The Grammys: Nominations and Predictions

The 2023 Grammy Awards nominees have finally been announced and music fans all over the world are eagerly waiting to see who will be recognized for their musical achievements. This year’s Grammy Awards were set to be one of the most diverse and inclusive in history, with a wide range of musical genres being represented. However, the awards have also been known to make some controversial and unpopular choices in the past. There have been instances where the awards have overlooked popular and critically acclaimed artists in favor of lesser-known or less popular musicians. Some examples of Grammy snubs this past decade include Lorde’s Melodrama, Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and good kid, M.A.A.D. city, and Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange. Despite these controversies, the Grammy Awards continue to be a highly anticipated event in the music world and are seen as a symbol of excellence and recognition in the industry.

In the Best New Artist category, some people are slightly disappointed to see that the nominees included artists that not many are familiar with. Artists like Anitta, Måneskin, and Wet Leg are extremely underground but still in the running for this award. Many fans were predicting that Omar Apollo, with his unique blend of indie pop, rock, and electronic music, would take home the award. “Even if he’s not my favorite new artist this year, Omar Apollo is probably the most deserving since people actually know who he is,” says Vachan Patel (12).
Prediction: Omar Apollo

Another highly anticipated category was the Best Pop Vocal Album, where some of the biggest names in pop music were nominated. Adele, Lizzo, and Harry Styles are all in the running for this award, and fans are extremely divided on who would come out on top. Some people believe that Adele’s strong vocal performances and heart-wrenching lyrics push her as the front-runner. Nandu Polvarapu (12) exclaims, “If you don’t think Adele had the best pop album this year, you have no taste!”
However, Lizzo and Harry Styles both have strong cult followings which could make an upset possible. “If Lizzo doesn’t win, we riot!” says Ananya Halder (12).
Prediction: Adele – 30

The Best Rap Album category was also highly awaited, with some of the biggest names in rap music being nominated. Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Pusha T were all in the running for this award, and fans were eagerly anticipating who would take home the award. Many were predicting that Kendrick Lamar, with his critically acclaimed album Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers would win for his powerful and unique voice, as well as the wide range of sensitive subject topics discussed throughout. Many fans believe that it is some of his most personalized and realized work. Kirtan Thakkar (12) says, “Kendrick Lamar is the most important voice of our generation, and this album showcases this and definitely deserves to win.”
Prediction: Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers

In the Best Alternative Music Album category, another strong one, the nominees are a diverse group of artists, including Arcade Fire, Big Thief, and Björk. Björk could definitely be seen as a frontrunner due to her cemented popularity and critical success, but the extremely widespread acclaim of Big Thief’s new album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, is a culmination of folk, electronic, and rock in a way that had never been combined before.
Prediction: Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

More Predictions:
Record Of The Year: Bad Habit – Steve Lacy
Album Of The Year: Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers – Kendrick Lamar
Song Of The Year: All Too Well (10 Minute Version) – Taylor Swift
Best R&B Song: Hurt Me So Good – Jazmine Sullivan
Best R&B Album: Black Radio III – Robert Glasper
Best Rap Song: The Heart Part 5 – Kendrick Lamar

In conclusion, the Grammy Awards are one of the most anticipated events in the music world and continue to be an important symbol of excellence and recognition in the industry.