One of the biggest surprises of the 2025 Grammy nominations is the number of women in the pop category. Female artists exclusively made up the Best Solo Performance and Best Vocal Album nominees this year. The stunning lineup of women includes Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Charlie XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Despite the feminist lineups throughout the pop genre, renowned abuser Chris Brown has earned several nominations in the R&B category, including Best Album for 11:11.
Another surprise comes from the rock category, where many throwback names have earned nominations—including Pearl Jam, St. Vincent, Green Day, and perhaps most shockingly, The Beatles. Despite only half of the original band remaining, The Beatles are in the running for Best Performance.
Kendrick Lamar is one name the Recording Academy isn’t sick of hearing. Lamar is nominated for several awards and has two songs in the running for Best Rap Song, including “Like That” and “Not Like Us,” proving once again that everyone loves to hate Drake.
Doechii is having a breakout year, earning well-deserved nominations in the rap category – including Best Album and Best Performance. Another star finally gaining recognition from the Recording Academy is Clairo, who earned a nomination for Best Alternative Album with Charm.
The country category has some surprising new names. Shaboozy is nominated for Best Performance for his rendition of “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which went viral earlier this year. With her hit album Cowboy Carter, Beyonce is one of the most repeated names throughout the category, picking up nominations for Best Song, Best Album, Best Duo, Best Solo, and Best Americana Performance.
While women dominate many categories, there is one that remains a classic boy’s club. Best Comedy Album has a single female nominee, Nikki Glaser, facing off against Ricky Gervais, Dave Chappelle, Jim Gaffigan, and Trevor Noah. Only six women have been nominated in the last five years, and only two women have won in the previous 25.
The 2025 Grammys will be one to watch, with many more surprises. The program will air on February 2, 2025.
