The 2025 Grammy Awards Preview and Predictions Blog
Don't get too excited, but after a month of apocalyptic wildfires threatening to turn Los Angeles into a permanent barbeque pit, the Recording Academy has decided that the show must go on. The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will happen tonight (February 2nd), live from downtown LA's Crypto.com Arena (a name synonomous with timeless music magic).
Trevor Noah is somehow at the helm for his fifth consecutive year (this guy is like a freaking cockroach- always surviving, never going away).
The night promises to be an unforgettable mix of egos, performances, and probably some awkward “let’s all pretend to care” moments.
Backstool Backstage will be covering the whole night, top to bottom, so follow along with us on Twitter
and on Instagram for our live reactions, and our post-show recap featuring Keegs and Robbie Fox.
Personally, my favorite part about tuning in to the Grammy's are the performances.
They don't do a lot right, but one thing the Recording Academy does always nail, are mashing together artists for collaborative performances that always blow our minds.
And by booking Chris Stapleton every year.
This year, here's who the announced performers are. (Keep in mind, there are always surprise performers they don't announce in advance)
Benson Boone
Billie Eilish
Chappell Roan
Charli XCX
Doechii
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
RAYE
Sabrina Carpenter
Shaboozey
Shakira
Teddy Swims - (I really think this is going to be Teddy's coming out party. I predict he will steal the show, and be what everybody is talking about tomorrow. For those who didn't know who Teddy already was, tonight changes that, and he is a household name going forward. Book it.)
They also have a slew of performers lined up as "Tribute Segments". Think covers, dedications, and duets. Here's who's slated tonight -
Brad Paisley
Brittany Howard
Chris Martin
Cynthia Erivo
Herbie Hancock
Jacob Collier
Janelle Monáe
John Legend
Lainey Wilson
Sheryl Crow
St. Vincent
Stevie Wonder
As for the awards part of the show. Here's what I'm thinking, and here are some predictions from myself and my co-host Colin.
Beyoncé- Still Running the Show
This year, Beyonce comes in with a ridiculously whopping 11 nominations for her country-tinged Cowboy Carter album, making her the most-nominated artist of all time (99 career nominations, no big deal). If the Recording Academy wanted to send a message about dominance, they’ve certainly done it. She should walk away with at least half of those nominations in wins. O/U 5.5 and I'm taking the over.
Taylor Swift - Bridesmaid not the bride this year
Meanwhile, T-Swift is strutting back into the Grammy spotlight with her The Tortured Poets Department album (which feels like it came out 4 years ago at this point). With six nods this year, she’s positioning herself as the perpetual bridesmaid of Album of the Year, this year, after nabbing the title in 2024. I don't think she has it in the bag by any means.
Kendrick Lamar - Rap’s Golden Boy. Again.
Then, there’s Kendrick Lamar, who’s like the Batman of rap, always showing up in a cape and saving the day when needed. With seven nominations, including a Best Rap Performance nod for “Not Like Us,” Lamar is pretty much the front-runner for this category. I expect him to perform tonight in some capacity, despite not being officially announced to, just a week ahead of his Super Bowl halftime performance. And to take down the best performance category. He's a busy man.
Charli XCX - The Underdog You Can’t Ignore
Look out for Charli XCX, too, who’s come to claim her place among the big names. With nods for Brat and a few dance-centric hits, she deserves to be as big a name here in America as she is in Europe. It sucks that Kamala hijacked her album and made it a political call-to-arms this year, because it was full of club bangers. In an age where albums like that don't really exist anymore, Brat was a refreshing call back to fun dance music.
The New Comers have Arrived -
This year’s class of Best New Artist nominees is full of fresh faces like Chappell Roan, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, Sabrina Carpenter, and Raye. These names might not be as familiar to your grandma, but they’ve been making waves across the music scene. Who’s going to take the crown? In my opinion, this category belongs to Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, and Raye- as Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter have both been putting out music for years now. They don't belong in this categroy just because they "broke" this year. Teddy Swims deserves to win this but if I had to bet my life on it, Chappell Roan will take home the award. (Again, Teddy Swims deserves to win this)
Honoring Quincy Jones
One of the evening's special highlights is the tribute to Quincy Jones, who will be getting a well-deserved salute from artists like Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder. A true all-star lineup. Jones, who’s probably done more for music than the entire streaming era combined, passed away in November at age 91. This will for sure be something to not go to the bathroom during and miss.
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Shakira -
Personally, the part of the night I am looking forward to the most. (And reason I made her the thumbnail for this blog). Fresh off a divorce, we can expect the hips to be in full-activation mode tonight. CAN'T WAIT.
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Here are all the nominees for the main awards everybody cares about and Colin and my predictions-
Album of the Year
André 3000 - New Blue Sun
Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter - Dante's pick because Beyonce rarely loses. * Colin's Pick
Sabrina Carpenter - Short n Sweet
Charli XCX - Brat
Jacob Collier - Djesse Vol 4
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
Chappell Roan - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department
Record of the Year
The Beatles - “Now and Then”
Beyoncé - “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Sabrina Carpenter - “Espresso”
Charli XCX - “360”
Billie Eilish - “Birds of a Feather” - Dante's pick because this song is fucking amazing. * Colin's Pick
Kendrick Lamar - “Not Like Us”
Chappell Roan - “Good Luck Babe!”
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone - “Fortnight”
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Best New Artist
Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
doechii
Raye
Chappell Roan * Colin's Pick
Shaboozey
Khruangbin
Teddy Swims - - Dante's pick because nobody truly deserves this award more.
Song of the Year
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” - Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry and Mark Williams - songwriters (Shaboozey) - - Dante's pick because this song fucking DOMINATED this year.
“Birds of a Feather” - Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas - songwriters (Billie Eilish)
“Die With a Smile” - Dernst Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Andrew Watt - songwriters (Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars)
“Fortnight” - Jack Antonoff, Austin Post and Taylor Swift - songwriters (Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone)
“Good Luck, Babe!” - Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Daniel Nigro and Justin Tranter - songwriters (Chappell Roan) * Colin's Pick
“Not Like Us” - Kendrick Lamar - songwriter (Kendrick Lamar) - (sidebar - how can you give this award to a song about an alleged pedophile? How is this even nominated?)
“Please Please Please” - Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff and Sabrina Carpenter - songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
“Texas Hold ’Em” - Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro and Raphael Saadiq - songwriters (Beyoncé)
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Alissia
Dernst “D Mile” Emile II
Ian Fithcuk
Mustard
Daniel Nigro - - Dante's pick because his fingerprints are on so many of this years smash hits
Best Country Album
Cowboy Carter - Beyoncé
F-1 Trillion - Post Malone
Deeper Well - Kacey Musgraves
Higher - Chris Stapleton - Dante's pick because this album really grew on me since it came out. And it's pretty much perfect. And it's Stapleton. Sadly, I think Beyonce wins this one too and sets off a firestorm of controversy. Something we all know the Grammy's secretly loves. * Colin's Pick
Whirlwind - Lainey Wilson
Best Country Song
“The Architect” - Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne - songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)
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”A Bar Song (Tipsy)” - Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry and Mark Williams - songwriters (Shaboozey)
“I Am Not Okay” - Casey Brown, Jason DeFord, Ashley Gorley and Taylor Phillips - songwriters (Jelly Roll)
“I Had Some Help” - Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters - songwriters (Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen) - - Dante's pick because name a funner song that dropped last year. You can't.
“Texas Hold ’Em” - Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan - “Cowboys Cry Too”
Beyoncé featuring Miley Cyrus - “II Most Wanted”
Brothers Osborne - “Break Mine”
Dan + Shay - “Bigger Houses”
Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen - “I Had Some Help” - - Dante's pick because see above
Best Country Solo Performance
Beyoncé - “16 Carriages”
Jelly Roll - “I Am Not Okay” - - Dante's pick because this is a great song and the world loves Jelly Roll
Kacey Musgraves - “The Architect”
Shaboozey - “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Chris Stapleton - “It Takes a Woman”
Best R&B Performance
Chris Brown - “Residuals”
Coco Jones - “Here We Go (Uh Oh)”
Jhené Aiko - “Guidance”
Muni Long - “Made for Me (Live on BET)”
SZA - “Saturn” - - Dante's pick because 2024 was SZA's year.
Best Rap Performance
Cardi B - “Enough (Miami)”
Common and Pete Rock featuring Posdnuos - “When the Sun Shines Again”
Doechii - “Nissan Altima”
Eminem - “Houdini”
Future and Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar - “Like That”
GloRilla - “Yeah Glo!”
Kendrick Lamar - “Not Like Us” - Dante's pick because the Academy is oblivious and they will award a song about an alleged pedophile.
Best Rap Song
“Asteroids” - Marlanna Evans - songwriter (Rapsody featuring Hit-Boy)
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“Carnival” - Jordan Carter, Raul Cubina, Grant Dickinson, Samuel Lindley, Nasir Pemberton, Dimitri Roger, Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye West and Mark Carl Stolinski Williams - songwriters (¥$ [Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign] featuring Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti)
“Like That” - Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Kobe “BbyKobe” Hood, Leland Wayne and Nayvadius Wilburn - songwriters (Future and Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar)
“Not Like Us” - Kendrick Lamar - songwriter (Kendrick Lamar) - Dante's pick because see above
“Yeah Glo!” - Ronnie Jackson, Jaucquez Lowe, Timothy McKibbins, Kevin Andre Price, Julius Rivera III and Gloria Woods - songwriters (GloRilla)
Best Rap Album
Might Delete Later - J Cole
The Auditorium, Vol 1 - Common and Pete Rock
Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii - - Dante's pick because this is my longshot of the night. Every day at the track at least one 50-1 bomb comes in. This one is mine. * Colin's Pick
The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) - Eminem
We Don’t Trust You - Future and Metro Boomin
Best Alternative Music Album
Wild God - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Charm - Clairo * Colin's Pick
The Collective - Kim Gordon
What Now - Brittany Howard
All Born Screaming - St Vincent - Dante's pick because this album was awesome.
Best Alternative Music Performance
Cage the Elephant - “Neon Pill”
Fontaines DC - “Starburster” - - Dante's pick because I have been in love with this song (and band) since the first time I heard it.
Kim Gordon - “Bye Bye”
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - “Song of the Lake”
St Vincent - “Flea”
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Best Rock Album
The Black Crowes - Happiness Bastards
Fontaines DC - Romance
Green Day - Saviors - Dante's pick because it wouldn't be an awards show without some woke political rant and nobody is more apt to do that today than these guys. Also, "Dilemma" is a fantastic song
Idles - Tangk - * Colin's Pickr
Jack White - No Name
Pearl Jam - Dark Matter
The Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamonds
Best Pop Dance Recording
Ariana Grande - Yes, And?
Billie Eilish - L’Amour de Ma Vie [Over Now Extended Edit] - Dante's pick because everybody lopves Billie
Charli XCX - Von Dutch
Madison Beer - Make You Mine
Troye Sivan - Got Me Started
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica - “The Boy Is Mine – Remix”
Beyoncé Featuring Post Malone - “Levii’s Jeans”
Charli XCX & Billie Eilish - “Guess Featuring Billie Eilish” - Dante's pick because this song fucking BANGS. And it's about chicks going down on each other.
Gracie Abrams Featuring Taylor Swift - “Us.”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - “Die With a Smile”
Best Pop Solo Performance
Beyoncé - “Bodyguard”
Billie Eilish - “Birds of a Feather”- - Dante's pick because this song is amazing.
Chappell Roan - “Good Luck, Babe!”
Charli XCX - “Apple”
Sabrina Carpenter - “Espresso”
Best Pop Vocal Album
Short n’ Sweet - Sabrina Carpenter
Hit Me Hard and Soft - Billie Eilish
Eternal Sunshine - Ariana Grande
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess - Chappell Roan
The Tortured Poets Department - Taylor Swift - - Dante's pick because Taylor can't go home empty handed
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Best Dance/Electronic Recording
“She’s Gone, Dance On” - Disclosure-
“Loved” - Four Tet
“Leavemealone” - Fred Again.. and Baby Keem
“Neverender” - Justice and Tame Impala - - Dante's pick because as much as I fucking love "She's Gone, Dance On", this collab from Justice and Tame Impala is just too perfect.
“Witchy” - Kaytranada
Best Dance/Electronic Music Album
Brat - Charli XCX * Colin's Pick
Three - Four Tet
Hyperdrama - Justice - Dante's pick because nobody saw a new Justice album coming and it did not disappoint.
Timeless - Kaytranada
Telos - Zedd