The most anticipated music award nominations have finally come out. On Nov. 7, the Grammys released the nominations for the 68th award ceremony. With 95 categories, there is not enough room for the more than 23,000 entries submitted, especially in the prestigious “Big Four” categories. Here are my predictions on who will win each of the Big Four, and who I am rooting for.
Best New Artist
Who I think will win: Alex Warren
It’s no secret that Warren had a big year. With the chart success of “Ordinary,” he completely took over the summer. With topics about his parents and wife, his songs are calming and touching. Knowing his popularity and how successful he has been, I doubt the Recording Academy would pass up the opportunity to pick him.
Who I want to win: Lola Young
As someone who discovered Young before she broke out with “Messy” last November, I believe she undoubtedly deserves it. Her album “I’m Only F**king Myself” continued her alternative sound. In my house, songs like “SPIDERS” and “Post Sex Clarity” went platinum.
Song of the Year
Who I think will win: “luther” by Kendrick Lamar & SZA
After swiping Song of the Year and Record of the Year last year, it’s clear that the Grammys love Lamar. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, longer than “Not Like Us.” Online, the song was a big success, with many creators using the sound for different posts. As someone who loves SZA, I would be so happy to see her gain another Grammy win.
Who I want to win: “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga
From debuting her song at last year’s Grammys award show with a music video release during commercials, this song has been huge in pop culture. The sound references queer ballroom culture, and really makes the song catchy and enjoyable. There truly is no song like it. No one can do Gaga like Gaga.
Record of the Year
Who I think will win: “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
The song had everyone in a chokehold during the winter, managing to place in the top three of Billboard Hot 100. The song has been met with different trends, with people recreating the dance and referencing a Korean drinking game. While this will be ROSÉ’s first-ever nomination, Mars is no stranger to winning at the Grammys.
Who I want to win: “The Subway” by Chappell Roan
This has to be one of the most anticipated songs to ever come out. Roan first debuted the song at the 2024 Governors Ball. Her live performances went viral, with fans waiting for the song to drop on streaming. When it did, I was obsessed with it. The ending of “She’s got a way” and “She got away” is gut-wrenching, mostly due to how she belts it. No other nominated song has such a powerful ending.
Album of the Year
Who I think will win: “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” by Bad Bunny
The 2026 Super Bowl halftime show performer is one of the biggest artists in the world. While he has yet to win Album of the Year after losing to Harry Styles, I can see him taking the award this year. Everything would line up perfectly with his halftime show and chart performance; he has a great case going for him in this category.
Who I want to win: “Mayhem” by Lady Gaga
This album is the perfect example of Gaga going back to her roots and perfecting it. From upbeat songs like “Abracadabra” and “Garden Of Eden” to the ballad of “Blade Of Grass,” this album perfectly captures its name. The chaos and mix of genres makes me hope “Mayhem” takes it home.
The 68th Grammy Awards will be announced on Feb. 1. Until then, the Big Four remain unawarded.
