Two days from now, in Los Angeles, California the 61st annual Grammy Awards will be held. And I’m just anticipating the major DISAPPOINTMENT that’s destined to follow throughout the evening.

Still holding a major gripe with the academy for the shenanigans they pulled in 2018, (when Lorde’s ‘Melodrama’ lost the Grammy Award for Album Of The Year) I highly doubt that any justice will be served this go-round.

Nonetheless, I remain hopeful as some of my favorite musical acts of the past year are nominated in various categories. And I thought it’d be fun to let you guys know who I’m rooting for this year at the award show.

Who knows? Maybe the academy will actually get it right for change. (Lol, I couldn’t even type that with a straight face). So without further chatter, let’s proceed to the list!

#5. Travis Scott

Image result for astroworld album cover
Nominations (3): Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Album

Without a doubt, ‘Sicko Mode’ was one of the best Hip-Hop tracks of 2018. Its futuristic and transformer-like production made it an instant stand-out in the entire Rap genre. And it’s very much deserving of at least 1 of the awards it’s nominated for.

Additionally, with ‘AstroWorld’ I feel as if Travis has proven himself to be more of a creative force to be reckoned with. As the entire album has a very experimental aura about it. In fact, its psychedelic, other-worldly mannerisms have made it one of the better albums of the past music year in my opinion.

Hell, I’m surprised it wasn’t nominated for the coveted Album Of The Year Award. Likewise, I’m equally taken aback that the super-smash hit ‘Sicko Mode’ didn’t find it’s way into any of the 3 general categories. Probably because there were just one too many Hip-Hop nominees already clogging those lists.

Nevertheless, it would do my heart extreme joy to see Travis Scott walk away with his first ever Grammy win in any of these categories. And if the academy’s leaning toward talent and if Kylie Jenner has anything to do with it, he’ll get his just rewards.

#4. Brandi Carlile

Nominations (6): Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best American Roots Performance, Best American Roots Song, Best Americana Album

As I’ve admitted before in my Top 15 Songs Of 2018 Post Series , I was one of those individuals who hadn’t discovered Brandi’s music prior to seeing the nominations for this year’s Grammys. However, I was also one of those people who fell in love with her sound.

Now, I’m not usually one to dabble in the Country/Folk/Americana confines of music, but I grew a great appreciation for Brandi’s heartwarming contributions. And although I personally think the song ‘Sugartooth’ is better than ‘The Joke’, I still would like to see it take home an award or two, preferably in the American Roots categories.

When it comes to Album Of The Year, I wouldn’t be peeved in the least to see her walk away with the award. I feel that Brandi is a representative of a lot of talented, non-mainstream artists who often get overlooked at these prestigious award shows.

Hence, I’d love to see her leave the night with something. Her sound may be different from what I’m personally accustomed to, but I can give credit where credit is do. And hopefully, the academy feels the same way.

#3. Childish Gambino

Nominations (5): Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best R&B Song, Best Rap/Sung Performance, Best Music Video

Donald Glover, Mr. Childish Gambino himself stopped the world in its tracks with ‘This Is America’ – 2018’s most monstrous, Hip-Hop track. The song itself is so cleverly crafted, not to mention jam-packed with a plethora of cultural, political, and societal messages.

In tandem with conveying profound truths, the song’s fiery fusion of Rap and Gospel elevate its production to new heights. Likewise, its imprinting lyrics repeatedly bring listeners into a subconscious state without fail.

That said, I’d honestly be outraged if Gambino goes home empty-handed after this year’s show. This song was one of the better songs of this decade. And it’s music video was equally noteworthy. Not to mention, it was rightfully dubbed one of favorite songs of 2018.

I know the academy has an inclination toward choosing generalized, safe, non-thought-provoking winners, but I think we all can agree that this work of art should be one of many exceptions to the rule. Give Gambino his damn Grammys!

#2. Ariana Grande

Nominations (2): Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album

In my opinion, Ariana’s ‘Sweetner’ produced some of the best Pop songs of 2018. Tracks like ‘No Tears Left To Cry’ and ‘God Is A Woman’ are sonically captivating and further showcase her vocal prowess and overall growth as an artist.

When it comes to these nominations, I really hope Ariana walks away with at least one. And if this is the case, it’s most likely going to be the award for Best Pop Solo Performance for ‘God Is A Woman’. Considering how heavily saturated this year’s Grammy Awards is with Hip-Hop nominations, I’m not too surprised by Pop’s underwhelming nomination count.

Also, I really don’t think the academy is going to let Taylor Swift not win the only award she’s been nominated for (Best Pop Vocal Album). Consequently, that leaves me with fingers crossed that Ariana snatches her first ever Grammy award in the other category.

Truthfully, she has worked extremely hard the past year and has done a great job revitalizing Pop music with her infectious melodies and powerful voice. I’m just hoping all her efforts are recognized this time around. Thank u, next.

**Honorable Mentions**

  • Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
  • Ella Mai
  • H.E.R.
  • St. Vincent
  • Cardi B
  • Post Malone

#1. Janelle Monáe 

Nominations (2): Album Of The Year, Video Of The Year

Upon seeing the list of nominations, I recall scanning up and down repeatedly in search of Janelle’s whereabouts. When I realized that she had only been given two nominations, I was fairly upset. I started to get a nasty case of deja vu from last year, when ‘Melodrama’ only got 1 nomination.

And I get it, this body of work wasn’t nearly as successfully mainstream as some of the others nominated in these categories. But dammit, it doesn’t make it any less incredible! For me, ‘Dirty Computer’ was the best musical body of work for 2018. The only thing for me that rivaled it, was twenty one pilots’ ‘Trench’ and Noname’s “Room 25”.

Notwithstanding, if we’re choosing a winner for Album Of The Year based on artistic excellence, profundity, conveying relevant, relatable themes, depth, cohesiveness, sonics, quality, etc. then there’s truly no comparison – it has got to be this record!

And what better way for Janelle to celebrate her first Grammy win than by winning the most prestigious award of the night? Furthermore, as a Pop-enthusiast it’d fill me with great exuberance to see the academy choosing something not only from this genre, but something a lot more substantial than what’s been consuming the mainstream all 2018. But you know, a guy can only dream.

Did you enjoy the list? Who would you like to see take home a Grammy in 2019? Let me know in the comment section below.

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