It’s officially GRAMMY season! And today (November 8) brought with it one of the most poignant moments on the journey to Music’s Biggest Night. For, the veil was finally lifted on nominations for the GRAMMY Awards 2025.

In toasting some of the most resonating releases of the last year, a number of expected names made a major splash on the tally. Namely, Beyonce – who leads the pack with a history-making 11 nominations.

Elsewhere, however, there have been a number of pleasant surprises and shocking snubs.

Join us after the jump as we unpack some of the most notable.

Snubs

Ariana Grande

The rays of the songbird’s ‘Eternal Sunshine’ album must not have reached voters to the extent anticipated, because the LP was notably missing from the Album of the Year category. The project, which is nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album, yielded two big chart-toppers in ‘yes, and?’ and ‘we can’t be friends.’ Yet, neither cut made the cut in the coveted Record of the Year or Song of the Year categories. And the Arianators are not impressed.

Megan Thee Stallion

This one stings. The Hot Girl Coach received exactly zero nominations – despite releasing undeniable efforts such as #1 smash ‘Hiss,’ the critically acclaimed confessional ‘Cobra,’ and viral sensation ‘Mamushi.’

All sit on her solid ‘Megan’ LP, which was also shut out entirely. Unlike the stacked competition across the General and Pop fields, the competition isn’t nearly plentiful in the Hip-Hop categories, thus making the omissions even…odder.

As reported, Megan isn’t the only femcee omitted. For, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, Sexyy Red, Flo Milli, and Ice Spice all went sans nominations.

Normani

We are all STILL collectively scratching our heads at what on earth Normani’s debut “era” actually was. Yet, despite the perplexing surrounding circumstances (see: no videos and no promotion), at the heart of the campaign is a super solid premiere effort in ‘Dopamine.’

Slick, cohesive, and home to some of the year’s most exciting R&B, the performer’s shutout is rather grating. Especially when placed in the context of the ceremony being centered more on music than the noise (or in Normani’s case, the lack of noise) that surrounds it.

Chloe Bailey

Oh, Chloe. Another talent totally shut out.

The GRAMMYs have never been quiet about the fact that the ceremony is not just a song-for-song fest. Rather than that, several variables are factored into nominations, voting, shortlisting, and wins.

So, while we would have liked to see Chloe’s ‘Trouble in Paradise’ nab a piece of something, that did not come to fruition.

Dua Lipa

A GRAMMY darling in previous years, the British belle received no nominations this go round. This, despite dropping her third album ‘Radical Optimism’ and bops such as ‘Houdini’ and ‘Training Season.’

Competition in the Pop fields is intense, so perhaps that’s why Ms. Lipa didn’t make the cut.

Beyonce

Yes, Queen Bey leads this year’s nominations. but there is a slight arguable “womp womp womp” to the celebrations.

See, despite bulldozing barriers in some regards (more on that in a moment), her submission of ‘Cowboy Carter’ favorite ‘Tyrant’ did not end up yielding a nomination in a category she is renowned for dominating: Best R&B Song.

In missing out on a nod for ‘Tyrant,’ Beyonce’s 2025 tally brings her overall career nominations to 99 – just short of the groundbreaking 100 that is inevitably on the cards. Delayed gratification, ay.

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Surprises

Doechii

Doechii is unquestionably a force and one of the most electrifyingly exciting acts on the rise.

Yet, her brick-by-brick trajectory in carving out a presence (rather than astronomical, barnstorming success) made her Best New Artist nod somewhat surprising.

Elsewhere, her mixtape ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’ is vying for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance for ‘Nissan Altima,’ and Best Remixed Recording for ‘Alter Ego (Kaytranada Remix)’ alongside JT and Kaytranada.

It’s all so deserved, so trust us when we say that we’re elated for the self-coronated Swamp Princess.

RAYE

There’s no doubt that the British belter enjoyed breakout success thanks to the global vitality of her hit ‘Escapism.’ A success that was crowned with a history-making win at the BRIT Awards.

That said, touchdowns on home soil don’t guarantee mirroring recognition elsewhere. As such, RAYE’s three nominations (Best New Artist, Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical) are a welcome surprise.

Durand Bernarr

A formidable force on the R&B scene (particularly the live circuit), this titan of talent finally received his flowers with his nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album for his EP ‘En Route.’

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars

‘Die With A Smile’ is not only exquisite, it sounds like a GRAMMY magnet. Still, in only just making the eligibility cut-off (during a super competitive year at that), some felt the track wasn’t necessarily a shoo-in for nominations.

Not only has the dynamic duo proven those folks wrong, but they’ve done so in a major way.

For, ‘Smile’ is up for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Andre 3000

Andre 3000 has long marched to the beat of his own drum. As such when his album of flute music, ‘New Blue Sun,’ was released, it was received as another unique chapter in his creative journey.

Now, it looks like the OutKast star’s debut solo venture (which some scratched their heads at) may be primed for GRAMMY glory.

Brandy & Monica

What arrived as a cute remix and nod to their like-titled signature song ‘The Boy is Mine’ now sees these beloved R&B veterans contention for a GRAMMY…together…again.

Thanks to their contribution to Ariana Grande‘s ‘The Boy Is Mine’ remix, Brandy and Monica are up for the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category.

It’s of note that both stars’ only GRAMMY to date is for their collaboration, ‘The Boy Is Mine, ‘ which won Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 1999 GRAMMYs.

As such, the nomination and potential win are all sorts of poetic.

Beyonce

Beyonce’s GRAMMY dominance is cemented. Indeed, the megastar reigns as the most awarded artist in the history of the ceremony. However, with her ‘Cowboy Carter’ project, the music royal received resistance from Country music gatekeepers. Indeed, despite making history with the LP and its lead single ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ – which topped both the Hot 100 and the Country charts – she was snubbed by various Country awards.

So, some were not bracing for her placement in Country music categories at the 2025 GRAMMYs.

In the end, Mrs. Carter bagged nods in the Best Country Album, Best Solo Performance, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance alongside her broader nominations.

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The 2025 GRAMMYs 2025 airs live on February 2 from the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles.

What do you think about the snubs and surprises? Are there any others you’re shocked by?

Your thoughts?

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