Another year, another Grammys, but this is going to be one of the most interesting ones yet! Following his wife last year, Jay-Z leads the pack with 8, but the question remains whether he will be the night’s biggest victor. Who stands in his way? Only Kendrick Lamar, who could just as easily take most of their head-to-heads. Regardless, this is shaping up to be an exciting year, so let’s make some predictions!
RECORD OF THE YEAR
Nominees
- “Redbone” Childish Gambino
- “Despacito” Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
- “The Story Of O.J.” Jay-Z
- “Humble” Kendrick Lamar
- “24K Magic” Bruno Mars
Who Should Win?
“Humble” – Kendrick’s first major solo commercial juggernaut was one of last year’s biggest and most important moments, and this award would really solidify its significance.
Who Will Win?
“Humble” – I’m not sure the Grammys are going to get away with, yet again, snubbing Kendrick from a well-deserved major award, and this is the most likely of the two he’s up for.
The Darkhorse?
“Despacito” – It’s sad to say, but the Grammys do like to capitalize on a major success like this. Despite being the least-deserving nominee, there’s no doubt that its mass appeal carries some weight.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Nominees
- Awaken, My Love! Childish Gambino
- 4:44 Jay-Z
- DAMN. Kendrick Lamar
- Melodrama Lorde
- 24K Magic Bruno Mars
Who Should Win?
Melodrama – This is an insanely tight list of nominees, but Lorde’s sophomore effort is an absolute herald and leads the pack in terms of overall deservingness. While Jay and Kendrick certainly made incredible albums last year, they’ve made better.
Who Will Win?
4:44 – It makes sense for the Grammys to split the difference between Jay-Z and Kendrick on the night’s two biggest awards. I’m thinking K Dot will take Record and Jay will take album.
The Darkhorse?
DAMN. – This really could end up being Kendrick’s night (finally,) so he’s definitely still in the mix.
SONG OF THE YEAR
Nominees
- “Despacito” (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber) Ramón Ayala Rodriguez, Justin Bieber, Jason Boyd, Erika Ender, Luis Fonsi, and Marty James Garton Jr.
- “4:44” (Jay-Z) Jay-Z and Dion Wilson
- “Issues” (Julia Michaels) Benjamin Levin, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Julia Michaels, and Justin Drew Tranter
- “1-800-273-8255” (Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid) Alessia Caracciolo, Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, Arjun Ivatury, Khalid Robinson, and Andrew Taggart
- “That’s What I Like” (Bruno Mars) Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus, and Jonathan Yip
Who Should Win?
“4:44” – Overall, this is a pretty bland shortlist, but Jay-Z’s track really sticks out in terms of songwriting.
Who Will Win?
“1-800-273-8255” – This is the perfect opportunity for a little social consciousness without being divisive. Plus, with three huge stars-on-the-rise all winning at once, it would be a great moment.
The Darkhorse?
“Despacito” – Again, sadly “Despacito” is very much in the mix and could very easily be the night’s big victor.
BEST NEW ARTIST
Nominees
- Alessia Cara
- Khalid
- Lil Uzi Vert
- Julia Michaels
- SZA
Who Should Win?
SZA – While she has some serious talent as her competition, SZA is the most exciting on the list. It’s looking like she is going to have a massive career ahead of her.
Who Will Win?
SZA – It’s a tight race, but she does seem to be the favorite. Of course that means nothing in Grammy World. Still, it does feel right.
The Darkhorse?
Khalid – I’m going with Khalid as a possible winner here, but Alessia Cara could just as easily take home the award.
BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE
Nominees
- “Love So Soft” Kelly Clarkson
- “Praying” Kesha
- “Million Reasons” Lady Gaga
- “What About Us” Pink
- “Shape Of You” Ed Sheeran
Who Should Win?
“Praying” – Kesha’s long-awaited comeback hit was not only an incredible statement piece, but it was the kind of renaissance most pop stars could even dream of achieving.
Who Will Win?
“Million Reasons” – Lady Gaga is, generally speaking, a Grammy favorite. This is her most obvious shot at an award this year, and the song definitely deserves it.
The Darkhorse?
“Praying” – You never know who the overall favorite is going to be in any category, and Kesha could easily be just that.
BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
Nominees
- “Something Just Like This” The Chainsmokers and Coldplay
- “Despacito” Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
- “Thunder” Imagine Dragons
- “Feel It Still” Portugal. The Man
- “Stay” Zedd and Alessia Cara
Who Should Win?
“Feel It Still” – Overall, this is a pretty bland list of nominees, but at least Portugal. The Man’s transition from indie heroes to pop stars would be complete with a win here.
Who Will Win?
“Despacito” – This one just feels like a gimme. It would be a total shock to see another song win with the kind of attention it’s been given this year.
The Darkhorse?
“Thunder” – The Grammys do love Imagine Dragons, so they could be the ones to play spoiler.
BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM
Nominees
- Kaleidoscope EP Coldplay
- Lust For Life Lana Del Rey
- Evolve Imagine Dragons
- Rainbow Kesha
- Joanne Lady Gaga
- ÷ Ed Sheeran
Who Should Win?
Lust For Life – Lana Del Rey definitely deserves this award, even with such stiff competition. It might not be as big of an occasion, but the quality is the best.
Who Will Win?
Rainbow – I’m thinking Kesha is going to have her moment here, especially if she doesn’t get it elsewhere. It would definitely be wrong to send her home empty handed.
The Darkhorse?
Joanne – Well, quite frankly Lady Gaga could easily squash the competition in the category this year.
BEST DANCE/ELECTRIC ALBUM
Nominees
- Migration Bonobo
- 3-D The Catalogue Kraftwerk
- Mura Masa Mura Masa
- A Moment Apart Odesza
- What Now Sylvan Esso
Who Should Win?
What Now – Sylvan Esso’s second album is such a creative approach to Dance/Electronic music (as the Grammys put it,) with its pop sensibilities and folky, rhythmic undertones. Sadly, it’s likely not in the running.
Who Will Win?
Mura Masa – Newcomer Mura Masa’s debut album is an easy choice here. Not only did it have plenty of critical backing, but some commercial success as well.
The Darkhorse?
3-D The Catalogue – It seems like a stretch, but the Grammys do tend to favor legends.
BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE
Nominees
- “You Want It Darker” Leonard Cohen
- “The Promise” Chris Cornell
- “Run” Foo Fighters
- “No Good” Kaleo
- “Go To War” Nothing More
Who Should Win?
“Run” – The Foo Fighters have consistently delivered, and with a somewhat bland list of competitors , their track does stand out.
Who Will Win?
“The Promise” – There weren’t too many “In Memoriam” nominees this year, so it seems fair to assume that Chris Cornell would be their big opportunity.
The Darkhorse?
“You Want It Darker” – For similar reasoning as “The Promise,” but mostly because of the Grammys’ love for legends of Leonard Cohen’s caliber.
BEST ROCK ALBUM
Nominees
- Emperor Of Sand Mastodon
- Hardwired… To Self-Destruct Metallica
- The Stories We Tell Ourselves Nothing More
- Villains Queens Of The Stone Age
- A Deeper Understanding The War On Drugs
Who Should Win?
A Deeper Understanding – Not only is the album the clear outlier of the pack, it’s also the most relevant.
Who Will Win?
Villains – For no other reason than being a safe bet, Queens Of The Stone Age will probably go home with the award.
The Darkhorse?
A Deeper Understanding – It’s not out of the question that The War On Drugs will actually get their due, however.
BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
Nominees
- Everything Now Arcade Fire
- Humanz Gorillaz
- American Dream LCD Soundsystem
- Pure Comedy Father John Misty
- Sleep Well Beast The National
Who Should Win?
American Dream – Yet again, the Alternative category completely outshines the Rock category. Every album could easily walk away with the prize and deserve it, but LCD Soundsystem’s comeback record is objectively the best.
Who Will Win?
American Dream – For the same reasons that it deserves to win, the album actually probably will.
The Darkhorse?
Pure Comedy – It makes sense for the Grammys to embrace an artist like Father John Misty, so he could certainly play spoiler.
BEST R&B PERFORMANCE
Nominees
- “Get You” Daniel Caesar featuring Kali Uchis
- “Distraction” Kehlani
- “High” Ledisi
- “That’s What I Like” Bruno Mars
- “The Weekend” SZA
Who Should Win?
“Get You” – Daniel Caesar made a good name for himself this past year, and deservingly so.
Who Will Win?
“Get You” – You could make an argument for any of the nominees, but “Get You” feels like the best fit.
The Darkhorse?
“That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars has plenty of nominations this year, but not a ton of victory opportunities. If he’s going to win somewhere, the R&B categories are likely it.
BEST R&B SONG
Nominees
- “First Began” (PJ Morton) PJ Morton
- “Location” (Khalid) Alfredo Gonzalez, Olatunji Ige, Samuel David Jiminez, Christopher McClenney, Khalid Robinson, and Joshua Scruggs
- “Redbone” (Childish Gambino) Donald Glover and Ludwig Goransson
- “Supermodel” (SZA) Tyran Donaldson, Terrence Henderson, Greg Landfair Jr., Carter Lang, and Solana Rowe
- “That’s What I Like” (Bruno Mars) Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus, and Jonathan Yip
Who Should Win?
“Redbone” – Childish and all of his nominations was definitely the biggest shocker of the year, albeit a pleasant one. “Redbone” a phenomenal song and deserves the recognition it’s getting.
Who Will Win?
“Redbone” – This is where Childish Gambino will actually get his Grammy. It’s not likely he’ll be playing spoiler in the major categories.
The Darkhorse?
“Location” – Newcomer Khalid certainly could be a deserving victor for his breakthrough hit, though.
BEST URBAN CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
Nominees
- Free 6lack 6lack
- Awaken, My Love! Childish Gambino
- American Teen Khalid
- Ctrl SZA
- Starboy The Weeknd
Who Should Win?
Ctrl – SZA has a good number of nominations, but not a ton of opportunity to win. Of all the nominees here, however, her debut effort is the most deserving.
Who Will Win?
Awaken, My Love! – Childish Gambino clearly caught the Academy’s eyes, so it would make sense that he’ll take the R&B category in lieu of the major ones.
The Darkhorse?
American Teen – Again, Khalid could be an actual favorite at the Grammys this year.
BEST RAP PERFORMANCE
Nominees
- “Bounce Back” Big Sean
- “Bodak Yellow” Cardi B
- “4:44” Jay-Z
- “Humble” Kendrick Lamar
- “Bad and Boujee” Migos featuring Lil Uzi Vert
Who Should Win?
“4:44” – The rap categories are all about Jay vs. Kendrick. Based simply on performance, the title track to Jay-Z’s acclaimed 4:44 should win out.
Who Will Win?
“Bodak Yellow” – It’s almost too obvious that either Kendrick Lamar or Jay-Z would win. Newcomer Cardi B is in the perfect position to play spoiler with her landmark hit.
The Darkhorse?
“Humble” – If Kendrick is left out of the major categories, I wouldn’t be surprised if he swept the Rap ones.
BEST RAP SONG
Nominees
- “Bodak Yellow” (Cardi B) Belcalis Almanzar, Dieuson Octave, Klenord Raphael, Shaftizm, Jordan Thorpe, and J White
- “Chase Me” (Danger Mouse featuring Run The Jewels and Big Boi) Judah Bauer, Brian Burton, Hector Delgado, Jaime Meline, Antwan Patton, Michael Render, Russell Simins, and John Spencer
- “Humble” (Kendrick Lamar) K. Duckworth, Asheton Hogan, and M. Williams II
- “Sassy” (Rapsody) Marlanna Evans, E. Gabouer, Jason Martin, and Wyann Vaughn
- “The Story Of O.J.” (Jay-Z) Shawn Carter and Dion Wilson
Who Should Win?
“Humble” – In round two of J vs. K, Lamar wins. “Humble” is the clear front-runner from a song-writing perspective.
Who Will Win?
“Humble” – I think regardless of how he fairs elsewhere, this one indeed headed to K Dot.
The Darkhorse?
“The Story Of O.J.” – Although, the entire argument could be flip flopped in favor of Jay-Z.
BEST RAP ALBUM
Nominees
- 4:44 Jay-Z
- DAMN. Kendrick Lamar
- Culture Migos
- Laila’s Wisdom Rapsody
- Flower Boy Tyler, The Creator
Who Should Win?
DAMN. – It’s definitely a tough call, but Kendrick’s album edges out 4:44 (and Flower Boy, in all fairness) just slightly.
Who Will Win?
DAMN. – Just based on commerciality, I think that DAMN. will win this one.
The Darkhorse?
4:44 – It is absolutely anyone’s guess just how they’re going to handle this epic head-to-head, especially considering the sheer number of them.
BEST COUNTRY SONG
Nominees
- “Better Man” (Little Big Town) Taylor Swift
- “Body Like A Back Road” (Sam Hunt) Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne
- “Broken Halos” (Chris Stapleton) Mike Henderson and Chris Stapleton
- “Drinkin’ Problem” (Midland) Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Mark Wystrach
- “Tin Man” (Miranda Lambert) Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall
Who Should Win?
“Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton is a different breed of country artist, and he deserves all of the attention he gets for it.
Who Will Win?
“Better Man” – Heaven forbid the Grammys would ever pass up the opportunity to give Taylor Swift an award.
The Darkhorse?
“Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton could just as easily be the favorite here.
BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Nominees
- Cosmic Hallelujah Kenny Chesney
- Heart Break Lady Antebellum
- The Breaker Little Big Town
- Life Changes Thomas Rhett
- From A Room: Volume 1 Chris Stapleton
Who Should Win?
From A Room: Volume 1 – Chis Stapleton’s album is without a doubt the best of the bunch.
Who Will Win?
From A Room: Volume 1 – …and he’s also the frontrunner.
The Darkhorse?
The Breaker – Little Big Town seem like a safe choice.
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