Grammy nominations 2025: shocks, snubs, and unexpected highlights

The nominations for the 67th Grammy Awards have sparked significant discussion, with a lineup that features both deserving stars and surprising omissions.

While several big names have rightfully earned their spots, some notable artists were left out, leaving fans puzzled. Here’s a look at the year’s biggest surprises, snubs, and missteps.

One of the most surprising exclusions was the absence of K-pop acts in the main categories.

Despite the genre’s immense global popularity, artists like BTS, BLACKPINK's Lisa, Stray Kids, and SEVENTEEN did not secure any major nominations.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa had submitted her hit "New Woman" for both Record and Song of the Year, while Stray Kids had hoped for recognition with tracks like "Ate" and "Chk Chk Boom." Despite their efforts, K-pop was again largely overlooked, continuing a trend that has seen Grammy hesitation in honoring Asian pop artists in major categories.

Another surprise was the omission of South African artist Tyla.

Following her Grammy win last year for Best African Music Performance, many had expected her debut album Tyla to score nominations, especially after her global hit "Water" and the popularity of songs like "Truth or Dare." With her blend of African and mainstream pop elements, Tyla’s impact has been evident. Yet, despite her success, she will not defend her title at this year’s awards.

Renée Rapp, a promising voice for Gen Z, was also notably absent from the list. Following her acclaimed debut album Snow Angel and role in the Mean Girls film adaptation, many had expected her to be a lock for Best New Artist. Instead, the nominations went to newer artists like Benson Boone and Teddy Swims, leaving Rapp’s fans disappointed for the second year running.

One of the most unexpected inclusions this year was Andre 3000’s New Blue Sun, which earned an Album of the Year nomination. Known for his experimental approach, Andre’s 87-minute, flute-focused album surprised both fans and critics alike. His place in the category alongside the likes of Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift reflects the Academy’s recognition of his creative versatility and genre-defying style.

Jacob Collier’s Djesse Vol. 4 also received a nod, continuing his Grammy streak. Although Collier is highly respected within the music industry, his nomination came as a surprise given the niche appeal of his work. His collaboration with late producer Quincy Jones likely played a role in this continued acknowledgment from the Grammys.

After being snubbed last year for Best New Artist, Sabrina Carpenter rebounded with multiple nominations, including spots in the Big Four categories. Her No. 1 album Short n' Sweet and several popular singles established her as a formidable presence in the industry, making this a landmark year for Carpenter.

While Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department was a strong contender for Album of the Year, her track Fortnight seemed out of place in the Record of the Year category. Although it topped charts, its overall influence paled compared to other major tracks this year. Songs from artists like Shaboozey and Tinashe may have been more compelling choices for this category.

Perhaps one of the most surprising snubs was Ariana Grande’s absence from the top categories despite her critically acclaimed album Eternal Sunshine. The album, along with her hit song "We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)," did not secure nominations in the Album, Song, or Record of the Year categories. This exclusion left fans wondering why Grande’s work failed to gain Grammy recognition.