Will Beyonce finally break through and win Album of the Year? Or will she just have to be satisfied with the most Grammys of any artist?
Those are the questions swirling around Sunday’s ceremony, a smackdown featuring some of the biggest names in the business.
In the Album category, look for Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Jacob Collier, Charli xcx, Sabrina Carpenter and Andre 3000 to make life a little uncomfortable for “Cowboy Carter.” While Swift is a given every time she produces something and Eilish is the new Oscar darling, there are others who could sweep in and leave Beyonce holding the reins, not the trophy.
This year’s competition, in fact, is a chance for newcomers and veterans to finally nail those elusive awards. Beyonce will still get her share (Best Country Album – that would be a coup), it’s likely she’s not going home with the big prize.
Beyoncé performs during halftime of an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Houston.
By category, here are the artists to watch:
RECORD OF THE YEAR
Someone has decided this is a “bigger” category than Album of the Year. Because it attracts a lot of pop stars, it likely provides a good finish to any show. But Album still has to contain clout.
What makes the field so interesting is the addition of the Beatles with “Now and Then,” a “found” song. Clearly, if the usual suspects aren’t going to win, they’d all be content seeing the Beatles claim the prize. We’re predicting the Beatles. But if Sabrina Carpenter is going to have a big night, this could be her cup o’ joe.
SONG OF THE YEAR
Beyonce could win with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” her line-dance special. But Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” seems stronger. Toss-up.
BEST NEW ARTIST
Sabrina Carpenter has the edge; Chappell Roan has the cred. We’re going with Carpenter.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Billie? Taylor? Beyonce? If voters know what’s good for them, Beyonce will win. But there are a lot of Swifties in the crowd. This will be the surprise of the night.
Billie Eilish, pictured in February 2024, has opened up about the loneliness of fame.
BEST POP PERFORMANCE
Similar crowd. Give it to Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso.”
BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, the ghosts of Grammys past.
BEST POP ALBUM
If Ariana Grande won here, she could get a jump on her EGOT. Taylor has “Tortured Poets” in the mix and Billie Eilish is always good for a trophy. Still, we think this is going to be part of Sabrina’s march. “Short n’ Sweet.”
DANCE/ELECTRONIC RECORDING
“Witchy,” Kaytranada, featuring Childish Gambino.
Charli xcx arrives at the premiere of "Nosferatu" on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
DANCE POP RECORDING
“Von dutch,” Charli xcx.
DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM
“Brat,” Charli xcx.
ROCK PERFORMANCE
Yeah, “Now and Then,” the Beatles, is a sure bet but what about “Dark Matter” from Pearl Jam? Or “Broken Man” from St. Vincent?
METAL PERFORMANCE
“Screaming Suicide,” Metallica.
ROCK SONG
“Broken Man,” St. Vincent.
ROCK ALBUM
Here, the Rolling Stones could end the drought. But a lot of Grammy faves are in the mix. If the Beatles get traction, the Stones could, too. This is a toss-up.
ALTERNATIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCE
St. Vincent, “Flea.”
ALTERNATIVE ALBUM
St. Vincent, “All Born Screaming.”
R&B PERFORMANCE
SZA, “Saturn.”
TRADITIONAL R&B
Muni Long, “Make Me Forget.”
R&B SONG
“Saturn,” SZA.
PROGRESSIVE R&B ALBUM
“Why Lawd?” NxWorries.
R&B ALBUM
“Revenge,” Muni Long.
RAP PERFORMANCE
Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us.”
MELODIC RAP PERFORMANCE
Here, Beyonce could flex. But this also could be a category that others slip into. Still, “Spaghettii,” Beyonce featuring Linda Martell and Shaboozey, sounds good.
RAP SONG
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar.
RAP ALBUM
“We Don’t Trust You,” Future and Metro Boomin.
TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL ALBUM
If Aaron Lazar wins, it’ll be a win for a lot of people. Somehow, though, Norah Jones is a hard act to best.
MUSICAL THEATER ALBUM
“Merrily We Roll Along” had the audience; “Hell’s Kitchen” has Alicia Keys. But ask the fans and they’ll rave about “The Outsiders.” Anyone would be fine but we’re cheering “Outsiders.”
COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE
Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
COUNTRY DUO/GROUP
Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help.”
COUNTRY SONG
“Texas Hold ‘em,” Beyonce.
COUNTRY ALBUM
“Higher,” Chris Stapleton. (Although, Beyonce?)
AMERICAN ROOTS PERFORMANCE
Shemekia Copeland, “Blame it on Eve.”
AMERICANA PERFORMANCE
“Don’t Do Me Good,” Madi Diaz featuring Kacey Musgraves.
AMERICANA ALBUM
“The Other Side,” T Bone Burnett.
COMEDY ALBUM
Dave Chappelle.
AUDIO BOOK
Jimmy Carter has the sentimental edge, but Barbra Streisand read thousands of her own words.
MUSIC VIDEO
Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us.”
VISUAL MEDIUM COMPILATION
“Twisters.”
VISUAL MEDIUM SONG
“It Never Went Away,” “American Symphony.”
MUSICA URBANA ALBUM
Bad Bunny.
The Grammy Awards ceremony airs Sunday on CBS. Trevor Noah hosts.
