TV Guide has a few idea’s on who might take home a Grammy this year but first a few details…
The 56th Annual Grammy Awards (Sunday, 8/7c, CBS) features an impressive number of A-listers competing for music’s top honors, but they might need to watch out. There’s a fierce group of new contenders nipping at their heels. So can Kendrick Lamar beat Kanye West? Will Lordecontinue her “Royals” reign? Here are a few predictions:
Record of the Year
Will win: “Get Lucky,” Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams
Daft Punk had an incredible comeback this year, riding the EDM trend right to the top but also adding their own retro flair.
Watch out for: “Royals,” Lorde
Though the song has been criticized for its alleged racist undertones, “Royals” is generally applauded as a clever critique of consumption. It’s possible voters will want to pat Lorde — and themselves — on the back for being above such things as good teeth, Grey Goose and trippin’ in the bathroom.
Album of the Year
Will win: The Heist, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
The Grammys are typically hesitant to give Album of the Year to a rap album (only Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below have won), which makes Kendrick Lamar’s deserved win unlikely. But The Heist has enough cross-genre appeal and cultural cache to make it.
Watch out for: The Blessed Unrest, Sara Bareilles
Many were surprised when Bareilles was even nominated, but the singer’s underrated record could result in a major upset. Plus: She could also pull votes away from Taylor Swift’s Red, who would be only the fourth female artist to win the award twice following Hill, Norah Jones and Alison Krauss.
Song of the Year
Will win: “Royals,” Lorde
While the 17-year-old has killer vocals, what really made “Royals” such a hit is its smart lyrics — and this category rewards the songwriters. Should Lorde, who co-wrote the tune, win any of her four nominations, she would be the third youngest Grammy winner ever after 14-year-old champsLeAnn Rimes and Luis Miguel.
Watch out for: “Same Love,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Social message songs have a mixed record at the Grammys, but there’s a chance this pro-equality song can make it to the top.
Look back at the best and worst performances from the 2013 Grammys
Best New Artist
Will win: Kacey Musgraves
The Grammys have a history of rewarding solo female artists in this category (half of its 48 awards have gone to the single ladies). And since Lorde was oddly snubbed, country star Musgraves might surprise everyone by taking home the honor.
Watch out for: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
The duo has major mainstream appeal and ruled both the radio and Grammy nominations — they have seven nods — this year. But overexposure could hurt them.
Best Pop Vocal Album
Will win: Pure Heroine, Lorde
Lorde’s debut has earned her favorable comparisons to Adele’s Rolling in the Deep, which won this honor in 2012. It’s likely the Kiwi import will follow in the Brit’s footsteps.
Watch out for: The 20/20 Experience, Justin Timberlake
Timberlake’s comeback was a major letdown for most, but the performer still has enough good will going for him to possibly earn a win. He would join Kelly Clarkson as the category’s only two-time victors. MORE..
