It’s no secret that 2024 was a remarkable year for the music industry. This year, the Album of the Year (AOTY) nomination list is one like no other. But who will take home the gold?
The 67th Grammy Awards will take place on February 2nd, 2025. Some of the biggest names in music can be found on this year’s list and they’re all duking it out for the win. The nomination list is as follows:
Beyoncé: “Cowboy Carter”
“Cowboy Carter” was released in March of 2024, presenting itself as the second installment of her three act project. “Cowboy Carter” was an instant hit; her song ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ took no time at all to dominate the Top 100 list. The album was favored for its country vibes and sounds, something never before seen by the popstar.
André 3000: “New Blue Sun”
The rap star released this album in November of 2023. Immediately, the album was liked for its unconventional and long song titles. The most popular track of the album is called ‘I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time.’
Sabrina Carpenter: “Short n’ Sweet”
From the moment Carpenter announced the release of the album in June by teasing cover art to its release date in August, it was highly anticipated. The popstar had gained a massive following after releasing her album “emails i can’t send” in 2022 and has since been growing in popularity. Fans enjoy the beachy, Barbie aesthetic of the “Short n’ Sweet” album, with its top track being ‘Please Please Please.’
Charli XCX: “Brat”
After being released in June, it took no time for “Brat” to make a splash on social media. The album created several trends such as putting a new positive spin onto the word ‘brat’, creating the iconic color of ‘brat green’, and starting several viral dances like the one to her hit song ‘Apple.’ It’s evident that “Brat” launched Charli XCX’s career into new heights.
Billie Eilish: “Hit Me Hard and Soft”
In 2020, Eilish took over all Big Four categories. And in 2025, the music artist has proven that she is still a favorite amongst the Academy. After its release in May, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” was an instant success, with her fourth track, ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’, topping several music charts. She’s also been seen featured on “Brat” alongside Charli XCX. “Hit Me Hard and Soft” is her first full-length studio album since her release of “Happier Than Ever” in 2021.
Chappell Roan: “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”
In September, singer-songwriter Chappell Roan debuted her first studio album. It would go on to be a massive success. The hype around “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” earned her the biggest Lollapalooza crowd ever with a total of 110,000 attendees, a duet alongside Elton John, and many more achievements. Fans loved the glittery, hot pink, and fun atmosphere that her songs created.
Taylor Swift: “The Tortured Poets Department”
“The Tortured Poets Department,” or “TTPD” for short, is Taylor Swift’s eleventh studio album and it needs no introduction. “TTPD” was highly favored by older fans for its more melancholy nature and nods toward several previous relationships that had not yet been talked about by the popstar. Swift announced her album in February during her Grammy acceptance speech for best pop vocal album. It was then released two months later in April, followed by the release of her double album, “The Anthology” just two hours after.
Jacob Collier: “Djesse Vol. 4”
Released in February, “Djesse Vol.4” became English singer Jacob Collier’s fourth and final installment of the “Djesse Series” that had begun back in 2018. This isn’t Collier’s first nomination, though. The singer had been nominated for best arrangement, instrumental, and vocals for his song ‘Never Gonna Be Alone’ featuring Lizzy McAlpine and John Mayer. The album has been well received by critics for its musical proficiency and fans are excited to see where the success of “Djesse Vol.4” will take Collier.
Who will win:
It’s realistic to assume that Taylor Swift will go home with her fifth AOTY win. Her ‘Eras Tour’ has become a universal phenomenon, quickly taking country by country by storm. Not to mention there is massive speculation around the possible announcement of her fifth re-record “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” should she win. The poetic verses, and melancholic sounds of “TTPD” has definitely earned her the nomination.
Who should win:
While Swift’s successes are apparent, many have gotten tired of her constant wins and are hoping to see somebody else take home the gold. Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter are popular votes, as they both have come incredibly far from their first couple albums and have undergone a year of immeasurable successes. Eilish’s feature on Charli XCX’s song ‘Guess’ will definitely do her good, as it shows her versatility and range. For Carpenter, her appearance on SNL and her ‘Short n’ Sweet Tour’ have continued to uphold her in the limelight.
Final thoughts:
Swift, Beyoncé, Eilish, and Carpenter are all well respected big names and will be hard to beat. Smaller names like Chappell Roan, André 3000, and Jacob Collier have tried exceptionally hard to get where they are and the work has undoubtedly paid off. With a lineup as competitive as it is, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the win.