Grammy Show‑down: Kendrick & Drake Dance to the Top Spot
When the clock hit 7 pm on Friday, the charts lit up like a disco ball in L.A. Kendrick Lamar and Drake took center stage with a staggering eight and seven nominations, respectively. It’s the kind of lineup that makes even the most patriotic Brits wish they were at the front row.
Album of the Year: Who’s In the Hot Seat?
- Drake (most‑streamed 2018)
- Kendrick Lamar (the only rapper ever to snag a Pulitzer for music)
- Cardi B
- Post Malone
- Janelle Monáe
- Brandi Carlile
- Kacey Musgraves
- H.E.R.
- “Black Panther” soundtrack (crafted by Lamar)
Every one of these heavy‑hitting names also bags a nod for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. We’re talking Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Childish Gambino, Maren Morris – all with five nominations apiece.
The Biggest Surprise? Taylor Swift’s “Missing” Machine
It’s a bit of a cosmic joke: the five‑time Hot‑Streak Grammy star, Taylor Swift, barely clips the Major Awards, landing only a single nod for Pop Vocal Recording on her runaway bestseller Reputation. The only keeper? A bright‑light moment almost lost because of the show’s new “inclusive” rules.
Lady Gaga’s Meltdown Play‑by‑Play
- She’s riding the wave of Shallow with Bradley Cooper from A Star is Born
- That song also earned a Golden Globe, so folks are just wondering why it didn’t translate into a Grammy gold.
New Talent Parade
In the best‑new‑artist ring, the spotlight swings on H.E.R., Chloe x Halle, Luke Combs, Dua Lipa, Greta Van Fleet, Margo Price, Bebe Rexha and Jorja Smith. A diverse cast that’s trying to rewrite the rule book.
Who Will Take It Home?
The awards will flash on the big screen on February 10 in L.A. The Recording Academy says they’re widening the field from five to eight nominees in the four “champ” categories (Record, Song, Album of the Year, New Artist) to let the music world breathe a bit more.
More Diversity, Less Drama
- Membership grew like a viral TikTok dance.
- A dedicated task‑force tackles the “low female representation” criticism that spiraled last January.
- Rock’s absence from the top three categories is no longer a scandal—hip‑hop and R&B have been the powerhouses since 2017, according to a Nielsen Music report.
