Grammy Nominations Preview: An Unpredictable Album of the Year Race and More

Polish off that espresso, don your pink cowboy hat, and brace yourself for what promises to be a dazzling ladies' night at the 2025 Grammy Awards. This year, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan are the powerhouses behind some of the top-charting albums. As a result, it’s likely that these artists will feature prominently in Friday’s nominations announcement by the Recording Academy.

Since the expansion in 2019, the album of the year category has seen increased female representation, rising from 5 to 8 nominees or more. Women have consistently claimed at least half of the nominations, hitting a peak last year when seven out of eight were female artists, leaving Jon Batiste as the lone male nominee. Billboard’s Awards Editor Paul Grein shared with CNN that due to the dominance of women in pop music recently, he expects this year’s album of the year nominees to mirror last year’s impressive lineup.

According to Grein, Eilish, Swift, and Beyoncé are the leading contenders in the category. Beyoncé seeks her fifth album of the year nomination with "Cowboy Carter." Given that she's never won this accolade, Grein suggests she might have an edge this year. Jay-Z underscored this perceived oversight during last year’s ceremony, which Grein believes will influence voters.

Swift, last year’s winner with "Midnights," shares the record for most album of the year nominations by a female artist with Barbra Streisand. A nod for "The Tortured Poet’s Department" would break her own record. Despite any rivalry, Swift and Beyoncé have shown mutual respect, attending each other’s premieres and quelling any rumors of discord.

Grein humorously notes that women support each other more than men, contrasting it with the ongoing rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Beyond the album of the year race, the 2025 Grammy Awards hold much intrigue.

Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter have risen to mainstream acclaim, likely reflected in this year’s nominations. Roan and Carpenter might be recognized in the "big four" categories, with best new artist being a particularly suspenseful race, as per Grein. Although Charli XCX may receive nods in major categories for "Brat," she didn't submit for best new artist. If recognized, it will be her first since 2015 for "Fancy."

Beyoncé’s "Cowboy Carter," while visually cowboy-themed, spans pop, country, rap, and Americana. Her team has submitted it across these genres, potentially earning diverse nominations. Similarly, Sabrina Carpenter and Megan Thee Stallion have submitted songs in unconventional categories for their styles. Carpenter might appear in country music categories, while Megan Thee Stallion might pop up in rock for her "Cobra (Rock Remix)" collaboration with Spiritbox.

Drake might be in for a surprise if Kendrick Lamar’s diss track "Not Like Us," aimed at him, earns a nomination. The track, born from their public feud, topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, positioning Lamar for a potential Grammy checkmate.

Celine Dion’s documentary "I Am Celine Dion," chronicling her return to music and battle with stiff person syndrome, is poised for a best music film nomination, her first since 2001. Jon Batiste’s "American Symphony," alongside The Beatles’ "Now and Then," Willie Nelson’s docuseries, and Taylor Swift’s "Eras Tour Concert Film," are also strong contenders in this category.

Dion’s nomination would be poignant following her triumphant return at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a historic first, the Rolling Stones and The Beatles could both earn nominations in the best rock performance category this year. The Stones submitted "Sounds of Heaven" featuring Lady Gaga, while The Beatles put forward "Now and Then." Despite their storied careers, the Grammys have been slow to recognize rock 'n' roll.

Post Malone, despite never winning a Grammy, is positioned for multiple nominations, thanks to collaborations with Swift, Beyoncé, and Morgan Wallen, plus his successful album "F-1 Trillion." This may finally be his year. His track "Fortnight" with Swift and "Levii’s Jeans" with Beyoncé have both been immensely popular.

Tune in on Friday at 10:45 a.m. EDT/7:45 a.m. PDT to the Recording Academy’s YouTube page for the live announcement of the Grammy nominations.