It was an extraordinary year in the music world in 2025, with many songs released by various new and experienced musicians. The 68th Grammy Awards nominations were released in early November, becoming a recent topic of conversation among music enthusiasts. Millions of fans around the world have formed opinions about who will win the most prestigious awards.
Album of the Year Nominations:
Swag by Justin Bieber
MAYHEM by Lady Gaga
GNX by Kendrick Lamar
MUTT by Leon Thomas
Chromakopia by Tyler the Creator
Man’s Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter
Let God Sort Em Out by Pharell Williams
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny
My prediction for who will take home the “Album of the Year” award is Sabrina Carpenter for her song, “Man’s Best Friend”. Last year was an impactful one in Carpenter’s career. In February, she took home two Grammy Awards for “Best Pop Vocal Album” and “Best Pop Solo Performance”, and while performing during her “Short n’ Sweet Tour” for almost a year, she released her third album. Carpenter deserves this win with many of her hit songs such as “Manchild” and “House Tour” from this album being on top of Billboard charts.
Song of the Year:
“Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga
“Anxiety” by Doechii
“APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars
“Golden [From “KPOP Demon Hunters”]” by HUNTR/x
“luther” by Kendrick Lamar with SZA
“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter
“WILDFLOWER” by Billie Ellish
While this category is always very competitive and has many worthy nominations, I predict that “Golden [From “KPOP Demon Hunters”]” by HUNTR/x will win, even though Kendrick Lamar and SZA should win top honors. Golden has been overplayed on every radio station and sung by almost every child under the age of 12. KPOP Demon Hunters on Netflix was one of the most popular movies released in the summer, constantly growing in popularity.
Best New Artist:
Addison Rae
Alex Warren
KATSEYE Leon Thomas
Lola Young
Olivia Dean
sombr
The Marias
The “Best New Artist” award often causes one-hit wonders to transform into huge new popstars. Sombr deserves this win and is who I predict to receive this award. Many were shocked when seeing two former Hype House (a TikTok content creator house that gained worldwide traction mostly from 2019-2022) members, Addison Rae and Alex Warren, nominated for this award. They have been able to successfully transition to new careers after leaving the house. Sophomore Ashley Franklin said, “It’s interesting to see two former Hype House members being nominated for Grammys and how they have grown their careers after the house. I remember watching them when they were young adults before they started their music careers.” Sombr has had many hits from his new album, I Barely Knew Her, such as “12 to 12” and “Back to Friends”.
Record of the Year:
“DMF” by Bad Bunny
“Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga
“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter
“WILDFLOWER” by Billie Ellish
“Anxiety” by Doechii
“luther” by Kendrick Lamer with SZA
“The Subway” by Chapell Roan
“APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars
While “Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year” may seem similar, most do not know the difference between the categories. While “Record of the Year” honors the performance and production, “Song of the Year” honors the writing. My prediction for the winner of “Record of the Year” is “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga. “Abracadabra” is a unique song and has made “The Dead Dance” come to life. Gaga had previously performed this hit single at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), and all her backup dancers were dressed as monsters, while she was dressed in a giant dress controlling them. Sophomore Makenzie McLain said, “After watching Lady Gaga’s VMAs performance, I was mind blown how she learned to dance with the large dress and props she was wearing. The performance was out of the ordinary, but captivating.”
Best Pop Vocal Album:
“Man’s Best Friend” by Sabrina Carpenter
“Something Beautiful” by Miley Cyrus
“MAYHEM” by Lady Gaga
“I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)” by Teddy Swims
This category has only four nominees compared to others with approximately eight. With fewer nominations in the category, each artist’s chances are much higher and can generate polarizing opinions on who should win. Freshman Cece Bertolini shared her prediction: “Sabrina Carpenter will win this category. She blew up this year due to her tour and all the special costumes and dance moves she does for each city she performs in.” My prediction for which artist will secure this win is Sabrina Carpenter for “Man’s Best Friend”. I predict that Carpenter will also win “Album of the Year” for this same album because of all its amazing hits and how much she has grown as an artist this year. At the 2025 Grammys, Carpenter was nominated for “Best New Artist”, and in less than a year, she has been nominated for the Grammys most coveted awards.
