Nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards are out, and the lineup is full of heavy hitters. Especially among the major categories where women are making their mark this year.
In the Best New Artist category, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter are set to face off. Both have had breakout years, with hit singles that dominated the airwaves all summer. Roan, in particular, has made a major cultural impact with her visibility for the queer community, which could make her a strong contender for this award. If impact and influence count, she may just have the edge.
Record of the Year & Snubbed Artists
“Espresso’s” nomination for Record of the Year feels like a given after snagging Video of the Year at the VMAs. This category celebrates the artist and production team behind the recording, so vocal performance and production quality matter. Interestingly, Sabrina Carpenter’s main competition, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” didn’t even make the nomination list, which makes Espresso look like a frontrunner here.
One big surprise this year is the snub of Ariana Grande. Her album Eternal Sunshine and the single “We Can’t Be Friends (wait for your love)” only received three nominations, missing out on the top three categories. Given that Eternal Sunshine was widely considered her most mature work yet, many fans feel she was overlooked, especially in the crowded Song of the Year category. With the absence of Ariana Grande’s star power in the category, the award for Song of the Year could go to any of the other incredible artists on that list.
Album of the Year
All eyes are on Album of the Year, which might just be the most anticipated award of the night. Last year, Taylor Swift made Grammy history with her fourth win in this category, and she’s back again with The Tortured Poets Department.
But the competition is fierce. Beyoncé, who just hit 99 Grammy nominations and is already the Recording Academy’s most awarded artist, has yet to win in this top category. Jay-Z even highlighted this inconsistency in a speech last year, pointing out the Academy’s tendency to overlook Beyoncé in major categories despite her immense influence. This could be her year to break that pattern, especially with Cowboy Carter, which showcases her ever-evolving artistry.
Every album on this list has had a cultural impact. While Beyoncé’s artistry and innovation give her a good shot, this one could go to anyone. Regardless of the outcome, it’s shaping up to be an exciting night for music.
Who will you be rooting for at the Grammys this year? Tag us on Instagram @VALLEYmag and let us know!
