Grammy Awards Response 

The Grammy Awards took place last night on CBS, televised from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time. I was up late last night watching the awards live, eagerly waiting to see the accuracy of my predictions, as well as some of my favorite artists receiving their first awards.

Record of the Year Winner: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar

My prediction was “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. This decision was a toss-up for me during my predictions because both of these records broke the music scene for months after their release. Although my predictions are not off to a great start here, I am happy for Kendrick Lamar’s success last night and I believe it was very well deserved.

Album of the Year Winner: Cowboy Carter by Beyonce

My prediction for album of the year was The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan. I think that Chappell Roan’s album was incredibly influential and trailblazing in music, costume, and culture. All I will say is that Cowboy Carter doesn’t check nearly as many of these boxes.

Song of the Year Winner: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar

My prediction for Song of the Year was correct! I think that “Not Like Us” is incredible in so many ways, and was definitely one of the most popular tracks of the year. This award is well deserved.

Best New Artist Winner: Chappell Roan

My pick for Best New Artist was Chappell Roan! No artist this year gained popularity nearly as fast as Chappell Roan did in the same amount of time. Gaining tens of millions of fans in a matter of months while also amassing the most crowded Lollapalooza set all within the same year is virtually unheard of. Congratulations to Chappell for immense success.

Best Pop Solo Performance Winner: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter

My prediction for Best Pop Solo Performance went to “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan. While I think the song “Espresso” is incredible and very iconic, I will never get over the raw entertaining talent of Chappell Roan’s VMA performance of “Good Luck, Babe!” I think that performance is one of the best of all time, but Carpenter’s victory here is still well deserved.

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Winner: “Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars

My vote for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance went to “Guess” by Charli XCX and Billie Eilish. I had a gut feeling that “Die With a Smile” would take home the crown, but there was a little voice in my head telling me to go with my favorite choice. I wish I hadn’t. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars created a beautiful song and I have no reservations about their victory.

Best Pop Vocal Album Winner: Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter

My pick for the Best Pop Vocal Album was Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish. I have nothing bad to say about Short n’ Sweet. However, I think in a comparison between the two, Eilish shows a bigger vocal and stylistic range than Carpenter. This opinion is not based on my favor towards one album or another, but I think Hit Me Hard and Soft is more dynamic in terms of vocals.

Best Dance/Electronic Album Winner: Brat by Charli XCX

My pick for Best Dance/Electronic Album was Brat! I think that this was the CLEAR choice for winning this category. Although I am not personally keen on this album, I think it is remarkable in terms of its following and cultural influence.

Best Alternative Music Album Winner: All Born Screaming by St. Vincent

My prediction for Best Alternative Music Album was Charm by Clairo. Call me a bad reporter, but I have never listened to this album, thus I cannot say that this album was not deserving. However, I saw the tribute performance that St. Vincent did to commemorate the damage done by the L.A. fires, and I think she really showed remarkable instrumental talent.

Best Rap Album Winner: Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii

My prediction for this category was correct! If I’m being completely honest, I screamed when Doechii’s name was called on stage, and I shed a few tears during her acceptance speech. I think her album was by far the best and most deserving out of the nominees for this category. The topics she covers and the instrumentals she incorporates are unlike any other record I’ve seen this year, and I’m very proud of her success.