This year’s Grammy Award nominations showcase an impressive lineup of artists who have significantly shaped the music landscape. Icons like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift continue to dominate the charts and the cultural conversation. Meanwhile, emerging talents such as Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan have made substantial inroads into the mainstream, while artists like Shaboozey and Charli XCX have become ubiquitous in popular culture.
In the past, critics often argued that the Grammys were out of touch, failing to accurately represent the year’s most significant musical contributions. However, the nominations for 2024 reflect a more contemporary understanding of popular music. Under the leadership of Harvey Mason Jr., the Recording Academy has made strides to modernize its approach, aligning itself with trends observed in Billboard charts, radio, and streaming platforms. This shift has allowed the awards show to embrace a wider array of influential artists.
Yet, despite these advancements, the Grammy Awards remain a polarizing event. It’s almost inevitable that not all voices will be satisfied. After a meticulous review of the 94 categories that comprise the 67th annual nominees, The New York Times’ esteemed pop music team—including Joe Coscarelli, Jon Pareles, Jon Caramanica, Lindsay Zoladz, and Elena Bergeron—has surfaced several lingering questions: Is Beyoncé’s cross-genre dominance truly deserved? What role do the Beatles play in this year’s nominations? Have the Grammys become too risk-averse?
As we delve into the highlights and perplexities of this year’s nominations, we will examine the most compelling storylines, notable snubs, and unexpected surprises.
A Reflection of Mainstream Success
JOE COSCARELLI: I must confess, there’s a sense of melancholy that accompanies the predictability of the Big Four categories—album, record, song of the year, and best new artist—especially this year. Not so long ago, we witnessed surprises like Beck’s victory over Beyoncé in a stunning upset. While there are still occasional shocks, such as Jon Batiste’s win for album of the year in 2022 or Bonnie Raitt’s surprise for song of the year in 2023, the likelihood of a major upset this February seems slim, likely by design.
As we approach the ceremony, the focus will be on how these nominations reflect not only the current state of music but also the ever-evolving tastes of audiences around the world.
