2025 Grammy Awards Nominees: Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and More Lead the Nomination Race
The 2025 Grammy Awards Nominees are officially out, and Beyoncé leads with 11 nominations, increasing her record-breaking tally to 99 career Grammy nominations. Following closely is Kendrick Lamar with seven nominations. These awards promise an exciting showdown between top artists and genres, with the ceremony set to take place on February 2 in Los Angeles.
With Beyoncé yet to win Album of the Year, anticipation is high. Let’s dive into the top nominations across key categories and explore what makes this year’s Grammy lineup unique.
Beyoncé’s Dominance and Record-Breaking Nomination Streak
Topping the 2025 Grammy Awards nominees, Beyoncé’s 11 nods across diverse categories highlight her versatility. Her album Cowboy Carter is nominated for Album of the Year alongside tracks like Texas Hold ’Em, a contender for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Beyoncé’s long career and influence have redefined genres, and her 99th Grammy nomination continues this legacy.
This year’s recognition showcases her impact, but the elusive Album of the Year award still awaits her win, keeping fans and critics watching closely.
Top Contenders: Album of the Year and Record of the Year
The Album of the Year category promises a heated competition, with nominees including:
- Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
- Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
- Charli XCX – Brat
- Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
These albums cover a range of themes, from introspection to social commentary, capturing the year’s diverse musical landscape. Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ’Em and Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us also headline Record of the Year, with tracks noted for powerful lyrics and compelling soundscapes.
For a full list of Grammy Award nominees, visit the official Grammy website.
Emerging Talents and New Categories: Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance
The 2025 Grammy Awards nominees for Best New Artist shine a spotlight on rising stars in the music industry, with Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Khruangbin, and Teddy Swims leading the pack. This category is often seen as a springboard for emerging artists to launch enduring careers, as past winners have included icons like Billie Eilish and Sam Smith.
In the Best Pop Solo Performance category, songs like Beyoncé’s Bodyguard, Billie Eilish’s Birds of a Feather, and Charli XCX’s Apple reflect modern pop’s depth and diversity.
Rap, Rock, and Country: Diverse Genres with Strong Representation
With nominees like Eminem (The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)) and Future & Metro Boomin (We Don’t Trust You) vying for Best Rap Album, this year’s lineup highlights rap’s narrative complexity and musical innovation. Kendrick Lamar is again nominated in Best Rap Performance for Not Like Us, competing with other heavyweights like Cardi B’s Enough (Miami).
For rock fans, nominees include Green Day and Pearl Jam for Best Rock Album, while country categories feature Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Lainey Wilson. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter also earned a nomination in Best Country Album, marking her versatility across genres.
Discover more about this year’s Grammy rock and rap categories in Rolling Stone’s coverage.
The Grammy Awards’ Impact on Artists’ Careers
Winning a Grammy can significantly elevate an artist’s career, with impacts seen in streaming numbers, global reach, and industry influence. Artists like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar have seen their Grammy wins lead to broader audiences and artistic collaborations.
The 2025 Grammy Awards nominees cover 94 categories, from Pop to Latin to Jazz, ensuring a celebration of music in all forms. The awards ceremony is not only a night of recognition but a spotlight on emerging trends and future stars.
What to Expect at the 2025 Grammy Awards
Scheduled for February 2, 2025, the Grammy Awards promise to deliver unforgettable performances and tributes. With nominations spanning genres and generations, this year’s ceremony is a testament to music’s evolving landscape. Will Beyoncé finally win Album of the Year, or will newcomers like Sabrina Carpenter make Grammy history? Tune in for the live event and follow updates on Grammy.com.
For music fans, the Grammy Awards are a celebration of talent, creativity, and impact, marking the biggest night in music with a night of unforgettable achievements.
