LOS ANGELES (news agencies) — Women lead the major categories at the Grammys this year – names like SZA, Taylor Swift, Victoria Monét, Phoebe Bridgers, Olivia Rodrigo and Brandy Clark top the list.
But who will take home music’s most coveted trophies on Feb. 4?
media Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. break down the close races for Grammy glory.
“World Music Radio,” Jon Batiste; “the record,” boygenius; “Endless Summer Vacation,” Miley Cyrus; “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” Lana Del Rey; “The Age Of Pleasure,” Janelle Monáe; “GUTS,” Olivia Rodrigo; “Midnights,” Taylor Swift; “SOS,” SZA
SHERMAN: The level of talent here is out of this world … If Taylor Swift wins for “Midnights,” she will become the first artist in Grammy history to win the top prize four times. It would be a news-breaking moment, but I’m not sure I see it in the tea leaves. Instead, they’re spelling out “S-O-S.”
Of the above list, no album has received near total critical acclaim as SZA’s “SOS.” She seems like the most obvious choice — no disrespect to the other nominees.
LANDRUM: Initially, Swift’s “Midnights” first came to mind, but then my heart interjected with SZA’s “SOS.” But after thinking over this a little longer, I couldn’t forget about “World Music Radio” by Jon Batiste — a multi-genre performer who stunningly claimed victory in this same category in 2022. That year, he surprisingly overcame favorites such as Swift, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo and Justin Bieber who had more commercial success. So it’s not too far-fetched of an idea that Batiste has a bona fide chance here. SZA seems like the obvious choice, but I’m rolling with Batiste on this one.
“Worship,” Jon Batiste; “Not Strong Enough,” boygenius; “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus; “What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish; “On My Mama,” Victoria Monét; “vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo; “Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift; “Kill Bill,” SZA
LANDRUM: Just like Victoria Monét’s young daughter, my little girl sings the chorus of “On My Mama” more often than any other tune out today. I’ve seen this song — which was born while Monét struggled with postpartum depression — breathe joy into people’s lives during car rides and parties.
I put this on my mama: Monét’s track will be the cream that rises to the top of this category.
SHERMAN: Looking at the 2024 nominations as a whole — Victoria Monét is the second-most nominated (alongside Phoebe Bridgers and just behind SZA). I believe this is hers for the taking.
But just to play devil’s advocate: I could see a world where the academy awards Swift for “Anti-Hero,” largely because I’m not so confident “Midnights” will get shine — but it seems to me that Monét will win.
“A&W,” Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey and Sam Dew; “Anti-Hero,” Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift; “Butterfly,” Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson; “Dance The Night,” Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt; “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus, Gregory Aldae Hein and Michael Pollack; “Kill Bill,” Rob Bisel, Carter Lang and Solána Rowe; “vampire,” Daniel Nigro and Olivia Rodrigo; “What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas O’Connell
SHERMAN: This category is filled with performers the Recording Academy loves to award: Jon Batiste, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish, particularly. (And, conversely, artists it loves to nominate but not award: both Lana Del Rey and Miley Cyrus have yet to receive a Grammy. I’d like to see that change.) My gut says this one will go to Eilish — if her “Barbie” hit “What Was I Made For?” isn’t awarded record of the year.
LANDRUM: It’s hard for me to disagree. I believe Miley Cyrus could have a shot to win her first-ever Grammy with “Flowers.” But I feel like “What Was I Made For?” was made for this songwriter’s award. Chalk this one up to another sibling Grammy win for Eilish and her brother, Finneas.
Gracie Abrams; Fred again..; Ice Spice; Jelly Roll; Coco Jones; Noah Kahan; Victoria Monét; The War And Treaty
LANDRUM: Last year, jazz artist Samara Joy unexpectedly reigned supreme in a wide-open category. But this year, there’s one runaway winner: Victoria Monét.
Yes, it’s a loaded category with standouts Jelly Roll, Ice Spice, Coco Jones, and The War and Treaty. But despite these worthy candidates, there’s one thing that separates Monét from the pack: Unlike other nominees, the “On My Mama” singer is nominated in all three main categories (album, record and song of the year). I think that holds major weight in her favor. It’s her time here.
SHERMAN: Can I leave this one with, “Ditto”?
“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus; “Paint The Town Red,” Doja Cat; “What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish; “vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo; “Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift
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