61st Grammy Awards: Our Predictions for the Big Four
BY IKENNA OBIOHA
Each year, the Grammy presents a set of shockers that either leaves one awed like the case of Adele winning in all nominated categories at the 2017 edition, or brooding to the fact that 13-time nominated Katy Perry has never won the award.
Although, no one knows who gets to walk away with the shiny piece of validation, most times it’s obvious who’s most or least likely to win the prize.
We shall be looking at the BIG FOUR (Record, Album, Song and Best New Act) at the awards scheduled for Sunday, February 10, to determine who gives an impassioned speech in honour of their win this year.
Record of the Year
I Like It — Cardi B, Bad Bunny, & J Balvin
The Joke – Brandi Carlile
This Is America – Childish Gambino
God’s Plan – Drake
Shallow – Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
All the Stars – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Rockstar – Post Malone featuring 21 Savage
The Middle – Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey
Who will win : This Is America
Who should win: All The Lights
Who might win: I Like It
Deliberation: For the Record of the Year, committee members usually take into consideration the impact or influence of a song at the time it was released. Arguably, I Like It by Cardi B had more chart presence, but this doesn’t particularly reflect influence. Comparatively, This Is America was much more than a song, it was a social movement that millions of people related to going by the viral memes it inspired. From a technical angle, I Like It heavily samples Pete Rodriguez’s song of same name. Though not really a basis that sets the rapper off balance, the committee are likely to pick one with a much authentic idea behind it.
Album of the Year
Invasion of Privacy – Cardi B
By the Way, I Forgive You – Brandi Carlile
Scorpion – Drake
H.E.R. – H.E.R.
Beerbongs & Bentleys – Post Malone
Dirty Computer – Janelle Monáe
Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves
Black Panther: The Album, Music From and Inspired By – Various Artists
Who will win: Golden Hour
Who should win: Dirty Computer
Who might win: Invasion of Privacy
Deliberation: All three considered albums are critically acclaimed. However, the hip-hop genre over the years don’t always get recognition in the general categories, and this year wouldn’t be any different especially with the more rounded Dirty Computer in the race for Grammy glory.
Song of the Year
All the Stars
Boo’dUp
God’s Plan
In My Blood
The Joke
Shallow
This Is America
Who will win: Shallow
Who should win: Shallow
Who might win: All the Stars, This is America
Deliberation: We already have the scenario played out in our head. Lady Gaga performs Shallow, waits behind the curtains, then comes back to pick her award.
Best New Artist
Chloe x Halle
Luke Combs
Greta Van Fleet
H.E.R.
Dua Lipa
Margo Price
Bebe Rexha
Jorja Smith.
Who will win: Dua Lipa
Who should win: Chloe x Halle
Who might win: Greta Van Fleet
Deliberation: Based on influence, Dua Lipa eclipses the rest, but based on talent projection, Halle X Chloe may pick the award. Obviously, this category has been expanded from five to eight nominees, thus increasing the odds of anyone winning in this category. With that established, it won’t come as a surprise if Greta Van Fleet win in this category coming from a rock background.
Do you agree with our predictions? Have your say at the comment section.
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