolving landscape of emerging artists.
SNUB: Wherefore art thou Hozier, Tyla, and Doja Cat? The absence of certain artists like Hozier, Tyla, and Doja Cat from this year’s nominations raises questions about the recognition of their recent work. Despite their previous success, these artists did not receive nominations, leaving fans and critics puzzled by their exclusion.
SNUB: Missed opportunity for diversity in pop categories. The limited representation of Latin music in the pop categories highlights a missed opportunity for recognizing the cultural influence of Spanish-language music. Despite notable releases, the lack of acknowledgment in mainstream categories raises concerns about inclusivity in the music industry.
FAQs About the 2025 Grammy Nominations
Q: How are Grammy nominations determined?
A: Grammy nominations are determined by voting members of the Recording Academy, who evaluate eligible recordings and vote on nominees in various categories based on artistic and technical merit.
Q: What factors contribute to an artist being snubbed at the Grammys?
A: Factors that can contribute to an artist being snubbed at the Grammys include the competitiveness of the field, the diversity of the voting members, and the visibility and promotion of the artist’s work within the eligibility period.
Q: Why is diversity in Grammy nominations important?
A: Diversity in Grammy nominations is important as it reflects the richness and variety of voices in the music industry. Recognizing artists from diverse backgrounds and genres helps to celebrate the full spectrum of musical talent and creativity.
Conclusion: The 2025 Grammy nominations have brought a mix of surprises and snubs, showcasing the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. While some artists have garnered recognition for their innovative work, others have been left out of the spotlight. As the music industry continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the diverse voices and talents that contribute to its vibrancy and creativity.
Credit: variety.com
