If you’re a music fan like me, January means more than just the start of the new year, it’s the start of the music industry’s biggest season: the Grammys.
The “Big Four” award categories are stacked with talent this year, and these are my predictions.
Starting with Album of the Year (AOTY), I believe voters will favor the more high-profile pop albums in this category, which could mean a win for Beyoncé or Billie Eilish. Although Beyoncé has been nominated numerous times in the past, she still hasn’t won AOTY. However, I think the consistency and success of “Cowboy Carter” could finally earn her this award.
On the other hand, I also think Eilish has a strong chance of winning. While her album “Hit Me Hard and Soft” wasn’t a standout for me, it has a very consistent sound that I think voters will appreciate. Considering she has won nine Grammys in the past and won AOTY in 2020, I feel like a repeat win is likely for her with this album.
Moving on to Record of the Year, this category focuses on the individual track, production and overall performance. I think the highest contenders are Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan. The only thing that might give Carpenter a slight edge over Roan is her attitude toward fame and the music industry.
Roan became known for her music this year but also for her outspoken nature, and Grammy voters typically avoid artists with that attitude.
Production is a big factor in this category and Daniel Nigro, who worked on both songs, is nominated for producer of the year.
Song of the Year is next, which recognizes the best-written composition of a song. I think the biggest contenders are “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey and “Die With a Smile” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. Both songs stand out against other artists nominated across multiple categories, and the lyrics represent relatable themes that appeal to a wide audience.
I’m personally rooting for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” because it blocked so many other songs from ranking No. 1, which is impressive.
The last of the Big Four categories is Best New Artist. Women in pop have defined this year, and I think the winner will reflect that. I’m really hoping Roan will take home the award but I wouldn’t be surprised if Carpenter wins instead. She fills the same space as Roan but in a slightly more palatable way.
Overall, I’m very excited to watch the Grammy Awards this year. Each category is filled with insane talent, and I can’t wait to see who wins.
