The 2025 Grammys are approaching, and after a year full of hits and new rising stars, it’s difficult to predict who will win. Major hitters like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish released highly anticipated projects, while artists like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter stole some of the spotlight. Due to the Grammys’ deadlines, the nominated work is from September 2023 to August 2024. Here are The Pomegranate’s Picks for who should win at the 2025 Grammys and insight on who will likely win.
Album of the Year
Album of the Year, one of the “Big Four” Grammys, is awarded to the artist, producers, songwriters, recording engineers, mixers, and mastering engineers who created an album of new material. It’s awarded for an album that demonstrates true artistry and shows prowess in the field of music-making. The nominees are:
New Blue Sun by Andre 3000
COWBOY CARTER by Beyonce
Short ‘n Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
Brat by Charli xcx
Djesse Vol. 4 by Jacob Collier
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT by Taylor Swift
My pick for Album of the Year is COWBOY CARTER by Beyonce. I would have never imagined in a million years that I would state a country album should win Album of the Year. But, Cowboy Carter is more than just country, and it’s more than just a Beyonce album. It’s a beautiful exhibition of black life in the South that winds through multiple generations of history and music.
“AMERICAN REQUIEM” finds Beyonce fighting against the constrictive norms of country music; on “16 CARRIAGES” she laments about separating from her family and Destiny’s Child to be a solo artist; “YA YA” is a cheeky dip of Americana that confronts the stereotypes and barriers that plague African Americans in the U.S. Cowboy Carter is a perfect mix of classic country, R&B, classic blues, funk, and rock. From Beyonce’s crystal voice to the deep lyrics, it is an incredible album that deserves Album of the Year.
Cowboy Carter’s biggest competition for the top spot is HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish and THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT by Taylor Swift. Notably, Eilish and Swift are the only nominated artists to have won AOTY before, and both have been highly successful when it comes to the Grammys. No album is guaranteed to win as the Recording Academy is known to split from critics when it comes to the winner of AOTY. The past three years were all unexpected with critics overwhelmingly supporting one nominee and the true winner seemingly coming out of left field.
TTPD is the main album to look out for. Normally, I wouldn’t think Swift would be a main contender; she’s won Album of the Year four times, the last being the previous Grammys. But, her win last year was a major surprise for critics and fans alike. It’s difficult to say what her chances are; TTPD has practically been advertised as her grand opus. But, the Recording Academy also loves Billie Eilish. HMHAS is her most highly rated album yet, and, with the number of Grammys Eilish has already won, she is sure to give the other nominees a run for their money.
Record of the Year
Record of the Year is awarded for one stand-out song, either as a stand-alone single or as a track from an album. It’s awarded to the recording artist, producers, engineers, and mixers of the record. This year’s nominees are:
“Now and Then” by The Beatles
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” by Beyonce
“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
“360” by Charli xcx
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
“Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
My pick for Record of the Year is “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. Born from the smoldering remains of a long-run rivalry, “Not Like Us” lit up the Kendrick-Drake beef, and took many other rappers along with it. But, this isn’t a poorly done diss track. “Not Like Us” is the sound of a rapper who is wise and talented beyond his years, and he knows it. Lamar’s incredible rap abilities along with the work of producer DJ Mustard make this one of the stand-out rap tracks of the 2020s.
Mustard brought a fresh level of West Coast energy to the track that reminds you that Kendrick Lamar will never lose his Compton roots. This makes “Not Like Us” not only a party hit but the ultimate class in hip-hop production. It is leaps and bounds ahead of all the other ROTY nominees, in terms of artistry, reception, and performance. There is no doubt in my mind that “Not Like Us” deserves Record of the Year.
The other top contenders for Record of the Year are Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter. While Beyonce and Taylor Swift also have nominations, neither of their respective tracks made much of an impact in 2024. Also, neither has won ROTY despite their longevity in the music industry; it’s clear the Recording Academy doesn’t see either artist for the ROTY spot.
If it isn’t Lamar, it’s going to Billie Eilish. Eilish is a Grammy darling, having already won two ROTYs, and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” was one of the biggest songs of 2024. Due to the critical acclaim she and the song have received, the Recording Academy will be looking to give her a Grammy. Sabrina Carpenter is also a clear contender. “Espresso” was another hit of 2024, and, while it’s not the most inventive song, that success is sure to give it plenty of attention among Grammy voters.
Song of the Year
Song of the Year is presented solely to the songwriters of a single or track based on the lyrical content of that song. Elements such as production and instrumentation are not considered. This year’s nominees are:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
“Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
“Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
“Please Please Please” by Sabrina Carpenter
“TEXAS HOLD “EM” by Beyonce
My pick for Song of the Year is “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. Lamar’s biting lyricism and witty wordplay are on full display during “Not Like Us”. The song is an airing of grievances and a history lesson rolled into one. While a casual listener may only see it as a Drake diss, the lyrics of “Not Like Us” go a lot farther, diving into cultural appropriation and normalized behavior in hip-hop culture. “Not Like Us” is clean but brutal at the same time. You feel the lyrics deep in your soul; the first time listening to the track is an unforgettable event. “Not Like Us” deserves Song of the Year.
It’s hard to say what nominee the Recording Academy is leaning to. Again, the biggest nominees in the category, Beyonce and Taylor Swift, are unlikely to win for their particular tracks. While “Not Like Us” has a decent chance of winning the award, it’s not a sure thing. Song of the Year has only gone to a rap song once, in 2019. There’s plenty of competition from “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, both accomplished musicians and multi-Grammy winners. “Die With A Smile” shows off both of their songwriting abilities and thanks to the serious popularity of Gaga and Mars among critics and listeners alike, they could easily win the category.
Best New Artist
The last of the Big Four Grammys, Best New Artist is awarded to an artist who during the eligibility period broke into the public consciousness and was a notable part of the musical landscape. This year’s nominees are:
Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
Doechii
Khruangbin
Raye
Chappell Roan
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
My pick for Best New Artist is Chappell Roan. Roan exploded into the mainstream like no other artist this past year. With a single album, she has proven herself to be a fantastic songwriter, performer, and artist. From soft ballads to high-energy pop hits, Chappell Roan can do it all. The Rise and Fall of Midwest Princess is a wonderful slice of 80s-infused pop that deals with all the trials and tribulations of growing up queer in the Midwest. This past year belonged to Chappell Roan, and it’s clear that she is the Best New Artist.
Best New Artist will come down to Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter. Both artists are the only nominees who are also present in the other Big Four categories (Album, Record, and Song of the Year). Shaboozey did receive a nod in the Song of the Year category, but he is nowhere near Roan or Carpenter. Sabrina Carpenter had a fantastic year as well, fully discarding her Disney shackles to release a fantastic pop record. She’s received plenty of attention this year, and she knows how to play the industry game. So, she has a good shot at taking home Best New Artist. For now, all we know is the category will come down to Roan and Carpenter, and we’ll have to wait until Grammys night to see who wins.
Best Music Video
Best Music Video is awarded to the artist, video director, and video producer of an excellent music video. This year’s nominees are:
“Tailor Swif” by A$AP Rocky
“360” by Charli xcx
“Houdini” by Eminem
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
My pick for Best Music Video is “Not Like Us” directed by Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free. It’s the perfect video to go with the song. The visuals in the video take the meaning of the song to a new level. Whether it’s the OVO Owl or dancers in shipping containers, the intense symbolism and innuendo woven throughout the video are incredibly well done and up for artistic interpretation. The video is also a celebration of Lamar’s Compton roots as he incorporates Compton legend Tommy the Clown, races through iconic Compton locations such as Tam’s Burgers, and includes many other Compton rappers, including long-time collaborators Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul.
“Not Like Us” is likely to win the category thanks to the widespread acclaim that the video received. The toughest competition is to come from “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift. Swift has already won the Best Music Video category twice, and very recently for her self-directed project “All Too Well”. Swift has shown herself to be a serious director, and while “Fortnight” is nowhere near her best, it’s already received plenty of awards. It’s also nowhere near the level of “Not Like Us” but what’s most deserving isn’t always what wins.
Best Rap Performance
Best Rap Performance is awarded for a single rap song or track that demonstrates true talent in the field of rap. It is presented to the recording artist. This year’s nominees are:
“Enough (Miami)” by Cardi B
“When the Sun Shines Again” by Common & Pete Rock featuring Posdnuos
“NISSAN ALTIMA” by Doechii
“Houdini” by Eminem
“Like That” by Future & Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar
“Yeah Glo!” by GloRilla
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
My pick for Best Rap Performance is “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. If it isn’t clear by now, “Not Like Us” is a highlight of Lamar’s career, for the lyrics, beat, and excellent flow. It was one of the best songs of 2024, thanks in part to Lamar’s rap talents. His handling of Mustard’s fast-tempo production is fantastic. Lamar changes his flow to create a cadence that not only serves as a mockery of Drake’s Canadian roots but shows just how advanced he is as a rapper. Kendrick Lamar delivered the Best Rap Performance of 2024.
The biggest competition, while not that big at all, will be “Houdini” by Eminem and “Like That” by Future & Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar. Eminem is a contender simply because he’s Eminem. “Houdini” is far away from his best work, but Eminem’s legacy as a great rapper will do plenty of heavy lifting at the 2025 Grammys. “Like That” was one of the few rap songs that was huge in 2024, and with such big names behind it, it could take home the award. But, the Grammys do love Kendrick Lamar and he’s sure to win, whether it’s for “Not Like Us” or “Like That”.
Best Rap Album
Best Rap Album is awarded to the artist of a rap album that shows great artistry within the genre of rap. This year’s nominees are:
Might Delete Later by J. Cole
The Auditorium, Vol. 1 by Common & Pete Rock
Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii
The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace) by Eminem
We Don’t Trust You by Future & Metro Boomin
My pick for Best Rap Album is Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii. Doechii is an incredibly talented rapper, and she lets her talent shine on Alligator Bites Never Heal. Her 90s-inspired flow is strong on every track, and her mix of old and new styles of hip-hop makes the album stand out above other releases from this year. Tracks such as “DENIAL IS A RIVER” and “NISSAN ALTIMA” stand out for their witty wordplay and excellent production. Alligator Bites Never Heal is well-made and exemplifies industry standards while still showcasing Doechii’s unique personality. The Best Rap Album is Alligator Bites Never Heal.
A lot of big artists are nominated this year, but Doechii, the underdog, still stands out as having the best album. Nominees such as J. Cole and Eminem released albums that are far from their best work. While We Don’t Trust You by Future and Metro Boomin was a hit, on an artistic level it doesn’t come close to Doechii’s album. However, I can’t say that Doechii’s win is confirmed as the Grammys has only awarded Best Rap Album to a woman once, and that was only in 2019. But, if anybody, man or woman, deserves this year’s award, it’s Doechii.
Best Rock Performance
Best Rock Performance is awarded to the artists of a single song or track from the genre of rock. This year’s nominees are:
“Now and Then” by The Beatles
“Beautiful People (Stay High)” by The Black Keys
“The American Dream Is Killing Me” by Green Day
“Gift Horse” by IDLES
“Dark Matter” by Pearl Jam
“Broken Man” by St. Vincent
My pick for Best Rock Performance is “Broken Man” by St. Vincent. St. Vincent has never been purely rock. Her music dabbles in many subgenres, leaning towards alternative. But, “Broken Man” is one of her purest rock songs. Marked by Vincent’s signature sharp lyrics and fantastic guitar talents, the song simply stands out from the rest. “Broken Man” strikes a perfect balance between classic rock elements and Vincent’s own, experimental sound. It’s an intense track, and it’s a highlight of her discography.
St. Vincent is a strong contender thanks to her popularity among critics and the Recording Academy. But, Academy voters could be swayed to Green Day, Pearl Jam, or The Beatles due to their longevity in music. Of those three, Green Day is the strongest. But, “The American Dream Is Killing Me” simply doesn’t hit like their other songs, and, like the other nominees, are fairly weak. “Broken Man” is the most well-reviewed song in the category, which gives St. Vincent a great shot at winning the award.
Best Rock Album
Best Rock Album is awarded to the recording artists of quality albums from the genre of rock. This year’s nominees are.
Happiness Bastards by The Black Crowes
Romance by Fontaines D.C.
Saviors by Green Day
TANGK by IDLES
Dark Matter by Pearl Jam
Hackney Diamonds by The Rolling Stones
No Name by Jack White
My pick for Best Rock Album is No Name by Jack White This year’s nominees seem fairly weak. Even with big artists such as Green Day, The Rolling Stones, and Pearl Jam in the running, each of these bands’ respective albums are nowhere near the rest of their work. With that being said, the album that seems the most deserving of this piddling group is No Name.
The album is a return to form for Jack White as it’s more centered on the grunge, garage rock that White is known for. It shows that he’s improved from his days in the White Stripes while still producing the sound that made them so popular. It’s a strong album with great composition, transitions, and overall quality musical and lyrical content. No Name is the Best Rock Album of 2024.
Do I think Jack White will win? Not at all. The Rolling Stones are the clear winner. While Hackney Diamonds is probably at the bottom of their discography, the fact that it’s by the Stones means it’s the winner. For the Academy, this is about the legacy of the Stones rather than the actual content of the nominated album. I doubt any of the other nominees have a chance against the Rolling Stones.
Best Pop Solo Performance
Best Pop Solo Performance is awarded to a single artist for one song or track. This year’s nominees are:
“BODYGUARD” by Beyonce
“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
“Apple” by Charli xcx
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
“Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
My pick for Best Pop Solo Performance is “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan. Any artist in Roan’s role would likely have crashed and burned; instead, she released one of the biggest songs of the Year. Infused with a classic 80s sound, “Good Luck, Babe!” is a pop masterpiece. Not only does Roan’s stunning vocals shine on the track, but its lyrics create an intriguing narrative all too relatable for queer people. It’s a well-written, fantastically produced, talent-driven song that deserves to be a hit. Chappell Roan delivered the Best Pop Solo Performance of the year.
Even though Beyonce is in the category, she isn’t likely to win. The last time she won in a pop category was at the 2010 Grammys. The Academy is far more likely to give the award to one of the other nominees who are all more focused on pop than Beyonce is. The top contenders, along with Chappell Roan, are Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter. Both of their respective songs were massive hits and received plenty of attention from critics. “Espresso” is a likely winner thanks to Sabrina Carpenter’s new star status and the success of the track. What’s certain is the category will come down to Eilish, Carpenter, or Roan.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance is awarded to two or more artists for an excellent collaboration recording in the genre of pop. This year’s nominees are:
“us.” by Gracie Abrams featuring Taylor Swift
“LEVII’S JEANS” by Beyonce featuring Post Malone
“Guess” by Charli xcx & Billie Eilish
“the boy is mine” by Ariana Grande, Brandy, & Monica
“Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
My pick for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance is “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. “Die With A Smile” is the most artistically sound nominee in the category. It’s a powerful duet by two of the industry’s brightest singers and songwriters. It feels more united than any of the other nominated songs. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars sound wonderful together and their combined talents make for a great song. “Die With A Smile” is a blast of soft rock that shows how both artists have evolved over their careers. It deserves Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
We can eliminate “the boy is mine” as a contender thanks to the Academy’s dislike of Ariana Grande. But, the other tracks could be major competition. All of them have major artists attached to them. “Guess” was a summer hit and with Charli xcx and Billie Eilish on one track, it could get the attention of Grammys voters. “LEVII’S JEANS” is a solid performance from Beyonce and Post Malone. We’ll have to wait to see which pair the Academy decides to award the Grammy.
Best Pop Vocal Album
Best Pop Vocal Album is awarded to the artist of an exceptional album from the genre of pop. This year’s nominees are:
Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
eternal sunshine by Ariana Grande
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT by Taylor Swift
My pick for Best Pop Vocal Album is HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish. HMHAS is Eilish’s most cohesive album yet. The production is phenomenal, the songwriting is more mature than her past work, and her vocals are the best they’ve ever been. The album covers a wide range of sounds, moving from soft melodies to electrifying hits to power ballads. There is no other way to describe HMHAS than as addicting. Whatever magic Eilish and her producer, FINNEAS, created on this album worked because every track keeps you coming back for more. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT is the Best Pop Vocal Album of 2024.
One of the more likely winners is THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT by Taylor Swift. TTPD is a massive project that, while the production isn’t very good, certainly shows off Swift’s songwriting. And, with Swift’s level of fame and popularity, she has a good chance of taking home another Best Pop Vocal Album Grammy. Voters may be swayed to The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess which is receiving a bit of an underdog status at the Grammys. It’s certainly a fantastic album, and with all of the attention Roan has received this year, she might be able to win this Grammy. All of the nominees are strong contenders and we’ll have to wait to see what wins: what’s good or what’s popular.
The Grammys will be held on February 2, 2025, and broadcast by CBS. Make sure to catch the ceremony to see who wins.
