Grammy Nominations Facts: Female Acts Dominate, Ariana Grande and K-Pop Snubbed, Beyoncé Makes History (Again)

As a seasoned music enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this year’s Grammy nominations have truly left me spellbound! With such a diverse range of artists and genres, it seems like the Recording Academy has truly captured the essence of contemporary music in all its glory.

On Friday, the Grammy nominations for 2025 were unveiled, with a total of 94 categories featured in the event. Here’s a breakdown of essential insights from The Hollywood Reporter, covering topics such as overlooked contenders, unexpected nods, and Beyoncé’s continued trailblazing achievements.

THE SNUBS

Ariana Grande received three nominations but didn’t win any of the top three prizes. Post Malone was also not chosen for Album of the Year, even though he is nominated for both Record and Song of the Year. However, these nominations are for his collaboration with Taylor Swift on “Fortnight,” rather than for his own chart-topper, “I Need Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen.

Regarding Swift, it’s interesting to note that she received six nominations. Yet, her revolutionary concert film, The Eras Tour, seems to have been overlooked in the category of best music film. Similarly, “Fortnight” missed out on the nomination for best pop duo/group performance. Instead, Swift is nominated in that category for her collaboration with Gracie Abrams on “Us.

In a surprising turn of events, Hozier reclaimed the number one spot on pop charts with “Too Sweet,” Tommy Richman took TikTok by storm with “Million Dollar Baby,” and Vampire Weekend left critics in awe with their album “Only God Was Above Us, yet they received no recognition, not even a single nomination. This was also the fate of artists like Bad Bunny, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and K-pop sensations such as Lisa, RM, and Jung Kook, who were all ignored in the awards ceremony.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a tad perplexed by this year’s Best New Artist nominations. Benson Boone and Teddy Swims are still ruling the Billboard charts with their hits “Beautiful Things” and “Lose Control,” yet they’ve only been recognized as newcomers. It’s fascinating to see them rise, but it feels odd that Jack Antonoff, who has crafted songs for Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, among others, and has taken home the non-classical producer award for the past three years, didn’t receive a nod in this category.

WINNING WOMEN

Following the historic sweep of female artists at the 2024 Grammys, women continue to hold a significant influence in the major award categories for the following year. For instance, in the album of the year and record of the year nominations, women account for six out of eight contenders. Moreover, they maintain a strong presence across categories such as best pop solo performance, best pop vocal album, best R&B performance, best R&B song, best Americana performance, best folk album, and best Latin pop album.

BLACK QUEENS

This year, Beyoncé expands her musical resume by venturing into the country genre, further cementing her place in history. Simultaneously, she inspires others through this journey. Linda Martell, a trailblazer for Black artists in country music and the first solo Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, receives her initial Grammy nomination, thanks to her collaboration with Beyoncé on “Spaghetti”. This song is from the album “Cowboy Carter“, which also includes Shaboozey. Despite releasing her first album in 1970 and achieving a Top 25 country hit, Martell faced significant challenges such as racism during her live performances.

FEMALE RAPPERS

Despite Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion not receiving nominations, other female voices in rap music are still being recognized. Doechii has earned three nominations, including Best New Artist, Best Rap Album for “Alligator Bites Never Heal“, and Best Rap Performance for “Nissan Altima”. GloRilla’s “Yeah Glo!” and Cardi B’s “Enough (Miami)” are also nominated in the Best Rap Performance category. Latto and Rapsody are up for Best Melodic Rap Performance, while GloRilla and Rapsody will compete for Best Rap Song.

GRAMMY STARBOY

In 2021, The Weeknd chose to skip the Grammys. However, he triumphed in the ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ category at the 2022 event for his collaboration with Kanye West on “Hurricane”. If he maintains this trend, he could repeat the victory at the 2025 awards, as he has been nominated in that same category for his guest performance on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “We Still Don’t Trust You.

FAMOUS FACES

Daniel Radcliffe might take home a Grammy award, as he’s been nominated for the best musical theater album for “Merrily We Roll Along.” Alicia Keys and Wayne Brady are also in contention in the same category, with their nominations being for “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Wiz,” respectively.

In the ongoing quest for global comedic supremacy, Nikki Glaser has been nominated for the title of Best Comedy Album. This puts her in direct competition with comedy veterans such as Dave Chappelle (a five-time Grammy winner), Trevor Noah, Ricky Gervais, and Jim Gaffigan.

Matthew Perry and Michelle Williams, who gained attention for narrating Britney Spears’ memoir, were not nominated in categories such as best audiobook, narration, or storytelling recording. Instead, nominees for these awards are now Jimmy Carter, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, and George Clinton.

SING IT LIVE

2025 was a bit disappointing for me when I found out my viral R&B hit, “Made for Me,” didn’t make the cut for this year’s show. However, I took it upon myself to submit a live version of that song from my BET Awards performance, and now it’s paying off! The song is nominated for ‘Best R&B Performance’. Not only that, but I’m also in the running for ‘Best R&B Album’ with “Revenge”, ‘Best R&B Song’ for “Ruined Me”, and ‘Best Traditional R&B Performance’ for “Make Me Forget”. I can’t wait to see how things unfold!

THE MAGICAL FLUTE

André 3000’s flute album by OutKast, titled “New Blue Sun,” has made a significant impact at the Grammys as it has been nominated for Album of the Year. Previously, André and Big Boi had won the top prize in 2001 with their collaborative effort, “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.” Interestingly, this is only the second rap-based album to win in this category. Furthermore, “New Blue Sun” was also recognized for Best Alternative Jazz Album. One of the standout tracks from the album, titled “I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time,” has been nominated for Best Instrumental Composition, boasting one of the longest song titles ever.

GRAMMY LEGEND

For the first time, John Legend has been recognized with nominations in categories like best children’s music album and best arrangement, instrumental or a cappella at the Grammys. His work titled “My Favorite Dream“, designed for kids and their loved ones, was influenced by his personal family life and includes vocals from his wife Chrissy Teigen and their children, Luna and Miles. In the category of best arrangement, instrumental or a cappella, he’s been nominated alongside Jacob Collier and Tori Kelly for their collaboration on “Bridge Over Troubled Water.

BEATLES FAMILY

The Beatles received two nominations, one being for ‘Record of the Year’, for their final song titled “Now and Then”. Additionally, Sean Ono Lennon was recognized with a nomination in the category ‘Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package’ as the art director for the re-release celebration of his father’s album, ‘Mind Games’.

KATE BUSH, THE ART DIRECTOR

Prior to this year, Kate Bush had received three Grammy nominations without any victories. However, she now has the opportunity to break that pattern – as a nominee in the category of art direction. She’s been nominated for ‘Best Recording Package’ and ‘Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package’ for the Hounds of Love the Baskerville Edition.

MOVIE MUSIC

Multiple memorable music scenes in movies received nominations. The action-packed duo of Deadpool & Wolverine, responsible for reviving NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye,” is up for the best soundtrack for visual media. Saltburn is another contender and brought back Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor.” Other movies in this category heavily feature music, such as The Color Purple, Maestro, and Twisters, which boasts a strong soundtrack with country artists like Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, and Lainey Wilson.

THE BOY IS MINE IS BACK

Monica and Brandy, who won a Grammy together in the late ’90s for their hit “The Boy Is Mine,” have teamed up again on a remix of Ariana Grande’s song with the same title. This new version is now nominated for the award of best pop duo/group performance. Ariana Grande’s other nominations are for best pop vocal album with Eternal Sunshine, and best dance pop recording for “Yes, And?

FIRST-TIMERS

I’m thrilled to be in the same league as these incredible artists, as I’ve just landed my first-ever Grammy nomination! It’s for “Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals” for “Big Feelings.” What an honor to join Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Kim Gordon, and Pete Rock in this extraordinary club of first-time nominees. Could 2023 be the year I follow in my father’s footsteps with a Grammy win? Only time will tell!

FEMALE PRODUCERS

It’s been since the 2019 event that a woman has been put forward for the title of non-classical producer of the year. However, this title has yet to be claimed by a woman. But this could be the year that breaks the trend! Alissia, known for her collaborations with Coco Jones, Chlöe, BJ The Chicago Kid, Rae Khalil and Lion Babe, is among those nominated in this category. She’s up against Dan Nigro, Mustard, Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, and Ian Fitchuk for the honor.

2024-11-08 21:25