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Who will win at this weekend's Grammy Awards?

The 59th Annual Grammy Awards take place this Sunday, with the ceremony under heavy scrutiny as t...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.36 10 Feb 2017


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Who will win at this weekend&a...

Who will win at this weekend's Grammy Awards?

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.36 10 Feb 2017


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The 59th Annual Grammy Awards take place this Sunday, with the ceremony under heavy scrutiny as three of this year's most nominated artists stage a boycott of the awards.

Drake, Justin Bieber and Kanye West are reportedly dissatisfied with the Recording Academy's perceived racial bias. Frank Ocean didn't even submit his critically acclaimed album 'Blonde' for consideration because of it. Questions around the accolade's relevance are also thrown up time and time again. 

Still, it's a welcome breather from the 24 hour Trump-a-thon of the media, and the Academy's tribute to Prince will undoubtedly be worth a look - hopes are high that another Lady GaGa/Bowie disaster is avoided. 

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Album of the Year - Beyoncé's 'Lemonade'

Beyoncé has nine chances to win this year, and this one seems guaranteed. The singer has maintained a dialogue on politics, relationships and personal identity since her performance of Formation at the Super Bowl. 'Lemonade' revolutionised the album format as we know it, and stands as one of the strongest singular pieces of work within pop ever.

'Lemonade' is up against 'Purpose' by Justin Bieber, 'Views' by Drake, 'A Sailor’s Guide To Earth' by Sturgill Simpson and '25' by Adele.

She's in line to match Alison Kraus record for wins if she bags eight awards on the night, a feat well within Queen Bey's reach.

Record of the Year - Adele's Hello

Let the record (sorry) show that this award is given based on the performance of the song. This year's nominees include Hello by Adele, Formation by Beyoncé, 7 Years by Lukas Graham, Work by Rihanna feat. Drake, and Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots.

7 Years success was unprecedented but ultimately short-lived. The same could be said for Stressed Out. After that, it's a hotly contested three-way tie. But it would be surprising if the Academy didn't recognise the commercial success Adele has relished in this year in at least one category. This seems to be the most obvious one.

Best Music Video - Beyoncé's Formation

Formation stands heads and shoulders above its fellow nominees in this category.

2016 saw Beyoncé become synonymous with music videos - I mean, c'mon, that baseball bat in Hold Up? Formation's strong unashamedly, black aesthetic signified Beyoncé's transition from pop star to artist. 

Best New Artist - Chance The Rapper

Considering he begged for nominations (seriously - Kanye West's protegé took out billboard ads asking the Academy to consider him as an independent artist), it would be a shame if Chance The Rapper didn't win.

However, The Chainsmokers' astronomical mainstream success in 2016 could spell trouble for the Chicago native.

He's also up for Best Rap Album, which, if he wins, will be a landmark victory in the wider context - he'll be the first artist to win for a streaming-only album.

Song of the Year - Adele's Hello

The Academy rarely, if ever, acknowledges politically-charged songs such as that of Formation, and despite the level of contention surrounding the ceremony this year, that trend looks unlikely to be bucked in 2017.

Justin Bieber's Love Yourself was another hot competitor, but it's unlikely pop's favourite upstart will be rewarded for his abstention.

Let's hope Adele has room on her mantle.

Image: Mark J. Terrill AP/Press Association Images

Best Rap Song - Drake's Hotline Bling

Easily the most inescapable song on the list (but arguably nowhere near 'the best'), Drake's Hotline Bling will snag voters more unfamiliar with the genre.

Expect him to take Best Rap Album too, recognising the gargantuan success of 'Views'.

Best Alternative Album - David Bowie's 'Blackstar'

Blackstar was largely snubbed at this year's awards, further adding to the negative commentary surrounding the ceremony.

The only real contender will be Thom Yorke and co, with Radiohead's comeback album 'A Moon-Shaped Pool'.

Notably, PJ Harvey, who has been nominated six times previously and never won, is also up for 'The Hope Six Demolition Project'.

Best Rock Album - Cage The Elephant's 'Tell Me I'm Pretty'

No clear winner in this category due to the sub-standard nominations, it's much easier to say who definitely won't win this award (I'm looking at you, Panic! At The Disco).

Cage The Elephant are seriously undervalued as a band in both a live and recorded setting if their recent gig at the Olympia Theatre is anything to go by.

'Tell Me I'm Pretty' was a bit of a critical darling in 2016 too.

 


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