I’ve never not had beef with the Recording Academy because they are famously terrible at their one job — rewarding the best albums and songs of the year. In addition to being accused of racist and sexist choices countless times, they love to throw in totally random, culturally irrelevant music and then snub the most obvious hit projects. Even though the Recording Academy is not a reliable or objective decision-making apparatus, the Grammys are still the most respected music awards, and I’m just a fangirl who can’t help but be invested. When I sat down to watch the nominations this morning, I was ecstatic to hear the names of Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and more. But there were also some choices I found extremely disappointing… *cough* Chris Brown. Let’s dive right in and break down the 2025 Grammy nominations: Here’s what the Recording Academy got right and what they got painfully wrong. (Please note I’m a pop girlie through and through, so this is realistically biased.)

2025 Grammy Nominations And Snubs: Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX

What Did The Recording Academy Get Wrong?

Image Credit: Jake Shane Instagram

Taylor Swift

I’m so tired of having this conversation, but clearly, we need to have it again. Every time Taylor releases a song or album these days, it automatically qualifies for the Grammys. The Recording Academy has completely stopped judging the quality of her music. Can I be so for real for a second? In a year with Ariana, Sabrina, Chappell, Gracie, Beyoncé, Charli, and Billie albums, The Tortured Poets Department was barely in the pop conversation. It’s not a bad album, but the general reaction was very lukewarm. People found it too long, too wordy, too teenage, etc. And I’m sorry, but no one who’s not a cult-level Swiftie truly believes “Fortnight” is the song or record of the year. Please. I say all this as a fan! 1989 and folklore did both deserve album of the year. Tortured Poets does not.

Ariana Grande

In Jake Shane’s words: “Where the fuck is Eternal Sunshine. Where is it.” YUP, THAT’S MY QUESTION. Although Ariana was nominated for best pop vocal album, best pop duo, and best dance pop recording (thank god), she was brutally snubbed in the major categories — song of the year, record of the year, and album of the year. You cannot tell me with a straight face that Tortured Poets is more deserving than Eternal Sunshine or that “Fortnight” is more deserving than “We Can’t Be Friends.” “We Can’t Be Friends” is one of the most profound and beautiful pop singles I’ve heard in years, and this whole project is dynamic, cohesive, and uniquely Ari at the same time. I’m furious.

Chris Brown

This man just received three nominations… his biggest one-year total in a fucking decade. Chris is nominated for best R&B performance, best R&B album, and best African music performance. Need I remind the Recording Academy and his listeners that he physically abused Rihanna and other women have since accused him of rape and assault?? It is completely unacceptable to continue rewarding a known abuser. I do not understand how we’re still doing this.

What Did The Recording Academy Get Right?

Olivia Rodrigo

I’M SO HAPPY FOR MY QUEEN! Her hauntingly gorgeous song for the Hunger Games soundtrack, “Can’t Catch Me Now,” is officially nominated for best song written for visual media after it was snubbed by the Oscars. Congrats, Olivia!! (GUTS was nominated last year, so “Can’t Catch Me Now” was the only possible nomination for the “deja vu” singer this year.)

Madison Beer

This goddess continues to be criminally underrated and overlooked, so I was SO excited to see her seductive pop hit, “Make You Mine,” nominated in the best dance pop recording category.

Sabrina Carpenter

About damn time. This short and sweet pop star x comedian is finally getting her flowers with nominations in every major category for Short n’ Sweet, “Espresso,” and “Please Please Please.” Where were the flowers for her last album, emails i can’t send? I’ll never forgive the Recording Academy for that diss.

Beyoncé

Did someone say… most nominated artist in Grammy history? The living legend leads the nominations this year with 11 nods for Cowboy Carter and songs on the album. She’s notably recognized in all the major categories as well as country solo performance, country album, and best pop duo/group performance. Queen of country and literally whatever she wants to do!

Charli XCX

The Recording Academy has not been kind to Charli in the past, but even they can’t deny that BRAT is a perfect pop album and defined pop culture (and low-key the presidential election) this year. Charli’s nominated for record of the year, album of the year, best pop solo performance, best music video, and best pop duo/group performance with Billie. If “Guess” doesn’t win that category, we ride at dawn. This is such a special moment for Charli, who’s been grinding in this industry for over 15 years.

Chappell Roan

Some (me) would say that The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is one of the greatest albums they’ve ever heard, period. I discovered “Naked in Manhattan” in 2022 and I’ve had no choice but to stan ever since. I’m thrilled and relieved that the Recording Academy is recognizing the redheaded icon in the record of the year, song of the year, album of the year, best new artist, best pop solo performance, and best pop vocal album categories. I’m predicting a Chappell sweep, but we shall see.

Raye

This genius Brit is so incredibly deserving of her first-ever Grammy nominations, which are for best new artist and songwriter of the year (non-classical). She’s of course known for her own pop hits like “Escapism” and “Prada,” and she’s also helped pen other artists’ songs including Beyoncé’s “RIIVERDANCE.”

Kendrick Lamar

“Not Like Us” for the win, baby! Kendrick’s nominated for record and song of the year, a no-brainer, so Drake is definitely crying somewhere.

Jack Antonoff

Listen, I totally respect this man and admire his production. But he’s won producer of the year (non-classical) the last THREE YEARS in a row, and he is not the only producer in existence. I was shocked that he wasn’t even included in the category this year, but I’m very glad other folks are getting their time to shine.