Beyoncé Leads 2025 Grammy Nominations: Will She Win Big? \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The 2025 Grammy nominations are led by Beyoncé, with 11 nods for her genre-defying album Cowboy Carter, tying Michael Jackson’s Thriller record for most nominations for a single album. Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Charli xcx are also vying for top honors. Predictions suggest Beyoncé could finally win Album of the Year, making history as the first Black woman in the 21st century to do so. Other categories feature fierce competition, including Record and Song of the Year.
2025 Grammy Awards Spotlight: Quick Looks
- Beyoncé Dominates: With 11 nominations, Cowboy Carter ties Thriller for most nods for one album.
- Album of the Year: Beyoncé’s masterpiece faces stiff competition from Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Charli xcx.
- Record of the Year: Contenders include Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” and the AI-assisted Beatles track “Now and Then.”
- Best New Artist: Sabrina Carpenter leads predictions but faces a challenge from Chappell Roan.
- Best Country Album: Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter aims to redefine the genre while vying against Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson.
- Dance/Electronic Album: Charli xcx’s BRAT emerges as a cultural phenomenon, but KAYTRANADA’s Timeless could pull an upset.
Deep Look
The 2025 Grammy Awards are shaping up to be a landmark event, with Beyoncé leading the pack at 11 nominations for her groundbreaking album Cowboy Carter. The record, which seamlessly blends country music with Black storytelling, positions her to potentially claim Album of the Year—an award that has eluded her despite her status as the most-awarded artist in Grammy history. If victorious, Beyoncé would become the first Black woman in the 21st century to win the coveted prize.
Album of the Year: Beyoncé’s Moment?
The Album of the Year category features some of the biggest names in music, including Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department and Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft. However, Cowboy Carter stands out not only for its musical brilliance but for its cultural impact. The album challenged country music’s traditional norms, spotlighting Black country artists like Shaboozey and Brittney Spencer.
While Beyoncé’s competitors include André 3000’s instrumental New Blue Sun and Charli xcx’s BRAT, both Sherman and Landrum from the Associated Press agree that it’s time for Beyoncé to win. As Landrum noted, “This isn’t about past snubs; it’s about the fact that she delivered the best overall project. Period.”
Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar or Billie Eilish?
The Record of the Year race also promises drama. Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em” faces competition from Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” and the Beatles’ AI-assisted track “Now and Then.”
While Eilish is often a Grammy favorite, Lamar’s “Not Like Us” has emerged as a cultural anthem, celebrated for its poignant lyricism and unforgettable Juneteenth performance. Landrum argued that Lamar’s track “delivered a knockout blow,” making it the frontrunner for the award.
Best New Artist: Carpenter or Roan?
The Best New Artist category sees Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan as top contenders. Despite being on her sixth album, Carpenter’s commercial success and streaming dominance make her the favorite. However, Roan’s unique artistry and fresh perspective have earned her widespread acclaim, leaving the category open to surprises.
Best Country Album: A Test for Beyoncé
In the Best Country Album category, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter faces a significant challenge from genre heavyweights like Chris Stapleton’s Higher and Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind. Critics have highlighted the cultural importance of Beyoncé’s album, but as Sherman pointed out, the Grammys’ traditional leanings might favor Stapleton or Wilson.
Landrum, however, argued that Beyoncé’s win in this category could set the tone for the evening: “Her culturally groundbreaking album isn’t just a genre-defying masterpiece; it’s a cultural moment that should dominate the night.”
Other Notable Categories
- Best Pop Solo Performance: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” and Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” are likely contenders, but Eilish could edge out the competition with her track’s wide appeal.
- Best Rap Performance: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is the clear favorite, though Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” featuring Lamar himself, offers strong competition.
- Best Dance/Electronic Album: Charli xcx’s BRAT feels like the frontrunner, but KAYTRANADA’s Timeless has the potential for an upset.
- Best Latin Pop Album: Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran and Kali Uchis’ ORQUÍDEAS are neck and neck, with Uchis gaining momentum for her genre-spanning innovation.
What’s at Stake
The 2025 Grammys hold the promise of rewriting history. Beyoncé’s potential wins would mark a turning point, not only for her career but also for the representation of Black women in top Grammy categories. Meanwhile, artists like Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish aim to cement their legacies with victories in fiercely competitive fields.
The night will also highlight the evolving landscape of music, where boundary-pushing albums like BRAT and culturally significant records like Cowboy Carter dominate conversations. As the countdown to Sunday begins, all eyes are on the Recording Academy to see if they’ll finally give credit where it’s long overdue.
Beyoncé Leads
