This Sunday, February 2nd, the Grammy Awards will celebrate their 67th celebration of musical excellence. They will award some of the most prestigious accolades in the industry. Recognizing artists across a myriad of genres, the Grammys mold careers and spark conversations spanning the globe. This year’s nominees showcase emerging talent and established icons, fueling excitement among fans of all music and intensifying speculation as music’s biggest night approaches.
Nominees to Look Out For: Legends and Rising Stars
The 2025 Grammys spotlight a mix of iconic artists and groundbreaking newcomers, showcasing the diversity and evolution of music today. Industry giants like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are leading the pack with nominations for their critically acclaimed albums, Cowboy Carter and The Tortured Poets Department, respectively. Meanwhile, hit singles like “Please Please Please,” delivered by Sabrina Carpenter, and Shaboozey’s genre-defying “A Bar Song” have captivated audiences worldwide, signaling a bright future for fresh talent and sound in the industry. Both artists are heavy favorites to contend for the Song of the Year Award.
Other young stars recognized for their standout albums include Billie Eilish with HIT ME HARD AND SOFT and Chappell Roan for her The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Both artists are nominees for Album of the Year, solidifying their status as powerhouse talents. Their ability to captivate audiences highlights their continued ascent in the industry, promising even greater achievements on the horizon.
Exciting Categories: Top Honors and Surprises
The Grammy’s most lustrous awards are the “Big Four” categories: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department are frontrunners for Album of the Year. Nevertheless, Brat by alt-pop powerhouse Charli XCX is not to be overlooked. The album’s cultural resonance and innovative edge make it a strong contender. Other dark horses in the category include pop sensation Chappell Roan, whose The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, released in late 2023, has gained significant momentum, and André 3000, whose New Blue Sun mesmerizes listeners with ethereal, new-age compositions that exude peace and boundless creativity.
In the Record of the Year race, renowned music critic Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop predicts Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em” as a favorite. On the other hand, Rolling Stone tips Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” for the win. A victory for Billie would mark her third in this category, following her previous triumphs with “bad guy” (2020) and “everything i wanted” (2021). For Beyoncé, this would be her first-ever Record of the Year win, despite her status as the most-awarded artist in Grammy history, tied with Jay-Z at 32 wins.
For Song of the Year, Kendrick Lamar’s explosive diss track “Not Like Us” stands out as a top contender. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and amassed over 1 billion Spotify streams. It has fueled a long-heated rivalry between Kendrick and Drake, ensuring an entertaining social media buzz regardless of the result. Still, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” is the current favorite to take the prize. Although, Chappell Roan’s emotional ballad “Good Luck, Babe” is also a strong opponent right behind.
When it comes to the Best New Artist award, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Shaboozey, and Benson Boone are leading the pack. With three of these artists also nominated in multiple “Big Four” categories, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sabrina, Shaboozey, or Chappell take home this coveted award. While Rolling Stone predicts Chappell Roan as the likely winner, many, including this writer, believe Sabrina Carpenter has the edge. Chappell Roan and Shaboozey have been recognized in the music scene for a while. Be that as it may, they’ve only recently reached meteoric success. Sabrina, however, has come into her own over the past year. She’s broken free from her Disney roots to establish herself as a bona fide musician. With over 72 million monthly listeners, her rise feels unstoppable. Winning this award would only add to the credibility of Sabrina’s current success.
Breakout Candidates: Artists Who Could Steal the Show
Each Grammy category has clear favorites. However, certain strong contenders could pull off surprises on Sunday night and solidify their status as artists to remember.
One name to watch is Benson Boone, a standout nominee for Best New Artist. Boone initially gained recognition as a contestant on American Idol Season 19 in 2021. Since then, he has skyrocketed to success, amassing nearly 42 million monthly listeners. His music is characterized by heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and touches of rock. Boone creates an immersive emotional experience for his audience, proving his potential to make a lasting mark on the industry. At only 22 years old, securing the award for Best New Artist would be a career-changing moment.
Another rising star is Shaboozey. He’s been writing and performing music for years. But, his meteoric rise came with the release of his 2024 album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going. The record, featuring the hit “A Bar Song,” also boasts collaborations with known artists like Noah Cyrus and BigXthaPlug. The album’s success earned him a halftime performance at the Lions-Bears game, cementing his status as a rising powerhouse. Shaboozey is up for five awards this year: Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance, and Best Melodic Rap Performance. A win in any of these categories would solidify him as a future staple in the music industry.
Expected Grammy Performances
No surprises here—the lineup for this Sunday’s highly anticipated Grammy performances is packed with extraordinary talent. The spotlight leans heavily toward the pop scene. Sunday night will feature an impressive range of artists, from rising stars like Benson Boone, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish to iconic veterans such as Shakira.
The stage will also light up with performances by a diverse array of artists across genres. Hip-hop sensation Doechii, electronic-pop powerhouse Charli XCX, country alternative favorite Teddy Swims, and the dynamic Raye will all have their time to shine. Together, they promise to deliver a night of unforgettable music and captivating performances.
Where to Watch: Don’t Miss the 2025 Grammy Awards Live
For the fifth consecutive year, Emmy-winning comedian Trevor Noah returns to host the Grammys, promising another evening of unforgettable moments. To catch the action live, tune in to CBS or stream it on Paramount+ this Sunday, February 2nd. The show airs from 7–10:30 p.m. Central Time, broadcasting straight from Los Angeles.
A Final Note
For a complete and exhaustive list of candidates, go check out the Grammy Awards’ official page.
