Beyoncé waited years to win the Album of the Year Grammy. Last year it happened.
Could the same fate befall Lady Gaga? She hasn’t won one of the big four awards (album, record, single, new artist) but could come through this year. Her biggest competition for the Album prize is Bad Bunny, who could be a beneficiary of the academy’s invitation to Latin Grammy voters. They’re now in the fold and could spell “denial” for Gaga.
Bad Bunny
Evan Agostini, Invision
Another story to watch: How Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo fare. Snubbed by Oscar voters, they’re in the hunt for a Grammy for their “Defying Gravity” duet. This could give them some redemption and scare the “KPop Demon Hunters” folks.
Business as usual? If surprises are “usual,” then, yes, but Sunday’s Grammy Awards promise to be a night of tears — and trends.
By category, here’s who’s likely to win:
People are also reading…
Lady Gaga performs during last year’s Grammys ceremony. She has seven nominations heading into this year’s ceremony.
Chris Pizzello, Associated Press
Album of the year
Lady Gaga would finally win under other circumstances, but she’s up against Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar, both formidable. They’ll all get something, but it’s time to pay old debts. Winner: Lady Gaga. But if Bad Bunny is the winner, don’t be shocked.
Song of year
Gaga figures in here, as well, but “Golden” (from “KPop Demon Hunters”) is on a roll. Winner: “Golden,” KPop Demon Hunters.
Sabrina Carpenter performs “Tears” on Sept. 7 during the MTV Video Music Awards.
Charles Sykes, Invision
Record of the year
This could be Gaga’s, too. If she has a threat, it’s Sabrina Carpenter. Still, a night for Lady Gaga would be a great way to celebrate the year in music. Winner: “Abracadabra,” Lady Gaga.
Olivia Dean performs Oct. 11 at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Texas.
Jack Plunkett, Invision
New artist
Olivia Dean. She only has one nomination and she’s huge. (Sure, those songs can contend next year, but it’d be criminal to ignore her this year.) Possibility: Leon Thomas.
Pop duo/group
Here’s where things get fun. That “Wicked” duet goes head-to-head with “Demon Hunters” and could settle some scores. OR … Bruno Mars and Rose could win. We’re going with Bruno, a Grammy darling.
Pop album
Lady Gaga, “Mayhem.” Carpenter could win this one, but if Gaga is going to have a night, here’s a good way to rack up an armful of trophies.
Traditional pop album
Gaga is here, too, but she’ll have a hard time pulling it away from Brandi Carlisle and Elton John (or Laufey). Give it to the new Tony Bennett/Gaga duo, Brandi and Elton.
Pop solo
Here’s where Sabrina Carpenter (“Manchild”) gets to come out of Gaga’s shadow. She’ll win, even though Chappell Roan is in the mix.
Rock album
Deftones, “Private Music.” Haim has a shot, but let’s not get carried away.
Leon Thomas III
Gary Gerard Hamilton, Associated Press
R&B album
Leon Thomas, “Mutt.” But Oscar nominee Teyana Taylor is also here. Maybe she’s going to capitalize on the good karma.
Rap album
Here’s where Kendrick Lamar gets the love for “GNX.”
Country album
Tyler Childers would seem like the Grammy choice. Eric Church, too, but Kelsea Ballerini has been overlooked so often (by country organizations, specifically), it’s time she comes into her own. Give her a trophy for “Patterns.”
In other categories
Musical theater album: Usually, the Tony winner gets it, which means “Maybe Happy Ending” is the winner. But “Buena Vista Social Club” could benefit from those new voters. Now, it’s a toss-up.
Progressive R&B album: “FLO, “Access All Areas.”
Alternative album: Hayley Williams, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.”
Latin pop album: Karol G, “Tropicoqueta.”
Comedy album: Ali Wong, “Single Lady,” which already won an Emmy.
Music video: Here’s a great place for Sabrina Carpenter (particularly since Beyoncé isn’t in the mix).
Music film: “Music by John Williams.” It’s a great tribute to a big Grammy (and Oscar) winner.
Visual medium compilation: Another battle between “Wicked” and “KPop Demon Hunters.” But don’t overlook “Sinners.” It’s gathering momentum, too. If Ariana and Cynthia show, they’re due something. This could be it.
Visual medium song: “Golden,” KPop Demon Hunters.
Here’s a look at every EGOT winner ever
Richard Rodgers
Emmy: 1962
Grammy: 1960
Oscar: 1945
Tony: 1950
Musician, composer Richard Rodgers in 1975.
Associated Press
Helen Hayes
Emmy: 1953
Grammy: 1977
Oscar: 1932
Tony: 1947
Actor Fred Astaire accepts congratulations from actress Helen Hayes after she presented him the 1978 National Artist Award of the American National Theatre and Academy at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Ca., Oct. 7, 1978.
REED SAXON, Associated Press
Rita Moreno
Emmy: 1977
Grammy: 1972
Oscar: 1961
Tony: 1975
Rita Moreno arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Jordan Strauss, Invision/Associated Press
John Gielgud
Emmy: 1991
Grammy: 1979
Oscar: 1981
Tony: 1961
Sir John Gielgud is shown in a 1985 photo.
JOHN REDMAN, Associated Press
Audrey Hepburn
Emmy: 1993
Grammy: 1994
Oscar: 1953
Tony: 1954
Actress Audrey Hepburn, ambassador for UNICEF, addresses luncheon meeting of the International Women’s Forum in Beverly Hills, Oct. 19, 1990.
BOB GALBRAITH, Associated Press
Marvin Hamlisch
Emmy: 1995
Grammy: 1974
Oscar: 1973
Tony: 1976
In this Nov. 8, 2011 file photo provided by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, composer Marvin Hamlisch performs at the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Alex J. Berliner, Associated Press
Jonathan Tunick
Emmy: 1982
Grammy: 1988
Oscar: 1977
Tony: 1997
Jonathan Tunick accepts the award for best orchestrations for “Merrily We Roll Along” during the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in New York.
Charles Sykes, Invision/Associated Press
Mel Brooks
Emmy: 1967
Grammy: 1998
Oscar: 1968
Tony: 2001
Comedy legend Mel Brooks attends his hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 in Los Angeles.
Dan Steinberg, Invision for Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment/Associated Press
Mike Nichols
Emmy: 2001
Grammy: 1961
Oscar: 1967
Tony: 1964
Director Mike Nichols arrives at the AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards honoring Mike Nichols, presented by TV Land at Sony Pictures Studios on Thursday, June 10, 2010 in Culver City, Calif.
Chris Pizzello, Associated Press
Whoopi Goldberg
Emmy: 2002
Grammy: 1985
Oscar: 1990
Tony: 2002
This Feb. 28, 2016 file photo shows Whoopi Goldberg at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Evan Agostini, Invision/Associated Press
Scott Rudin
Emmy: 1984
Grammy: 2012
Oscar: 2007
Tony: 1994
Scott Rudin arrives at the Golden Globe Awards Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011, in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Matt Sayles, Associated Press
Robert Lopez
Emmy: 2008
Grammy: 2012
Oscar: 2014
Tony: 2004
Robert Lopez, left, and Kristen Anderson-Lopez arrive at the 72nd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 10, 2018, in New York.
Evan Agostini, Invision/Associated Press
John Legend
Emmy: 2018
Grammy: 2006
Oscar: 2015
Tony: 2017
John Legend arrives at Night 2 of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards at The Microsoft Theater on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Los Angeles.
Richard Shotwell, Invision/Associated Press
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Emmy: 2018
Grammy: 1980
Oscar: 1996
Tony: 1980
Andrew Lloyd Webber arrives at night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards at The Microsoft Theater on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Los Angeles.
Richard Shotwell, Invision/Associated Press
Tim Rice
Emmy: 2018
Grammy: 1980
Oscar: 1993
Tony: 1980
Johnny Mercer Award honoree Tim Rice gives his acceptance speech at the 52nd annual Songwriters Hall of Fame induction and awards ceremony at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in New York.
Evan Agostini, Invision/Associated Press
Alan Menken
Emmy: 2020
Grammy: 1991
Oscar: 1989
Tony: 2012
Songwriter Alan Menken performs after receiving the Johnny Mercer Award at the 48th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on Thursday, June 15, 2017, in New York.
Evan Agostini, Invision/Associated Press
Jennifer Hudson
Emmy: 2021
Grammy: 2009
Oscar: 2007
Tony: 2022
Jennifer Hudson arrives at the 75th annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Evan Agostini, Invision/Associated Press
Viola Davis
Emmy: 2015
Grammy: 2023
Oscar: 2017
Tony: 2001
Viola Davis accepts the award for best audio book, narration, and storytelling recording for “Finding Me: A Memoir” at the 65th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, in Los Angeles.
Chris Pizzello, Associated Press
Elton John
Emmy: 2024
Grammy: 1987
Oscar: 1995
Tony: 2000
Elton John performs on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2022.
Susan Walsh, Associated Press
Benj Pasek
Emmy: 2024
Grammy: 2018
Oscar: 2017
Tony: 2017
Benj Pasek, right, and Justin Paul accept the best musical theater album award for “Dear Evan Hansen” at the 60th annual Grammy Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in New York.
Matt Sayles, Invision/Associated Press
Justin Paul
Emmy: 2024
Grammy: 2018
Oscar: 2017
Tony: 2017
Justin Paul, speaking, Benj Pasek, Marc Shaiman, and Scott Wittman accept the Emmy for outstanding original music and lyrics for “Only Murders in the Building” during night two of the Television Academy’s 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Los Angeles.
Phil McCarten, Invision/Associated Press
Stay up-to-date on what’s happening
Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!