59th Annual Grammy nomination predictions: breakout country artist Maren Morris seems like a lock for a nomination.
The Grammy for best new artist is a complicated one. There are numerous artists who can potentially be nominated. What makes it interesting this year is the fact that a number of artists with a shot have previously released albums. This raises the question as to whether or not they will be nominated or looked over. The chosen nominees are all “up in the air,” save for Maren Morris, who may have the best shot without question.
Maren Morris
Maren Morris hasn’t had the biggest year by any means. Her major label debut Hero did debut in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and yielded a hit with “My Church.” That said, “My Church” first appeared on Morris’ 2015 EP. Nonetheless, the release of Hero and growing popularity of “My Church” in 2016 might be enough to propel her to a nod. Morris’ success has waned as of late, which could hurt her chances.
Alessia Cara
Alessia Cara would be a lock in our eyes if she (1) weren’t so young (2) there was confidence that everyone in the academy was aware of her growing success. Cara made big impressions with mega-hit “Here” and has continued to make a name for herself. More than Maren Morris, Cara’s momentum hasn’t been stunted.
Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper arguably has the best shot as a representative for urban music. Chance has yet to release a proper studio album, settling for mixtapes. Coloring Book was a big deal in urban music circles, merely available for streaming. He represents the future of music, both in his approach to marketing as well as his style of rapping. He should be nominated…
Shawn Mendes
This one is tough to call. Mendes arguably broke through in 2015 with Handwritten but didn’t earn a single Grammy nomination. Surely there is a technicality that would still allow him to be nominated, even though he recently released album no. 2, Illuminate. Perhaps the level of success hurts him for consideration as voters might consider him established… he may or may not get a nod.
Lukas Graham
Lukas Graham may be nominated considering the success of single “7 Years.” Graham seems unlikely to win this award but may have enough to land a nomination.
Other Possibilities:
Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots are in the same predicament as Shawn Mendes. Blurryface served as the duo’s breakout album, released in 2015, but picking up more steam in 2016. Seems a stretch that they receive a nomination, even if they are deserving.
Bryson Tiller
Tiller has a strong shot at earning a nod, but Chance the Rapper might hurt his chances. Still, Tiller has earned a platinum certified album after slowly gaining momentum with TRAPSOUL. Don’t count him out.
Charlie Puth
Puth earned numerous Grammy nods for “See You Again,” one of the biggest songs of 2015. Could Puth use his own solo successes to land a nomination? It’s possible, thanks to “One Call Away” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” Even the whitest sounding single ever, “Marvin Gaye” with last year’s winner Meghan Trainor may amplify his chances.
Jon Bellion
For Bellion, he may need another, more high-profile album to prove his deservedness for best new artist. Too few may know his name. That said, were many aware of Esperanza Spalding?
Gnash
“I Hate U I Love U” became a top-10 hit out of nowhere. Gnash’s profile has definitely risen, but it may not be enough to nab a nod for best new artist.
G-Eazy
Another artist on album no. 2, G-Eazy has had a huge year and become a go-to collaborator. He has an argument, but it seems unlikely.
Photo Credit: Columbia, Def Jam, Chance the Rapper, Island, Warner Bros., Fueled By Ramen, Bryson Tiller, Atlantic, Capitol, :):, RCA