Beyonce has once again made history in the music world, surpassing her husband, Jay-Z, to become the most-nominated artist of all time at the Grammy Awards. With the release of her latest album, Cowboy Carter, the superstar now holds 89 Grammy nominations, overtaking Jay-Z’s 88. This latest round of recognition has earned her an impressive 11 nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she will be a front-runner in categories such as Album of the Year, Best Country Album, and Song of the Year for the hit single “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
The Recording Academy has acknowledged Beyoncé’s significant contributions across various genres, making her the most celebrated artist in Grammy history, with 32 solo wins and an additional three with Destiny’s Child. However, one award has remained elusive: despite four nominations for Album of the Year, Beyoncé has yet to take home this coveted trophy. Jay-Z, who received a lifetime achievement award earlier this year, made a pointed remark on stage, subtly critiquing the Recording Academy for failing to award his wife the top honor. “The most Grammys; never won album of the year. That doesn’t work,” he remarked, underscoring a sentiment shared by many fans.
Leading the 2025 Grammy Nominees
This year, Beyoncé’s 11 nominations are a record for a female artist in a single year, setting the stage for a heated Grammy race. Other leading nominees include Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Charli XCX, who each received seven nominations. Eilish, known for her inventive approach to pop, was nominated for her experimental third album Hit Me Hard And Soft. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, another top contender, has secured six nominations, marking her seventh Album of the Year nod for The Tortured Poets Department, a complex, introspective breakup album. Swift currently holds the record for most Album of the Year wins, with four under her belt.
The Beatles also received a nod for Record of the Year with “Now And Then,” a track featuring John Lennon’s voice, digitally enhanced and completed using AI technology. The nomination marks a nostalgic milestone, coming 60 years after the Beatles were nominated as Best New Artist, an award they won at the 1964 Grammys.
Rising Stars and Surprising Inclusions
Emerging stars Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan have also garnered significant attention. Both artists have been nominated in all four of the Grammys’ major categories: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. Carpenter’s summer anthem “Espresso” and her heartfelt ballad “Please Please Please” have landed her in the top categories, while Roan’s debut album The Rise And Fall of a Midwest Princess has propelled her into the Grammy spotlight.
Among the unexpected nominations, André 3000’s flute-centered instrumental album New Blue Sun has captivated the Recording Academy. The former Outkast member edged out anticipated nominees like Ariana Grande and Post Malone for a spot in Album of the Year, showcasing the Grammy voters’ willingness to embrace unique and unconventional sounds.
Grammy Snubs and Shifts
This year’s nominations reflect a shift towards more diverse and emerging artists, but some notable figures were absent. Despite opening the 2024 Grammy ceremony, Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism received no nominations. Pop icon Katy Perry also missed out after her album 143 underperformed. Megan Thee Stallion and K-pop acts were also absent, the latter marking a surprising exclusion given the genre’s global impact.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Carter, former U.S. President, became the oldest Grammy nominee at age 100. His audiobook, Last Sundays In Plains, which features his Sunday School teachings, is nominated for Best Audiobook.
A New Chapter for the Grammys
This year, the Grammys saw a record 20,309 entries across 94 categories, with a voting panel of 13,000 members, including 2,000 newcomers as part of an ongoing initiative to improve diversity. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. emphasized a commitment to fair and bias-free voting, encouraging voters to focus on talent rather than personal preferences. The results will be revealed at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025, promising a historic night where the brightest stars and emerging talents will be celebrated.
