The eclectic nature of this year’s nominations is perhaps best exemplified in the Album Of The Year category, where nominees range from the alternative and soulful rock of Alabama Shakes to Lamar’s thought-provoking jazz-infused rap, the classic country sounds of Chris Stapleton, the pop emergence of Swift, and the genre-bending R&B style of The Weeknd.
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“Up for a Grammy with these guys thanks to everyone who has been a part of this awesome musical transition”, best dance recording nominee Justin Bieber, via Instagram, along with a photo of himself with Diplo and Skrillex, who all worked on the hit song, “Where Are U Now”.
Best pop solo performance: “Heartbeat Song”, Kelly Clarkson; “Love Me Like You Do”, Ellie Goulding; “Thinking Out Loud”, Ed Sheeran; “Blank Space”, Taylor Swift; “Can’t Feel My Face”, The Weeknd.
Lamar’s other nominations include best rap album for “Butterfly“, rap performance for “Alright”, pop duo/group performance for “Bad Blood” with Swift and dance recording “Never Catch Me” with Flying Lotus.
Lianne La Havas’ Blood is up for Best Urban Contemporary Album. “It is always an honour to be nominated for a Grammy”.
=Josh Groban is up for Traditional Pop Vocal Album. – Sam Hunt, nominated for country album and new artist, in a statement.
Rapper Drake scored five nominations, including best rap album for “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late”, pitting him against Lamar, Dr. Dre’s “Compton”, Nicki Minaj’s “The Pinkprint” and J. Cole’s “2014 Forest Hills Drive”.
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Of course, everyone is well aware of the fateful day Adele dropped 25, trumping music sales and making everyone hate their exes just a little more on November 20. “Don’t Wanna Fight” got the nod for best rock performance. Swift’s “1989”, however, was released on the indie label Big Machine Records. The Grammys will be handed out on February 15th.
