The music industry is holding its breath as the announcement for the 68th annual Grammy Awards nominations approaches. Set for Friday, November 7, the reveal will confirm which artists and recordings will compete for the industry's highest honors. The Record of the Year category, in particular, is filled with potential history-making moments, from groundbreaking K-pop entries to established superstars chasing new records.
This year's field includes global smashes that dominated the charts, setting the stage for one of the most competitive races in recent memory. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bruno Mars are among the top contenders, each with a unique narrative that could sway Recording Academy voters.
Key Takeaways
- Nominations for the 68th Grammy Awards will be announced on November 7.
- K-pop artists HUNTR/X and ROSÉ are strong contenders for a first-ever Record of the Year nomination in the genre.
- Kendrick Lamar and SZA could become the first occasional duet partners to receive two nominations in this category.
- Bruno Mars is vying for a seventh nomination, with a potential win making him the first artist to ever win the award four times.
- Alex Warren's global hit "Ordinary" and Sabrina Carpenter's "Manchild" are also seen as major frontrunners.
The Frontrunners and Chart Dominators
Several massive hits from the past year are widely expected to secure a spot in the Record of the Year category. These tracks not only achieved commercial success but also garnered significant critical acclaim, making them prime candidates for a nomination.
Kendrick Lamar & SZA - Luther
The collaboration "Luther" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA stands out as a dominant force. The track spent an impressive 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it a commercial juggernaut. A nomination would be Lamar's fifth in this category, setting a new record for a hip-hop artist, surpassing his current tie with Jay-Z. For SZA, it would be her fourth nod.
The duo was previously nominated seven years ago for "All the Stars," and a second nomination would make them the first infrequent collaborators to be recognized twice in this prestigious category. The song's clever use of an older, less familiar sample from Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn's 1982 rendition of "If This World Were Mine" is seen as a strength, distinguishing it from tracks that rely on more recent hits.
Sabrina Carpenter - Manchild
Fresh off her nomination for "Espresso" last year, Sabrina Carpenter could see a return with "Manchild." The lead single from her album Man's Best Friend became her second No. 1 hit. Produced with Jack Antonoff, the song's clever lyrics and infectious melody have made it a favorite. A nomination would be Antonoff's fourth in this category as a producer.
Alex Warren - Ordinary
The power ballad "Ordinary" by Alex Warren was a global phenomenon. The song topped the Hot 100 for 10 weeks and also dominated charts in the U.K. and globally. Its immense success has positioned it as a near-lock for a nomination. The track was also named Billboard's Song of the Summer, a title historically linked to Record of the Year nominations, though not wins in recent decades.
Song of the Summer History
Twenty previous "Song of the Summer" honorees have gone on to receive a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. However, the only one to ever win the award was the very first, Domenico Modugno's "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volaré)" in 1959.
Potential for Historic Milestones
This year’s nominations could break new ground for several artists and genres, reflecting the evolving landscape of popular music. From K-pop's global rise to veteran artists chasing all-time records, several storylines are adding excitement to the race.
K-Pop's Big Moment
The 68th Grammys could be a landmark event for K-pop. Both HUNTR/X with their globe-conquering hit "Golden" and ROSÉ with her Bruno Mars collaboration "APT." are in serious contention. A nomination for either would be the first time a K-pop artist has been recognized in the Record of the Year category.
"Golden" spent eight weeks at No. 1 and could also become the first song by an animated act to be nominated since The Chipmunks in 1959. Meanwhile, "APT." peaked at No. 3 and brings superstar power with Bruno Mars.
Bruno Mars Chases a Record
A nomination for "APT." would be Bruno Mars' seventh in this category. If the song goes on to win, Mars would become the first artist in Grammy history to win Record of the Year four times. He is currently tied with Paul Simon at three wins each. Mars previously won for "Uptown Funk!", "24K Magic", and "Leave the Door Open."
Navigating Samples and Alternate Versions
Grammy voters' approach to samples and alternate song versions adds another layer of intrigue. Doechii's "Anxiety," which heavily samples Gotye's 2013 winner "Somebody That I Used to Know," might face resistance from voters who prefer more original compositions. Similarly, Leon Thomas' "Mutt (Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk)" is an alternative version of a song from a previous eligibility year, a format that has never been nominated for Record of the Year, though live recordings have won in performance categories.
Other Strong Contenders in a Crowded Field
Beyond the major frontrunners, a deep pool of talented artists and hit songs are vying for one of the eight coveted nomination slots. These artists have built significant momentum through chart performance, critical praise, and industry buzz.
- Gracie Abrams - "That’s So True": This track became Abrams' first top 10 hit on the Hot 100, peaking at No. 6. It could earn her a second major category nomination after her Best New Artist nod two years ago.
- Chappell Roan - "The Subway": Following her Best New Artist win and a nomination for "Good Luck, Babe!" last year, Roan is a strong candidate with this No. 3 hit produced by Dan Nigro.
- Lady Gaga - "Abracadabra": A potential fourth nomination for Gaga in this category, this single peaked at No. 13 and showcases her continued ability to craft compelling pop music.
- Billie Eilish - "Wildflower": Eilish is a Grammy favorite, and "Wildflower" could earn her a sixth nomination in this category in just seven years, a remarkable run of consistency.
Other names creating buzz include Tyla with "Push 2 Start," the 20-year-old self-produced artist sombr with "Back to Friends," and Shaboozey with "Good News." The final list of eight nominees will be revealed on November 7, setting the stage for the main event in February.