Grammy Nominations 2025: The Biggest Snubs, Surprises, and Shocking Omissions Revealed
Grammy Nominations 2025: The 2025 Grammy nominations have arrived, sparking conversation with unexpected nominees, surprising snubs, and bold choices. While some artists celebrated breakthrough moments, others with massive fan followings and commercial success found themselves shut out. Here’s a closer look at the biggest hits, misses, and surprises from this year’s Grammy lineup.
Major Snubs: Who Got Left Out?
K-pop Shut Out from Major Categories
In a surprising turn, K-pop saw little recognition despite its global impact. Acts like BTS, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, SEVENTEEN, and Stray Kids went unrecognized in major categories, despite BLACKPINK’s Lisa submitting New Woman for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Many fans hoped K-pop’s commercial power would break through, but Grammy snubs for K-pop artists continue to be a contentious topic, especially given BTS’s history with the awards.
Tyla’s Absence Stuns Fans
Tyla, known for her genre-blending hit Water, was notably absent from nominations. Her debut album, Tyla, celebrated for its massive streaming numbers and critical acclaim, was anticipated to appear across categories like Best R&B or Pop Performance. After her Grammy win last year for Best African Music Performance, fans expected a follow-up in 2025, but her omission signals a missed opportunity to honor African pop artists’ growing influence.
Reneé Rapp’s Recognition Delayed
Gen Z icon Reneé Rapp, known for her debut album Snow Angel and her role in Mean Girls, was another significant snub. Expected to secure a Best New Artist nomination, Rapp found herself overshadowed by newcomers like Benson Boone and Teddy Swims, who lack her cultural impact. This second-year exclusion has sparked debates about the Grammy criteria for Best New Artist.
Unexpected Grammy Nominations: Surprises That Shocked Fans
Andre 3000’s Flute Album Scores Album of the Year Nod
Andre 3000 shocked audiences by securing an Album of the Year nomination for New Blue Sun, an 87-minute flute-heavy album. Known for his iconic career with OutKast, Andre’s unexpected solo project has pushed boundaries, presenting the artist’s versatility. His nomination alongside pop icons like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift signals the Grammy’s acknowledgment of unique artistic vision.
Jacob Collier’s Djesse Vol. 4 Earns Continued Recognition
British artist Jacob Collier secured a surprise nomination with Djesse Vol. 4, a niche album applauded in jazz and experimental music circles. While Collier’s influence is less mainstream, his ongoing success at the Grammys may be a testament to his artistry and his connection with producer Quincy Jones, keeping him in the Grammy spotlight.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Long-Awaited Breakthrough
Sabrina Carpenter, who faced a snub for Best New Artist last year, came back strong in 2025 with nominations across the Big Four categories. Her album Short n’ Sweet topped charts, and she’s now seen as a force in pop music. Carpenter’s Grammy recognition underscores her transformation from a rising star to a major industry player.
Missteps and Questionable Choices in the 2025 Nominations
Taylor Swift’s Fortnight in Record of the Year
While Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department earned a deserved nod for Album of the Year, her track Fortnight raised eyebrows by landing a Record of the Year nomination. Despite its chart success, critics argue that Fortnight lacked the depth and impact compared to stronger contenders like Tinashe or Shaboozey.
Ariana Grande Overlooked in Major Categories
Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine, while well-received, was notably absent from Album and Record of the Year nominations. Fans were especially disappointed by the omission of We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love) from both Song and Record of the Year categories. Grande’s absence from top categories has left her fanbase calling for clearer nomination criteria.
The 2025 Grammy nominations have once again highlighted the diversity and unpredictability of the Recording Academy’s choices, sparking discussions among fans, critics, and artists. From surprising nods to glaring oversights, this year’s Grammy lineup is sure to fuel ongoing debates about recognition in the music industry.
