My gut tells me Billie Eilish is poised to win big. While we are not “supposed” to vote on overall image and presence for most categories but instead on hard musical facts alone – this is easier said than done for voting members. Eilish is the current voice of dark emotions. For a similar reason The Joker resonated well with Oscars voters – what Eilish represents to the music community are emotions not often expressed in pop culture. Many of us commend her style and expression and I am willing to guess that she got more than a few votes.
While it is debatable is if that gets her Album of the Year, but I believe she has a good shot at Record of the Year, and of course both is possible. Her biggest competition is going to be Lizzo. Lizzo is Times’ entertainer of the year, and while I don’t want to imply Lizzo will sweep the PC votes because she is indeed talented – it would be naive of me to discount the fact that she stands to sweep big for many reasons. Especially consider all the sexism backlash and complaints that Grammys received very recently. Taylor Swift is boycotting. So are many others. There are allegations that the FEMALE CEO of the recording academy (industry speak for GRAMMYs essentially) pulled some Harvey Weinstein style stuff.
That being said, predictions:
Record of the Year: Bad Guy – Billy Eilish OR Truth Hurts – Lizzo
Album of the Year: Cuz I Love You – Lizzo
Now let’s get to Song of the Year. This actually goes to SongWRITERS. I know many people at home think of their favorite artist when this category gets announced, but this is actually a more musically academic category – in the sense that it is about the writing. I leaned towards Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy on this one as well. I know many may think Taylor Swift because it is Taylor Swift, and we love her – we really do. But, she is the sole songwriter on that song. Only one. It is more probable that the Lady Gaga song will garner more votes – more songwriters, and more experienced songwriters. The Lizzo song may prove to be good competition here as well for similar reasons. But my prediction is:
Song of the Year: Always Remember Us This Way – Lady Gaga
And of course, the coveted award of Best New Artist. While we truly appreciate Billy Eilish and her ability to not sugarcoat her emotions for the sake of conformity, I really think Lizzo’s overall image and effect on public consciousness will secure her this award.
Best New Artist: Lizzo.
Last but not least, Best Latin Pop Album is interesting this year. While many of us have an almost Pavlovian response of saying “Maluma, baby” he is really an urban artist and is almost miscategorized this year. Luis Fonsi, on the other hand, still has household crossover carryover fame from Descpacito with non-latin voters that happen to vote in this category. Fonsi may be the only name they recognize on the list for some voters, for this reason, I predict –
Best Latin Pop Album: Vida – Luis Fonsi
However, Fonsi is fortunate that Marc Anthony’s new album is in the Tropical category this year. Because having Marc Anthony on the ballot is similar to having Metallica show up on the ballot – that is who is going to get the votes. period.
