It’s that time of year again, people. As of this Tuesday afternoon, the Grammy nominations are officially out—and up for speculation. Over the past decade, the award show has been riddled with upsets. In turn, ratings have dropped tremendously as artists, and viewers at home question the Academy's authority. After seeing Beyonce’s Lemonade lose the Album of the Year race, along with countless other snubs, I’ve even joined the ranks of Grammy-haters. Are they even relevant anymore?
Well, this year, it seems like the Academy is working overtime to change everyone's mind. The 2023 ceremony features a mixed bag of nominees, with new and historic talent competing against each other in every category. In a record-breaking achievement, Beyoncé is officially the most-nominated female artist in Grammy history, tying her husband, JAY-Z, with 88 nominations. Her latest album, Renaissance, scored nine nominations this year, bumping her right to the top of the list.
Looking at this year's nominees has, admittedly, gotten my hopes up. Diverse artists might actually have a chance at winning this time around, with Steve Lacy competing for Song of the Year, Omar Apollo nominated for Artist of the Year, and Bad Bunny up for Album of the Year. I don’t want to jinx things too early, but maybe tides are turning at the Academy. Kendrick Lamar also nabbed a landmark nomination in the Album of The Year category, as the only rap artist on the list. As we know, the Grammys don't have the best record when it comes to giving rappers the most prestigious award of the night, but Mr.Morale & The Big Steppers certainly deserves it. If not for the music itself, then for Lamar’s undeniable legacy.
Still, the Grammys are usually unpredictable. (Or, at least, predictably off-base when it comes to picking its winners.) However, if there’s one thing I’d bet on, it’s Taylor Swift sweeping the competition. “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” is up for Song of the Year, while “I Bet You Think About Me,” is up for Best Country Song. Her track “Carolina,” which was written for Where the Crawdads Sing, is also up for “Best Song for Visual Media,” and “All Too Well: The Short Film” is in consideration for Best Music Video.
