Come ogni anno, puntuali a metà novembre sono arrivate le nomination dei Grammys, in questo caso dei Gramys 2020. Gli Oscar della musica sono ormai da moltissimi decenni il premio più prestigioso esistente per l’arte musicale, eppure da qualche anno seguono modalità fin troppo simile a quelli di varie altre premiazioni un tempo considerate di livello inferiore: a partire dalla conduzione affidata spesso a star musicali e non a veri conduttori (quest’anno tocca di nuovo ad Alicia Keys, che aveva già condotto lo show l’anno scorso) fino ad arrivare a nomine che premiano quasi esclusivamente i lavori di maggior successo, I Grammys stanno infatti causando abbastanza sgomento presso chi fino a un po’ di tempo fa li considerava al di sopra di ogni altra manifestazione musicale mainstream.
Lo scorso anno, in verità, il livello era risalito abbastanza per quello che riguarda le nominations: le nomine hanno abbracciato molti prodotti di qualità che non avevano goduto di particolare successo, addirittura qualche non-singolo. Eppure, quest’anno, il trend è cambiato per una seconda volta ed a fare da protagonisti fra le fila delle nominations tornano ad essere solo ed esclusivamente album e singoli che si sono distinti per un forte successo commerciale. Questo, chiaramente, non coincide sempre con l’indicare prodotti di scarsa qualità, ma include sicuramente anche lavori che qualche anno fa non ci saremmo mai aspettati di vedere in un simile contesto.
Gli amici dei Grammys 2020: Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift e altri nominati quasi solo per le vendite
Partiamo dagli album: in quest’ambito possiamo notare la presenza di nomi già nominati più e più volte in passato, e in alcuni casi anche di persone che hanno vinto una quantità esorbitante di premi presso i Grammys causando non di rado sospetti e polemiche. Beyoncé, ad esempio, è l’artista donna che è stata premiata più volte dalla manifestazione, ed in questo caso ha ricevuto più di una nomination per l’album celebrativo rilasciato in concomitanza col Re Leone: un lavoro incredibilmente sottotono per lei che in passato ha firmato più di un album capolavoro, eppure per la commissione dei Grammys valutato alla stregua di “4” o di “Lemonade”. Giusta invece la nomination del brano “Spirit”.
Dall’altro lato abbiamo una Taylor Swift con luci ed ombre: considerata a ragione per il bellissimo singolo “Lover”, fra i testi più emozionanti dell’anno, ma che nel contempo prende nomination anche per l’album nonostante si tratti anche in questo caso di un lavoro molto sottotono rispetto ad altri suoi lavori. Lascia a bocca aperta Ariana Grande, posptar baciata da un successo enorme di recente ma anche interprete artefice di due album di fila che l’hanno portata ad un livello qualitativo molto inferiore rispetto a quello raggiunto con “Dangerous Woman”: per lei davvero incetta di nomination, ed è difficile immaginare uno scenario in cui non vincerà nemmeno una statuetta.
Allo stesso modo, hit carine ma senza particolare spessore artistico come “Senorita” e “Bad Guy” sono state nominate senza altre ragioni oltre il successo, così come un album di Ed Sheeran che è più un cosplay di altri artisti piuttosto che un album vero e proprio. Una sola nomination, fra l’altro per un remix della canzone peggiore dell’album, va invece a Madonna che con “Madame X” ha sfornato sicuramente uno degli album migliori del decennio: anche questo è difficile farselo andare bene.
Non tutto è negativo… ma qualcosa si
Per fortuna, non tutto ciò che coinvolto in questo processo viene premiato per un successo privo di qualità: Lizzo ad esempio si porta a casa svariate nomination dopo un ingresso trionfale e ricco di qualità nello scenario musicale mainstream, mentre Lana Del Rey ottiene più nomination che mai dopo essere effettivamente tornata con uno degli album più belli della sua intera carriera. Giusto anche considerare l’ottimo ritorno in scena dei Jonas Brothers, finalmente in versione adulta e pronti a mettere il talento musicale prima dell’immagine, ed anche le categorie che si riferiscono a musica attualmente meno mainstream (rock, classical pop e via dicendo) sono state assegnate con criteri meno “furbi”.
Sul fronte canzoni è sicuramente meritato nominare una canzone innovativa come “Old Town Road” di Lil Nas X, canzone che ha unito hip-hop e country come raramente è stato fatto, ma ha senso nominare poi l’EP dello stesso artista come album dell’anno dal momento in cui non si tratta affatto di un lavoro ricercato, con un concept e molto impegno, ma solo di un accostamento di pochissime canzoni forti, tutte adatte ad essere singoli e simili alla prima hit? A parte questo, in entrambi i generi musicali adesso citati (country e rap) le nomination sono state in verità abbastanza ben fatte, molto di più rispetto al pop e l’R&B.
Fra le nomination R&B, di nuovo, luci e ombre: il talento di H.E.R. viene finalmente riconosciuto da una pioggia di nomination a cui farà sicuramente seguito almeno la vittoria di un premio, e la creatività di Brandy e Daniel Caesar nell’unire due generazioni in un unico pezzo anche è stata riconosciuta. Ma anche qui, se si fa attenzione, si nota che ad essere nominato è solo il successo: “No Guidance” di Chris Brown feat. Drake non è nemmeno lontanamente il miglior singolo che Brown abbia estratto dal bellissimo album “Indigo”, eppure è l’unica pubblicazione del cantante e ballerino ad essere nominata ai Grammys da anni – forse proprio perché è la prima a raggiungere certi livelli di successo da anni. Allo stesso modo, Khalid è nominato con la banalotta “Talk” e non certo per altri brani di altissimo livello che ha pubblicato di recente.
Grammys 2020: vecchie criticità che si ripresentano
Sul fronte Best New Artist, beh: un tempo venivano nominati davvero i debuttanti, un tempo Christina Aguilera e Britney Spears si contendevano questo premio davvero a pochi mesi dall’effettiva pubblicazione dei loro album, mentre oggi assistiamo a sfida di artisti che in realtà esistono da moltissimo tempo nello scenario musicale, ma semplicemente sono arrivati soltanto ora a livelli di successo tale da attirare l’attenzione del grande pubblico che ha il potere di dare share alla serata dei Grammys.
Perché, appunto, i Grammys 2020 vogliono solo questo: nomi che vengano riconosciuti dalla gente e garantiscano un buon share, e per tutto il resto c’è veramente poco spazio. Sarà per questo che una certa Billie Eilish, ormai amatissima dai giovani, ha ricevuto anche lei moltissime nomination pur avendo poco altro di un personaggio forte ed un genere particolare dalla sua – un’artista con caratteristiche vocali simili alle sue un tempo avrebbe avuto molte difficoltà a farsi associare ai Grammys.
Grammys 2020: clicca qui per tutte le nomination
GENERAL FIELD
1. Record Of The Year
Award to the Artist and to the Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s) and mastering engineer(s), if other than the artist.
- HEY, MA
Bon Iver
BJ Burton, Brad Cook, Chris Messina & Justin Vernon, producers; BJ Burton, Zach Hansen & Chris Messina, engineers/mixers; Greg Calbi, mastering engineer
- BAD GUY
Billie Eilish
Finneas O’Connell, producer; Rob Kinelski & Finneas O’Connell, engineers/mixers; John Greenham, mastering engineer
- 7 RINGS
Ariana Grande
Charles Anderson, Tommy Brown, Michael Foster &
Victoria Monet, producers; Serban Ghenea, John Hanes,
Billy Hickey & Brendan Morawski, engineers/mixers;
Randy Merrill, mastering engineer
- HARD PLACE
H.E.R.
Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, producer; Joseph Hurtado, Jaycen Joshua, Derek Keota & Miki Tsutsumi, engineers/mixers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer
- TALK
Khalid
Disclosure & Denis Kosiak, producers; Ingmar Carlson, Jon Castelli, Josh Deguzman, John Kercy, Denis Kosiak, Guy Lawrence & Michael Romero, engineers/mixers; Dale Becker, mastering engineer
- OLD TOWN ROAD
Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
Andrew “VoxGod” Bolooki & YoungKio, producers; Andrew “VoxGod” Bolooki & Cinco, engineers/mixers; Eric Lagg, mastering engineer
- TRUTH HURTS
Lizzo
Ricky Reed & Tele, producers; Chris Galland, Manny Marroquin & Ethan Shumaker, engineers/mixers; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer
- SUNFLOWER
Post Malone & Swae Lee
Louis Bell & Carter Lang, producers; Louis Bell & Manny Marroquin, engineers/mixers
2. Album Of The Year
Award to Artist(s) and to Featured Artist(s), Songwriter(s) of new material, Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s), Mixer(s) and Mastering Engineer(s) credited with at least 33% playing time of the album, if other than Artist.
- I,I
Bon Iver
Brad Cook, Chris Messina & Justin Vernon, producers; Zach Hansen & Chris Messina, engineers/mixers; BJ Burton, Brad Cook & Justin Vernon, songwriters; Greg Calbi, mastering engineer
- NORMAN F***ING ROCKWELL!
Lana Del Rey
Jack Antonoff & Lana Del Rey, producers; Jack Antonoff & Laura Sisk, engineers/mixers; Jack Antonoff & Lana Del Rey, songwriters; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer
- WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
Billie Eilish
Finneas O’Connell, producer; Rob Kinelski & Finneas O’Connell, engineers/mixers; Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters; John Greenham, mastering engineer
- THANK U, NEXT
Ariana Grande
Tommy Brown, Ilya, Max Martin & Victoria Monet, producers; Serban Ghenea & Brendan Morawski, engineers/mixers; Tommy Brown, Ariana Grande, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Victoria Monet, Tayla Parx & Ilya Salmanzadeh, songwriters; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer
- I USED TO KNOW HER
H.E.R.
David “Swagg R’Celious” Harris, H.E.R., Walter Jones & Jeff Robinson, producers; Miki Tsutsumi, engineer/mixer; Sam Ashworth, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, David “Swagg R’Celious” Harris & H.E.R., songwriters; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer
- 7
Lil Nas X
Montero Lamar Hill, songwriter; Eric Lagg, mastering engineer
- CUZ I LOVE YOU (DELUXE)
Lizzo
Ricky Reed, producer; Manny Marroquin & Ethan Shumaker, engineers/mixers; Eric Frederic & Melissa Jefferson, songwriters; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer
- FATHER OF THE BRIDE
Vampire Weekend
Ezra Koenig & Ariel Rechtshaid, producers; John DeBold, Chris Kasych, Takemasa Kosaka, Ariel Rechtshaid & Hiroya Takayama, engineers/mixers; Ezra Koenig, songwriter; Emily Lazar, mastering engineer
3. Song Of The Year
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
- ALWAYS REMEMBER US THIS WAY
Natalie Hemby, Lady Gaga, Hillary Lindsey & Lori McKenna, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
- BAD GUY
Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
- BRING MY FLOWERS NOW
Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth & Tanya Tucker, songwriters (Tanya Tucker)
- HARD PLACE
Ruby Amanfu, Sam Ashworth, D. Arcelious Harris, H.E.R. & Rodney Jerkins, songwriters (H.E.R.)
- LOVER
Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)
- NORMAN F***ING ROCKWELL
Jack Antonoff & Lana Del Rey, songwriters (Lana Del Rey)
- SOMEONE YOU LOVED
Tom Barnes, Lewis Capaldi, Pete Kelleher, Benjamin Kohn & Sam Roman, songwriters (Lewis Capaldi)
- TRUTH HURTS
Steven Cheung, Eric Frederic, Melissa Jefferson & Jesse Saint John, songwriters (Lizzo)
4. Best New Artist
An artist will be considered for Best New Artist if their eligibility year release/s achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and notably impacted the musical landscape.
- BLACK PUMAS
- BILLIE EILISH
- LIL NAS X
- LIZZO
- MAGGIE ROGERS
- ROSALÍA
- TANK AND THE BANGAS
- YOLA
POP
5. Best Pop Solo Performance
For new vocal or instrumental pop recordings. Singles or Tracks only.
- SPIRIT
Beyoncé
- BAD GUY
Billie Eilish
- 7 RINGS
Ariana Grande
- TRUTH HURTS
Lizzo
- YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN
Taylor Swift
6. Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
For new vocal or instrumental duo/group or collaborative pop recordings. Singles or Tracks only.
- BOYFRIEND
Ariana Grande & Social House
- SUCKER
Jonas Brothers
- OLD TOWN ROAD
Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
- SUNFLOWER
Post Malone & Swae Lee
- SEÑORITA
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
7. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new traditional pop recordings.
- SÌ
Andrea Bocelli
- LOVE (DELUXE EDITION)
Michael Bublé
- LOOK NOW
Elvis Costello & The Imposters
- A LEGENDARY CHRISTMAS
John Legend
- WALLS
Barbra Streisand
8. Best Pop Vocal Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal pop recordings.
- THE LION KING: THE GIFT
Beyoncé
- WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
Billie Eilish
- THANK U, NEXT
Ariana Grande
- NO.6 COLLABORATIONS PROJECT
Ed Sheeran
- LOVER
Taylor Swift
DANCE/ELECTRONIC MUSIC
9. Best Dance Recording
For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances. Vocal or Instrumental. Singles or tracks only.
- LINKED
Bonobo
Simon Green, producer; Simon Green, mixer
- GOT TO KEEP ON
The Chemical Brothers
The Chemical Brothers, producers; Steve Dub Jones & Tom Rowlands, mixers
- PIECE OF YOUR HEART
Meduza Featuring Goodboys
Simone Giani, Luca De Gregorio & Mattia Vitale, producers; Simone Giani, Luca De Gregorio & Mattia Vitale, mixers
- UNDERWATER
RÜFÜS DU SOL
Jason Evigan & RÜFÜS DU SOL, producers; Cassian Stewart-Kasimba, mixer
- MIDNIGHT HOUR
Skrillex & Boys Noize Featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Boys Noize & Skrillex, producers; Skrillex, mixer
10. Best Dance/Electronic Album
For vocal or instrumental albums. Albums only.
- LP5
Apparat
- NO GEOGRAPHY
The Chemical Brothers
- HI THIS IS FLUME (MIXTAPE)
Flume
- SOLACE
RÜFÜS DU SOL
- WEATHER
Tycho
CONTEMPORARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
11. Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
For albums containing approximately 51% or more playing time of instrumental material. For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new recordings.
- ANCESTRAL RECALL
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
- STAR PEOPLE NATION
Theo Croker
- BEAT MUSIC! BEAT MUSIC! BEAT MUSIC!
Mark Guiliana
- ELEVATE
Lettuce
- METTAVOLUTION
Rodrigo y Gabriela
ROCK
12. Best Rock Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative rock recordings.
- PRETTY WASTE
Bones UK
- THIS LAND
Gary Clark Jr.
- HISTORY REPEATS
Brittany Howard
- WOMAN
Karen O & Danger Mouse
- TOO BAD
Rival Sons
13. Best Metal Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative metal recordings.
- ASTOROLUS – THE GREAT OCTOPUS
Candlemass Featuring Tony Iommi
- HUMANICIDE
Death Angel
- BOW DOWN
I Prevail
- UNLEASHED
Killswitch Engage
- 7EMPEST
Tool
14. Best Rock Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. Includes Rock, Hard Rock and Metal songs. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
- FEAR INOCULUM
Tool, songwriters (Tool)
- GIVE YOURSELF A TRY
George Daniel, Adam Hann, Matthew Healy & Ross MacDonald, songwriters (The 1975)
- HARMONY HALL
Ezra Koenig, songwriter (Vampire Weekend)
- HISTORY REPEATS
Brittany Howard, songwriter (Brittany Howard)
- THIS LAND
Gary Clark Jr., songwriter (Gary Clark Jr.)
15. Best Rock Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new rock, hard rock or metal recordings.
- AMO
Bring Me The Horizon
- SOCIAL CUES
Cage The Elephant
- IN THE END
The Cranberries
- TRAUMA
I Prevail
- FERAL ROOTS
Rival Sons
ALTERNATIVE
16. Best Alternative Music Album
Vocal or Instrumental.
- U.F.O.F.
Big Thief
- ASSUME FORM
James Blake
- I,I
Bon Iver
- FATHER OF THE BRIDE
Vampire Weekend
- ANIMA
Thom Yorke
R&B
17. Best R&B Performance
For new vocal or instrumental R&B recordings.
- LOVE AGAIN
Daniel Caesar & Brandy
- COULD’VE BEEN
H.E.R. Featuring Bryson Tiller
- EXACTLY HOW I FEEL
Lizzo Featuring Gucci Mane
- ROLL SOME MO
Lucky Daye
- COME HOME
Anderson .Paak Featuring André 3000
18. Best Traditional R&B Performance
For new vocal or instrumental traditional R&B recordings.
- TIME TODAY
BJ The Chicago Kid
- STEADY LOVE
India.Arie
- JEROME
Lizzo
- REAL GAMES
Lucky Daye
- BUILT FOR LOVE
PJ Morton Featuring Jazmine Sullivan
19. Best R&B Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
- COULD’VE BEEN
Dernst Emile II, David “Swagg R’Celious” Harris, H.E.R. & Hue “Soundzfire” Strother, songwriters (H.E.R. Featuring Bryson Tiller)
- LOOK AT ME NOW
Emily King & Jeremy Most, songwriters (Emily King)
- NO GUIDANCE
Chris Brown, Tyler James Bryant, Nija Charles, Aubrey Graham, Anderson Hernandez, Michee Patrick Lebrun, Joshua Lewis, Noah Shebib & Teddy Walton, songwriters (Chris Brown Featuring Drake)
- ROLL SOME MO
David Brown, Dernst Emile II & Peter Lee Johnson, songwriters (Lucky Daye)
- SAY SO
PJ Morton, songwriter (PJ Morton Featuring JoJo)
20. Best Urban Contemporary Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded contemporary vocal tracks derivative of R&B.
- APOLLO XXI
Steve Lacy
- CUZ I LOVE YOU (DELUXE)
Lizzo
- OVERLOAD
Georgia Anne Muldrow
- SATURN
NAO
- BEING HUMAN IN PUBLIC
Jessie Reyez
21. Best R&B Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new R&B recordings.
- 1123
BJ The Chicago Kid
- PAINTED
Lucky Daye
- ELLA MAI
Ella Mai
- PAUL
PJ Morton
- VENTURA
Anderson .Paak
RAP
22. Best Rap Performance
For a Rap performance. Singles or Tracks only.
- MIDDLE CHILD
J. Cole
- SUGE
DaBaby
- DOWN BAD
Dreamville Featuring J.I.D, Bas, J. Cole, EARTHGANG & Young Nudy
- RACKS IN THE MIDDLE
Nipsey Hussle Featuring Roddy Ricch & Hit-Boy
- CLOUT
Offset Featuring Cardi B
23. Best Rap/Sung Performance
For a solo or collaborative performance containing both elements of R&B melodies and Rap.
- HIGHER
DJ Khaled Featuring Nipsey Hussle & John Legend
- DRIP TOO HARD
Lil Baby & Gunna
- PANINI
Lil Nas X
- BALLIN
Mustard Featuring Roddy Ricch
- THE LONDON
Young Thug Featuring J. Cole & Travis Scott
24. Best Rap Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
- BAD IDEA
Chancelor Bennett, Cordae Dunston, Uforo Ebong & Daniel Hackett, songwriters (YBN Cordae Featuring Chance The Rapper)
- GOLD ROSES
Noel Cadastre, Aubrey Graham, Anderson Hernandez, Khristopher Riddick-Tynes, William Leonard Roberts II, Joshua Quinton Scruggs, Leon Thomas III & Ozan Yildirim, songwriters (Rick Ross Featuring Drake)
- A LOT
Jermaine Cole, Dacoury Natche, 21 Savage & Anthony White, songwriters (21 Savage Featuring J. Cole)
- RACKS IN THE MIDDLE
Ermias Asghedom, Dustin James Corbett, Greg Allen Davis, Chauncey Hollis, Jr. & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Nipsey Hussle Featuring Roddy Ricch & Hit-Boy)
- SUGE
DaBaby, Jetsonmade & Pooh Beatz, songwriters (DaBaby)
25. Best Rap Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new rap recordings.
- REVENGE OF THE DREAMERS III
Dreamville
- CHAMPIONSHIPS
Meek Mill
- I AM > I WAS
21 Savage
- IGOR
Tyler, The Creator
- THE LOST BOY
YBN Cordae
COUNTRY
26. Best Country Solo Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo country recordings.
- ALL YOUR’N
Tyler Childers
- GIRL GOIN’ NOWHERE
Ashley McBryde
- RIDE ME BACK HOME
Willie Nelson
- GOD’S COUNTRY
Blake Shelton
- BRING MY FLOWERS NOW
Tanya Tucker
27. Best Country Duo/Group Performance
For new vocal or instrumental duo/group or collaborative country recordings.
- BRAND NEW MAN
Brooks & Dunn With Luke Combs
- I DON’T REMEMBER ME (BEFORE YOU)
Brothers Osborne
- SPEECHLESS
Dan + Shay
- THE DAUGHTERS
Little Big Town
- COMMON
Maren Morris Featuring Brandi Carlile
28. Best Country Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
- BRING MY FLOWERS NOW
Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth & Tanya Tucker, songwriters (Tanya Tucker)
- GIRL GOIN’ NOWHERE
Jeremy Bussey & Ashley McBryde, songwriters (Ashley McBryde)
- IT ALL COMES OUT IN THE WASH
Miranda Lambert, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna & Liz Rose, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
- SOME OF IT
Eric Church, Clint Daniels, Jeff Hyde & Bobby Pinson, songwriters (Eric Church)
- SPEECHLESS
Shay Mooney, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers & Laura Veltz, songwriters (Dan + Shay)
29. Best Country Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new country recordings.
- DESPERATE MAN
Eric Church
- STRONGER THAN THE TRUTH
Reba McEntire
- INTERSTATE GOSPEL
Pistol Annies
- CENTER POINT ROAD
Thomas Rhett
- WHILE I’M LIVIN’
Tanya Tucker
NEW AGE
30. Best New Age Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental new age recordings.
- FAIRY DREAMS
David Arkenstone
- HOMAGE TO KINDNESS
David Darling
- WINGS
Peter Kater
- VERVE
Sebastian Plano
- DEVA
Deva Premal
JAZZ
31. Best Improvised Jazz Solo
For an instrumental jazz solo performance. Two equal performers on one recording may be eligible as one entry. If the soloist listed appears on a recording billed to another artist, the latter’s name is in parenthesis for identification. Singles or Tracks only.
- ELSEWHERE
Melissa Aldana, soloist
- SOZINHO
Randy Brecker, soloist
- TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION
Julian Lage, soloist
- THE WINDUP
Branford Marsalis, soloist
- SIGHTSEEING
Christian McBride, soloist
32. Best Jazz Vocal Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal jazz recordings.
- THIRSTY GHOST
Sara Gazarek
- LOVE & LIBERATION
Jazzmeia Horn
- ALONE TOGETHER
Catherine Russell
- 12 LITTLE SPELLS
Esperanza Spalding
- SCREENPLAY
The Tierney Sutton Band
33. Best Jazz Instrumental Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new instrumental jazz recordings.
- IN THE KEY OF THE UNIVERSE
Joey DeFrancesco
- THE SECRET BETWEEN THE SHADOW AND THE SOUL
Branford Marsalis Quartet
- CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S NEW JAWN
Christian McBride
- FINDING GABRIEL
Brad Mehldau
- COME WHAT MAY
Joshua Redman Quartet
34. Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new ensemble jazz recordings.
- TRIPLE HELIX
Anat Cohen Tentet
- DANCER IN NOWHERE
Miho Hazama
- HIDING OUT
Mike Holober & The Gotham Jazz Orchestra
- THE OMNI-AMERICAN BOOK CLUB
Brian Lynch Big Band
- ONE DAY WONDER
Terraza Big Band
35. Best Latin Jazz Album
For vocal or instrumental albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. The intent of this category is to recognize recordings that represent the blending of jazz with Latin, Iberian-American, Brazilian, and Argentinian tango music.
- ANTIDOTE
Chick Corea & The Spanish Heart Band
- SORTE!: MUSIC BY JOHN FINBURY
Thalma de Freitas With Vitor Gonçalves, John Patitucci, Chico Pinheiro, Rogerio Boccato & Duduka Da Fonseca
- UNA NOCHE CON RUBÉN BLADES
Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis & Rubén Blades
- CARIB
David Sánchez
- SONERO: THE MUSIC OF ISMAEL RIVERA
Miguel Zenón
GOSPEL/CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC
36. Best Gospel Performance/Song
This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best traditional Christian, roots gospel or contemporary gospel single or track.
- LOVE THEORY
Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter
- TALKIN’ ‘BOUT JESUS
Gloria Gaynor Featuring Yolanda Adams; Bryan
Fowler, Gloria Gaynor & Chris Stevens, songwriters
- SEE THE LIGHT
Travis Greene Featuring Jekalyn Carr
- SPEAK THE NAME
Koryn Hawthorne Featuring Natalie Grant
- THIS IS A MOVE (LIVE)
Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Tony Brown, Brandon Lake, Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Nate Moore, songwriters
37. Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best contemporary Christian pop, Christian rap/hip-hop, or Christian rock single or track.
- ONLY JESUS
Casting Crowns; Mark Hall, Bernie Herms & Matthew West, songwriters
- GOD ONLY KNOWS
for KING & COUNTRY & Dolly Parton; Josh Kerr, Jordan Reynolds, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone & Tedd Tjornhom, songwriters
- HAVEN’T SEEN IT YET
Danny Gokey; Danny Gokey, Ethan Hulse & Colby Wedgeworth, songwriters
- GOD’S NOT DONE WITH YOU (SINGLE VERSION)
Tauren Wells
- RESCUE STORY
Zach Williams; Ethan Hulse, Andrew Ripp, Jonathan Smith & Zach Williams, songwriters
38. Best Gospel Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional or contemporary/R&B gospel music recordings.
- LONG LIVE LOVE
Kirk Franklin
- GOSHEN
Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri -City Singers
- TUNNEL VISION
Gene Moore
- SETTLE HERE
William Murphy
- SOMETHING’S HAPPENING! A CHRISTMAS ALBUM
CeCe Winans
39. Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, contemporary Christian music, including pop, rap/hip hop, or rock recordings.
- I KNOW A GHOST
Crowder
- BURN THE SHIPS
for KING & COUNTRY
- HAVEN’T SEEN IT YET
Danny Gokey
- THE ELEMENTS
TobyMac
- HOLY ROAR
Chris Tomlin
40. Best Roots Gospel Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional/roots gospel music, including country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and Americana recordings.
- DEEPER ROOTS: WHERE THE BLUEGRASS GROWS
Steven Curtis Chapman
- TESTIMONY
Gloria Gaynor
- DEEPER OCEANS
Joseph Habedank
- HIS NAME IS JESUS
Tim Menzies
- GONNA SING, GONNA SHOUT
(Various Artists)
Jerry Salley, Producer
LATIN
41. Best Latin Pop Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new Latin pop recordings.
- VIDA
Luis Fonsi
- 11:11
Maluma
- MONTANER
Ricardo Montaner
- #ELDISCO
Alejandro Sanz
- FANTASIA
Sebastian Yatra
42. Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new Latin rock, urban or alternative recordings.
- X 100PRE
Bad Bunny
- OASIS
J Balvin & Bad Bunny
- INDESTRUCTIBLE
Flor De Toloache
- ALMADURA
iLe
- EL MAL QUERER
ROSALÍA
43. Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new regional Mexican (banda, norteño, corridos, gruperos, mariachi, ranchera and Tejano) recordings.
- CAMINANDO
Joss Favela
- PERCEPCIÓN
Intocable
- POCO A POCO
La Energia Norteña
- 20 ANIVERSARIO
Mariachi Divas De Cindy Shea
- DE AYER PARA SIEMPRE
Mariachi Los Camperos
44. Best Tropical Latin Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new tropical Latin recordings.
- OPUS
Marc Anthony
- TIEMPO AL TIEMPO
Luis Enrique + C4 Trio
- CANDELA
Vicente García
- LITERAL
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
- A JOURNEY THROUGH CUBAN MUSIC
Aymée Nuviola
AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC
45. Best American Roots Performance
For new vocal or instrumental American Roots recordings. This is for performances in the style of any of the subgenres encompassed in the American Roots Music field including Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk or regional roots. Award to the artist(s).
- SAINT HONESTY
Sara Bareilles
- FATHER MOUNTAIN
Calexico And Iron & Wine
- I’M ON MY WAY
Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi
- CALL MY NAME
I’m With Her
- FARAWAY LOOK
Yola
46. Best American Roots Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. Includes Americana, bluegrass, traditional blues, contemporary blues, folk or regional roots songs. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
- BLACK MYSELF
Amythyst Kiah, songwriter (Our Native Daughters)
- CALL MY NAME
Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins, songwriters (I’m With Her)
- CROSSING TO JERUSALEM
Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal, songwriters (Rosanne Cash)
- FARAWAY LOOK
Dan Auerbach, Yola Carter & Pat McLaughlin, songwriters (Yola)
- I DON’T WANNA RIDE THE RAILS NO MORE
Vince Gill, songwriter (Vince Gill)
47. Best Americana Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental Americana recordings.
- YEARS TO BURN
Calexico And Iron & Wine
- WHO ARE YOU NOW
Madison Cunningham
- OKLAHOMA
Keb’ Mo’
- TALES OF AMERICA
J.S. Ondara
- WALK THROUGH FIRE
Yola
48. Best Bluegrass Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental bluegrass recordings.
- TALL FIDDLER
Michael Cleveland
- LIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
- TOIL, TEARS & TROUBLE
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
- ROYAL TRAVELLER
Missy Raines
- IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE HEAT
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
49. Best Traditional Blues Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental traditional blues recordings.
- KINGFISH
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
- TALL, DARK & HANDSOME
Delbert McClinton & Self-Made Men
- SITTING ON TOP OF THE BLUES
Bobby Rush
- BABY, PLEASE COME HOME
Jimmie Vaughan
- SPECTACULAR CLASS
Jontavious Willis
50. Best Contemporary Blues Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental contemporary blues recordings.
- THIS LAND
Gary Clark Jr.
- VENOM & FAITH
Larkin Poe
- BRIGHTER DAYS
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
- SOMEBODY SAVE ME
Sugaray Rayford
- KEEP ON
Southern Avenue
51. Best Folk Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental folk recordings.
- MY FINEST WORK YET
Andrew Bird
- REARRANGE MY HEART
Che Apalache
- PATTY GRIFFIN
Patty Griffin
- EVENING MACHINES
Gregory Alan Isakov
- FRONT PORCH
Joy Williams
52. Best Regional Roots Music Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental regional roots music recordings.
- KALAWAI’ANUI
Amy Hānaiali’i
- WHEN IT’S COLD – CREE ROUND DANCE SONGS
Northern Cree
- GOOD TIME
Ranky Tanky
- RECORDED LIVE AT THE 2019 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Rebirth Brass Band
- HAWAIIAN LULLABY
(Various Artists)
Imua Garza & Kimié Miner, producers
REGGAE
53. Best Reggae Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new reggae recordings.
- RAPTURE
Koffee
- AS I AM
Julian Marley
- THE FINAL BATTLE: SLY & ROBBIE VS. ROOTS RADICS
Sly & Robbie & Roots Radics
- MASS MANIPULATION
Steel Pulse
- MORE WORK TO BE DONE
Third World
WORLD MUSIC
54. Best World Music Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental World Music recordings.
- GECE
Altin Gün
- WHAT HEAT
Bokanté & Metropole Orkest Conducted By Jules Buckley
- AFRICAN GIANT
Burna Boy
- FANM D’AYITI
Nathalie Joachim With Spektral Quartet
- CELIA
Angelique Kidjo
CHILDREN’S
55. Best Children’s Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new musical or spoken word recordings that are created and intended specifically for children.
- AGELESS SONGS FOR THE CHILD ARCHETYPE
Jon Samson
- FLYING HIGH!
Caspar Babypants
- I LOVE RAINY DAYS
Daniel Tashian
- THE LOVE
Alphabet Rockers
- WINTERLAND
The Okee Dokee Brothers
SPOKEN WORD
56. Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling)
- BEASTIE BOYS BOOK
(Various Artists)
Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz, Scott Sherratt & Dan Zitt, producers
- BECOMING
Michelle Obama
- I.V. CATATONIA: 20 YEARS AS A TWO-TIME CANCER SURVIVOR
Eric Alexandrakis
- MR. KNOW-IT-ALL
John Waters
- SEKOU ANDREWS & THE STRING THEORY
Sekou Andrews & The String Theory
COMEDY
57. Best Comedy Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new recordings.
- QUALITY TIME
Jim Gaffigan
- RELATABLE
Ellen DeGeneres
- RIGHT NOW
Aziz Ansari
- SON OF PATRICIA
Trevor Noah
- STICKS & STONES
Dave Chappelle
MUSICAL THEATER
58. Best Musical Theater Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new recordings. Award to the principle vocalist(s) and the album producer(s) of 51% or more playing time of the album. The lyricist(s) and composer(s) of a new score are eligible for an Award if they have written and/or composed a new score which comprises 51% or more playing time of the album.
- AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS
Saint Aubyn, Derrick Baskin, James Harkness, Jawan M. Jackson, Jeremy Pope & Ephraim Sykes, principal soloists; Scott M. Riesett, producer (Original Broadway Cast)
- HADESTOWN
Reeve Carney, André De Shields, Amber Gray, Eva Noblezada & Patrick Page, principal soloists; Mara Isaacs, David Lai, Anaïs Mitchell & Todd Sickafoose, producers (Anaïs Mitchell, composer & lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast)
- MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
Danny Burstein, Tam Mutu, Sahr Ngaujah, Karen Olivo & Aaron Tveit, principal soloists; Justin Levine, Baz Luhrmann, Matt Stine & Alex Timbers, producers (Original Broadway Cast)
- THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD – IN FOUR CONTEMPORARY SUITES
Imogen Heap, producer; Imogen Heap, composer (Imogen Heap)
- OKLAHOMA!
Damon Daunno, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Ali Stroker, Mary Testa & Patrick Vaill, principal soloists; Daniel Kluger & Dean Sharenow, producers (Richard Rodgers, composer; Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist) (2019 Broadway Cast)
MUSIC FOR VISUAL MEDIA
59. Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media
Award to the artist(s) and/or ‘in studio’ producer(s) of a majority of the tracks on the album. In the absence of both, award to the one or two individuals proactively responsible for the concept and musical direction of the album and for the selection of artists, songs and producers, as applicable. Award also goes to appropriately credited music supervisor(s).
- THE LION KING: THE SONGS
(Various Artists)
- QUENTIN TARANTINO’S ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
(Various Artists)
- ROCKETMAN
Taron Egerton
- SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE
(Various Artists)
- A STAR IS BORN
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
60. Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media
Award to Composer(s) for an original score created specifically for, or as a companion to, a current legitimate motion picture, television show or series, video games or other visual media.
- AVENGERS: ENDGAME
Alan Silvestri, composer
- CHERNOBYL
Hildur Guðnadóttir, composer
- GAME OF THRONES: SEASON 8
Ramin Djawadi, composer
- THE LION KING
Hans Zimmer, composer
- MARY POPPINS RETURNS
Marc Shaiman, composer
61. Best Song Written For Visual Media
A Songwriter(s) award. For a song (melody & lyrics) written specifically for a motion picture, television, video games or other visual media, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
- THE BALLAD OF THE LONESOME COWBOY
Randy Newman, songwriter (Chris Stapleton)
Track from: Toy Story 4
- GIRL IN THE MOVIES
Dolly Parton & Linda Perry, songwriters (Dolly Parton)
Track from: Dumplin’
- I’LL NEVER LOVE AGAIN (FILM VERSION)
Natalie Hemby, Lady Gaga, Hillary Lindsey & Aaron Raitiere, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper)
Track from: A Star Is Born
- SPIRIT
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Timothy McKenzie & Ilya Salmanzadeh, songwriters (Beyoncé)
Track from: The Lion King
- SUSPIRIUM
Thom Yorke, songwriter (Thom Yorke)
Track from: Suspiria
COMPOSING/ARRANGING
62. Best Instrumental Composition
A Composer’s Award for an original composition (not an adaptation) first released during the Eligibility Year. Singles or Tracks only.
- BEGIN AGAIN
Fred Hersch, composer (Fred Hersch & The WDR Big Band Conducted By Vince Mendoza)
- CRUCIBLE FOR CRISIS
Brian Lynch, composer (Brian Lynch Big Band)
- LOVE, A BEAUTIFUL FORCE
Vince Mendoza, composer (Vince Mendoza, Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts & Temple University Studio Orchestra)
- STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE SYMPHONIC SUITE
John Williams, composer (John Williams)
- WALKIN’ FUNNY
Christian McBride, composer (Christian McBride)
63. Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella
An Arranger’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
- BLUE SKIES
Kris Bowers, arranger (Kris Bowers)
- HEDWIG’S THEME
John Williams, arranger (Anne-Sophie Mutter & John Williams)
- LA NOVENA
Emilio Solla, arranger (Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Orchestra)
- LOVE, A BEAUTIFUL FORCE
Vince Mendoza, arranger (Vince Mendoza, Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts & Temple University Studio Orchestra)
- MOON RIVER
Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier)
64. Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals
An Arranger’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
- ALL NIGHT LONG
Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier Featuring Jules Buckley, Take 6 & Metropole Orkest)
- JOLENE
Geoff Keezer, arranger (Sara Gazarek)
- MARRY ME A LITTLE
Cyrille Aimée & Diego Figueiredo, arrangers (Cyrille Aimée)
- OVER THE RAINBOW
Vince Mendoza, arranger (Trisha Yearwood)
- 12 LITTLE SPELLS (THORACIC SPINE)
Esperanza Spalding, arranger (Esperanza Spalding)
PACKAGE
65. Best Recording Package
- ANÓNIMAS & RESILIENTES
Luisa María Arango, Carlos Dussan, Manuel García-Orozco & Juliana Jaramillo-Buenaventura, art directors (Voces Del Bullerengue)
- CHRIS CORNELL
Barry Ament, Jeff Ament, Jeff Fura & Joe Spix, art directors (Chris Cornell)
- HOLD THAT TIGER
Andrew Wong & Fongming Yang, art directors (The Muddy Basin Ramblers)
- I,I
Aaron Anderson & Eric Timothy Carlson, art directors (Bon Iver)
- INTELLEXUAL
Irwan Awalludin, art director (Intellexual)
66. Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package
- ANIMA
Stanley Donwood & Tchocky, art directors (Thom Yorke)
- GOLD IN BRASS AGE
Amanda Chiu, Mark Farrow & David Gray, art directors (David Gray)
- 1963: NEW DIRECTIONS
Josh Cheuse, art director (John Coltrane)
- THE RADIO RECORDINGS 1939-1945
Marek Polewski, art director (Wilhelm Furtwängler & Berliner Philharmoniker)
- WOODSTOCK: BACK TO THE GARDEN – THE DEFINITIVE 50TH ANNIVERSARY ARCHIVE
Masaki Koike, art director (Various Artists)
NOTES
67. Best Album Notes
- THE COMPLETE CUBAN JAM SESSIONS
Judy Cantor-Navas, album notes writer (Various Artists)
- THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MALACO
Robert Marovich, album notes writer (Various Artists)
- PEDAL STEEL + FOUR CORNERS
Brendan Greaves, album notes writer (Terry Allen And The Panhandle Mystery Band)
- PETE SEEGER: THE SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS COLLECTION)
Jeff Place, album notes writer (Pete Seeger)
- STAX ’68: A MEMPHIS STORY
Steve Greenberg, album notes writer (Various Artists)
HISTORICAL
68. Best Historical Album
- THE GIRL FROM CHICKASAW COUNTY – THE COMPLETE CAPITOL MASTERS
Andrew Batt & Kris Maher, compilation producers; Simon Gibson, mastering engineer (Bobbie Gentry)
- THE GREAT COMEBACK: HOROWITZ AT CARNEGIE HALL
Robert Russ, compilation producer; Andreas K. Meyer & Jennifer Nulsen, mastering engineers (Vladimir Horowitz)
- KANKYO ONGAKU: JAPANESE AMBIENT, ENVIRONMENTAL & NEW AGE MUSIC 1980-1990
Spencer Doran, Yosuke Kitazawa, Douglas Mcgowan & Matt Sullivan, compilation producers; John Baldwin, mastering engineer (Various Artists)
- PETE SEEGER: THE SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS COLLECTION
Jeff Place & Robert Santelli, compilation producers; Pete Reiniger, mastering engineer (Pete Seeger)
- WOODSTOCK: BACK TO THE GARDEN – THE DEFINITIVE 50TH ANNIVERSARY ARCHIVE
Brian Kehew, Steve Woolard & Andy Zax, compilation producers; Dave Schultz, mastering engineer (Various Artists)
PRODUCTION, NON-CLASSICAL
69. Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
An Engineer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.)
- ALL THESE THINGS
Tchad Blake, Adam Greenspan & Rodney Shearer, engineers; Bernie Grundman, mastering engineer (Thomas Dybdahl)
- ELLA MAI
Chris “Shaggy” Ascher, Jaycen Joshua & David Pizzimenti, engineers; Chris Athens, mastering engineer (Ella Mai)
- RUN HOME SLOW
Paul Butler & Sam Teskey, engineers; Joe Carra, mastering engineer (The Teskey Brothers)
- SCENERY
Tom Elmhirst, Ben Kane & Jeremy Most, engineers; Bob Ludwig, mastering engineer (Emily King)
- WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
Rob Kinelski & Finneas O’Connell, engineers; John Greenham, mastering engineer (Billie Eilish)
70. Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
A Producer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.)
- JACK ANTONOFF
• Arizona Baby (Kevin Abstract) (A)
• Lover (Taylor Swift) (A)
• Norman F***ing Rockwell! (Lana Del Rey) (A)
• Red Hearse (Red Hearse) (A)
- DAN AUERBACH
• The Angels In Heaven Done Signed My Name (Leo Bud Welch) (A)
• “Let’s Rock” (The Black Keys) (A)
• Mockingbird (The Gibson Brothers) (A)
• Myth Of A Man (Night Beats) (A)
• Southern Gentleman (Dee White) (A)
• Walk Through Fire (Yola) (A)
- JOHN HILL
• Heat Of The Summer (Young The Giant) (T)
• Hundred (Khalid) (T)
• No Drug Like Me (Carly Rae Jepsen) (T)
• Outta My Head (Khalid With John Mayer) (T)
• Social Cues (Cage The Elephant) (A)
• Superposition (Young The Giant) (T)
• Too Much (Carly Rae Jepsen) (T)
• Vertigo (Khalid) (T)
• Zero (From “Ralph Breaks The Internet”) (Imagine Dragons) (T)
- FINNEAS
• When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (Billie Eilish) (A)
- RICKY REED
• Almost Free (Fidlar) (A)
• Burning (Maggie Rogers) (T)
• Confidence (X Ambassadors Featuring K.Flay) (T)
• Juice (Lizzo) (T)
• Kingdom Of One (Maren Morris) (T)
• Power Is Power (SZA Featuring The Weekend & Travis Scott) (T)
• Tempo (Lizzo Featuring Missy Elliott) (T)
• Truth Hurts (Lizzo) (T)
• The Wrong Man (Ross Golan) (A)
71. Best Remixed Recording
A Remixer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses for identification.) Singles or Tracks only.
- I RISE (TRACY YOUNG’S PRIDE INTRO RADIO REMIX)
Tracy Young, remixer (Madonna)
- MOTHER’S DAUGHTER (WUKI REMIX)
Wuki, remixer (Miley Cyrus)
- THE ONE (HIGH CONTRAST REMIX)
Lincoln Barrett, remixer (Jorja Smith)
- SWIM (FORD. REMIX)
Luc Bradford, remixer (Mild Minds)
- WORK IT (SOULWAX REMIX)
David Gerard C Dewaele & Stephen Antoine C Dewaele, remixers (Marie Davidson)
PRODUCTION, IMMERSIVE AUDIO
72. Best Immersive Audio Album
For vocal or instrumental albums in any genre. Must be commercially released on DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, SACD, Blu-Ray, or burned download-only/streaming-only copies and must provide a new surround mix of four or more channels. Award to the surround mix engineer, surround producer (if any) and surround mastering engineer (if any).
- CHAIN TRIPPING
Luke Argilla, immersive audio engineer; Jurgen Scharpf, immersive audio mastering engineer; Jona Bechtolt, Claire L. Evans & Rob Kieswetter, immersive audio producers (Yacht)
- KVERNDOKK: SYMPHONIC DANCES
Jim Anderson, immersive audio engineer; Robert C. Ludwig, immersive audio mastering engineer; Ulrike Schwarz, immersive audio producer (Ken-David Masur & Stavanger Symphony Orchestra)
- LUX
Morten Lindberg, immersive audio engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive audio mastering engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive audio producer (Anita Brevik, Trondheimsolistene & Nidarosdomens Jentekor)
- THE ORCHESTRAL ORGAN
Keith O. Johnson, immersive audio engineer; Keith O. Johnson, immersive audio mastering engineer; Marina A. Ledin & Victor Ledin, immersive audio producers (Jan Kraybill)
- THE SAVIOR
Bob Clearmountain, immersive audio engineer; Bob Ludwig, immersive audio mastering engineer; Michael Marquart & Dave Way, immersive audio producers (A Bad Think)
PRODUCTION, CLASSICAL
73. Best Engineered Album, Classical
An Engineer’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)
- AEQUA – ANNA THORVALDSDÓTTIR
Daniel Shores, engineer; Daniel Shores, mastering engineer (International Contemporary Ensemble)
- BRUCKNER: SYMPHONY NO. 9
Mark Donahue, engineer; Mark Donahue, mastering engineer (Manfred Honeck & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
- RACHMANINOFF – HERMITAGE PIANO TRIO
Keith O. Johnson & Sean Royce Martin, engineers; Keith O. Johnson, mastering engineer (Hermitage Piano Trio)
- RILEY: SUN RINGS
Leslie Ann Jones, engineer; Robert C. Ludwig, mastering engineer (Kronos Quartet)
- WOLFE: FIRE IN MY MOUTH
Bob Hanlon & Lawrence Rock, engineers; Ian Good & Lawrence Rock, mastering engineers (Jaap Van Zweden, Francisco J. Núñez, Donald Nally, The Crossing, Young People’s Chorus Of NY City & New York Philharmonic)
74. Producer Of The Year, Classical
A Producer’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)
- BLANTON ALSPAUGH
• Artifacts – The Music Of Michael McGlynn (Charles Bruffy & Kansas City Chorale)
• Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique; Fantaisie Sur La Tempête De Shakespeare (Andrew Davis & Toronto Symphony Orchestra)
• Copland: Billy The Kid; Grohg (Leonard Slatkin & Detroit Symphony Orchestra)
• Duruflé: Complete Choral Works (Robert Simpson & Houston Chamber Choir)
• Glass: Symphony No. 5 (Julian Wachner, The Choir Of Trinity Wall Street, Trinity Youth Chorus, Downtown Voices & Novus NY)
• Sander: The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom (Peter Jermihov & PaTRAM Institute Singers)
• Smith, K.: Canticle (Craig Hella Johnson & Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble)
• Visions Take Flight (Mei-Ann Chen & ROCO)
- JAMES GINSBURG
• Project W – Works By Diverse Women Composers (Mei-Ann Chen & Chicago Sinfonietta)
• Silenced Voices (Black Oak Ensemble)
• 20th Century Harpsichord Concertos (Jory Vinikour, Scott Speck & Chicago Philharmonic)
• Twentieth Century Oboe Sonatas (Alex Klein & Phillip Bush)
• Winged Creatures & Other Works For Flute, Clarinet, And Orchestra (Anthony McGill, Demarre McGill, Allen Tinkham & Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra)
- MARINA A. LEDIN, VICTOR LEDIN
• Bates: Children Of Adam; Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem (Steven Smith, Erin R. Freeman, Richmond Symphony & Chorus)
• The Orchestral Organ (Jan Kraybill)
• The Poetry Of Places (Nadia Shpachenko)
• Rachmaninoff – Hermitage Piano Trio (Hermitage Piano Trio)
- MORTEN LINDBERG
• Himmelborgen (Elisabeth Holte, Kåre Nordstoga & Uranienborg Vokalensemble)
• Kleiberg: Do You Believe In Heather? (Various Artists)
• Ljos (Fauna Vokalkvintett)
• LUX (Anita Brevik, Trondheimsolistene & Nidarosdomens Jentekor)
• Trachea (Tone Bianca Sparre Dahl & Schola Cantorum)
• Veneliti (Håkon Daniel Nystedt & Oslo Kammerkor)
• Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 (Manfred Honeck & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
CLASSICAL
75. Best Orchestral Performance
Award to the Conductor and to the Orchestra.
- BRUCKNER: SYMPHONY NO. 9
Manfred Honeck, conductor (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
- COPLAND: BILLY THE KID; GROHG
Leonard Slatkin, conductor (Detroit Symphony Orchestra)
- NORMAN: SUSTAIN
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Los Angeles Philharmonic)
- TRANSATLANTIC
Louis Langrée, conductor (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra)
- WEINBERG: SYMPHONIES NOS. 2 & 21
Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, conductor (City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra & Kremerata Baltica)
76. Best Opera Recording
Award to the Conductor, Album Producer(s) and Principal Soloists.
- BENJAMIN: LESSONS IN LOVE & VIOLENCE
George Benjamin, conductor; Stéphane Degout, Barbara Hannigan, Peter Hoare & Gyula Orendt; James Whitbourn, producer (Orchestra Of The Royal Opera House)
- BERG: WOZZECK
Marc Albrecht, conductor; Christopher Maltman & Eva-Maria Westbroek; François Roussillon, producer (Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra; Chorus Of Dutch National Opera)
- CHARPENTIER: LES ARTS FLORISSANTS; LES PLAISIRS DE VERSAILLES
Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs, conductors; Jesse Blumberg, Teresa Wakim & Virginia Warnken; Renate Wolter-Seevers, producer (Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Ensemble; Boston Early Music Festival Vocal Ensemble)
- PICKER: FANTASTIC MR. FOX
Gil Rose, conductor; John Brancy, Andrew Craig Brown, Gabriel Preisser, Krista River & Edwin Vega; Gil Rose, producer (Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Boston Children’s Chorus)
- WAGNER: LOHENGRIN
Christian Thielemann, conductor; Piotr Beczała, Anja Harteros, Tomasz Konieczny, Waltraud Meier & Georg Zeppenfeld; Eckhard Glauche, producer (Festspielorchester Bayreuth; Festspielchor Bayreuth)
77. Best Choral Performance
Award to the Conductor, and to the Choral Director and/or Chorus Master where applicable and to the Choral Organization/Ensemble.
- BOYLE: VOYAGES
Donald Nally, conductor (The Crossing)
- DURUFLÉ: COMPLETE CHORAL WORKS
Robert Simpson, conductor (Ken Cowan; Houston Chamber Choir)
- THE HOPE OF LOVING
Craig Hella Johnson, conductor (Conspirare)
- SANDER: THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Peter Jermihov, conductor (Evan Bravos, Vadim Gan, Kevin Keys, Glenn Miller & Daniel Shirley; PaTRAM Institute Singers)
- SMITH, K.: THE ARC IN THE SKY
Donald Nally, conductor (The Crossing)
78. Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
For new recordings of works with chamber or small ensemble (twenty-four or fewer members, not including the conductor). One Award to the ensemble and one Award to the conductor, if applicable.
- CERRONE: THE PIECES THAT FALL TO EARTH
Christopher Rountree & Wild Up
- FREEDOM & FAITH
PUBLIQuartet
- PERPETULUM
Third Coast Percussion
- RACHMANINOFF – HERMITAGE PIANO TRIO
Hermitage Piano Trio
- SHAW: ORANGE
Attacca Quartet
79. Best Classical Instrumental Solo
Award to the Instrumental Soloist(s) and to the Conductor when applicable.
- THE BERLIN RECITAL
Yuja Wang
- HIGDON: HARP CONCERTO
Yolanda Kondonassis; Ward Stare, conductor (The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra)
- MARSALIS: VIOLIN CONCERTO; FIDDLE DANCE SUITE
Nicola Benedetti; Cristian Măcelaru, conductor (Philadelphia Orchestra)
- THE ORCHESTRAL ORGAN
Jan Kraybill
- TORKE: SKY, CONCERTO FOR VIOLIN
Tessa Lark; David Alan Miller, conductor (Albany Symphony)
80. Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
Award to: Vocalist(s), Collaborative Artist(s) (Ex: pianists, conductors, chamber groups) Producer(s), Recording Engineers/Mixers with 51% or more playing time of new material.
- THE EDGE OF SILENCE – WORKS FOR VOICE BY GYÖRGY KURTÁG
Susan Narucki (Donald Berman, Curtis Macomber, Kathryn Schulmeister & Nicholas Tolle)
- HIMMELSMUSIK
Philippe Jaroussky & Céline Scheen; Christina Pluhar, conductor; L’Arpeggiata, ensemble (Jesús Rodil & Dingle Yandell)
- SCHUMANN: LIEDERKREIS OP. 24, KERNER-LIEDER OP. 35
Matthias Goerne; Leif Ove Andsnes, accompanist
- SONGPLAY
Joyce DiDonato; Chuck Israels, Jimmy Madison, Charlie Porter & Craig Terry, accompanists (Steve Barnett & Lautaro Greco)
- A TE, O CARA
Stephen Costello; Constantine Orbelian, conductor (Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra)
81. Best Classical Compendium
Award to the Artist(s) and to the Album Producer(s) and Engineer(s) of over 51% playing time of the album, if other than the artist.
- AMERICAN ORIGINALS 1918
John Morris Russell, conductor; Elaine Martone, producer
- LESHNOFF: SYMPHONY NO. 4 ‘HEICHALOS’; GUITAR CONCERTO; STARBURST
Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor; Tim Handley, producer
- MELTZER: SONGS AND STRUCTURES
Paul Appleby & Natalia Katyukova; Silas Brown & Harold Meltzer, producers
- THE POETRY OF PLACES
Nadia Shpachenko; Marina A. Ledin & Victor Ledin, producers
- SAARIAHO: TRUE FIRE; TRANS; CIEL D’HIVER
Hannu Lintu, conductor; Laura Heikinheimo, producer
82. Best Contemporary Classical Composition
A Composer’s Award. (For a contemporary classical composition composed within the last 25 years, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year.) Award to the librettist, if applicable.
- BERMEL: MIGRATION SERIES FOR JAZZ ENSEMBLE & ORCHESTRA
Derek Bermel, composer (Derek Bermel, Ted Nash, David Alan Miller, Juilliard Jazz Orchestra & Albany Symphony Orchestra)
- HIGDON: HARP CONCERTO
Jennifer Higdon, composer (Yolanda Kondonassis, Ward Stare & The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra)
- MARSALIS: VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MAJOR
Wynton Marsalis, composer (Nicola Benedetti, Cristian Măcelaru & Philadelphia Orchestra)
- NORMAN: SUSTAIN
Andrew Norman, composer (Gustavo Dudamel & Los Angeles Philharmonic)
- SHAW: ORANGE
Caroline Shaw, composer (Attacca Quartet)
- WOLFE: FIRE IN MY MOUTH
Julia Wolfe, composer (Jaap Van Zweden, Francisco J. Núñez, Donald Nally, The Crossing, Young People’s Chorus Of NY City & New York Philharmonic)
MUSIC VIDEO/FILM
83. Best Music Video
Award to the artist, video director, and video producer.
- WE’VE GOT TO TRY
The Chemical Brothers
Ellie Fry, video director; Ninian Doff, video producer
- THIS LAND
Gary Clark Jr.
Savanah Leaf, video director; Jason Cole, Danielle Hinde & Alicia Martinez, video producers
- CELLOPHANE
FKA twigs
Andrew Thomas Huang, video director; Alex Chamberlain, video producer
- OLD TOWN ROAD (OFFICIAL MOVIE)
Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus
Calmatic, video director; Candice Dragonas, Melissa Larsen & Saul Levitz, video producers
- GLAD HE’S GONE
Tove Lo
Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia, video directors; Nathan Schottenfels, video producer
84. Best Music Film
For concert/performance films or music documentaries. Award to the artist, video director, and video producer.
- HOMECOMING
Beyoncé
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter & Ed Burke, video directors; Dora Melissa Vargas, video producer
- REMEMBER MY NAME
David Crosby
A.J. Eaton, video director; Cameron Crowe, Michele Farinola & Greg Mariotti, video producers
- BIRTH OF THE COOL
(Miles Davis)
Stanley Nelson, video director; Nicole London, video producer
- SHANGRI-LA
(Various Artists)
Morgan Neville, video director; Emma Baiada, video producer
- ANIMA
Thom Yorke
Paul Thomas Anderson, video director; Paul Thomas Anderson, Erica Frauman & Sara Murphy, video producers