Grammy predictions: Beyoncé, Taylor and girl power
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And the Grammy goes to ... Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management; Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood; Nykieria Chaney/Getty Images for ABA
If you need proof that women are running the music industry, just check out the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
Why it matters: Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Beyoncé (now the most nominated artist ever) are among the powerhouse names dominating the categories at Sunday's ceremony.
What we're watching: Here's a closer look at the night's big four categories and who we think will — and should — take home the prizes.
Record of the year
- The Beatles — "Now and Then"
- Beyoncé —"Texas Hold 'Em"
- Billie Eilish — "Birds of a Feather"
- Chappell Roan — "Good Luck, Babe!"
- Charli XCX — "360"
- Kendrick Lamar — "Not Like Us"
- Sabrina Carpenter — "Espresso"
- Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone — "Fortnight"
Despite several big names, Eilish is the only previous winner in this category, having accomplished the feat twice.
Who should win: Lamar's "Not Like Us" was a phenomenon last year and would be the first diss track to win this coveted award.
Who will win: The Beatles are the most revered act in music history, but have never won Record of the Year, despite three previous nominations.
- Voters will consider this a righting of that oversight.
Album of the year
- André 3000 — "New Blue Sun"
- Beyoncé — "Cowboy Carter"
- Billie Eilish — "Hit Me Hard and Soft"
- Chappell Roan — "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess"
- Charli XCX — "Brat"
- Jacob Collier — "Djesse Vol. 4"
- Sabrina Carpenter — "Short n' Sweet"
- Taylor Swift — "The Tortured Poets Department"
The buzz has been all about Beyoncé, who has won the most Grammys ever but never Album of the Year.
Who should win: Queen Bey is the easy answer, but Charli XCX had the best album with "Brat," a marvelous display of dance music.
Who will win: Yes, this is the year Beyoncé finally wins Album of the Year and we never have to hear about the Grammy's biggest snub again.
Song of the Year
- Beyoncé — "Texas Hold 'Em"
- Billie Eilish — "Birds of a Feather"
- Chappell Roan — "Good Luck, Babe!"
- Kendrick Lamar — "Not Like Us"
- Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars — "Die With a Smile"
- Sabrina Carpenter — "Please Please Please"
- Shaboozey — "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"
- Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone — "Fortnight"
Consider this your annual reminder that Record of the Year goes to the performer, while Song of the Year goes to the songwriter.
Who should win: Eilish's blissful "Birds of a Feather" is the kind of song that will score love stories for decades to come.
Who will win: Eilish is the favorite. She's won twice before, including last year for "What Was I Made For?"
Best New Artist
- Benson Boone
- Doechii
- Chappell Roan
- Khruangbin
- Raye
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Shaboozey
- Teddy Swims
This is one of the most impressive groups of Best New Artist nominees in recent memory, with big hitmakers like Roan, Carpenter, Shaboozey and Swims.
Who should win: Roan is the new Lady Gaga — an artist who carved out her own lane in pop culture with a devoted fanbase.
Who will win: Sabrina Carpenter is the safer pick as the kind of traditional pop songstress who wins this award about half the time.
