PTBP Web Desk
The 2025 Grammy nominations have arrived, and this year, the Recording Academy has raised the stakes with a series of unexpected and exciting choices. While iconic artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are no strangers to nods, the spotlight this year is firmly on three rising stars—Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan—who are quickly becoming the new faces of pop. Collectively dubbed “The Powerpuff Girls” by fans and critics, these artists have made their mark with powerhouse performances and albums that have earned them multiple nominations in the prestigious categories of Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Sabrina Carpenter has truly come into her own this year with her album Short n’ Sweet, which has earned her six Grammy nominations, including nods in the Big Four categories—Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. The album, featuring hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” has made a significant impact on both fans and the Academy, propelling Sabrina from her former Disney roots to a chart-topping sensation.
Her success isn’t just about commercial hits, though. Short n’ Sweet received a Best Engineered Album nomination, acknowledging the meticulous craftsmanship behind her music—a subtle but important nod from the Recording Academy’s technical voters. This is an especially notable achievement, as these voters can be notoriously hard to impress. Sabrina’s rise symbolizes a larger shift in pop music, where former child stars are making waves with mature, introspective work. With her infectious melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics, Sabrina Carpenter has proven that she is ready to stay at the top.
Charli XCX is another artist who has left an indelible mark on the 2025 Grammy nominations. Known for her rebellious and experimental approach to pop music, Charli’s album Brat has earned her an impressive seven nominations, including recognition in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category. The album’s bold, boundary-pushing sound has dominated club culture, with tracks like “Brat” becoming anthems of 2024.
What makes Charli’s Grammy journey even more exciting is how her music has transcended its typical fan base. From TikTok viral dances to impromptu family bonding moments, Charli’s music has found its way into unexpected corners of pop culture. One particularly amusing instance involved a group of family members attempting to perform Charli’s TikTok-famous “Apple Dance” at a summer barbecue. Her music has not only defined a cultural moment but also allowed her to break into mainstream consciousness in a way few anticipated.
Charli’s transformation from underground pop icon to Grammy frontrunner highlights her evolving artistic vision. Her unrelenting commitment to experimentation and her willingness to push boundaries make Brat one of the most exciting releases of the year.
Chappell Roan’s debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess has made waves in the music world, especially for its unapologetically queer themes and bold songwriting. The album has earned Roan several Grammy nominations, including a nod for Best New Artist and multiple nominations for her track “Good Luck, Babe!”
Chappell Roan’s success story is one of indie-artist-turned-Grammy-contender. Her work resonates deeply with fans who identify with her open exploration of identity, love, and pain. The album’s mix of indie-pop, electronic elements, and poignant lyricism has struck a chord, and it’s clear that Chappell is poised for a long career in music. As she continues to challenge the traditional boundaries of pop music, her Grammy nominations are only the beginning of her promising journey.
While much of the attention in the top categories has been focused on the rising stars, one unexpected name has made waves: Shaboozey. His hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” surprised many by landing a Song of the Year nomination, even though it wasn’t included in the Record of the Year category. Shaboozey’s clever reimagining of J-Kwon’s classic “Tipsy” has been widely praised for its creativity, and the Song of the Year nod is a testament to his unique style and skill as a songwriter.
In addition to the Song of the Year nomination, Shaboozey also found himself recognized in the Best New Artist category, along with other breakout names in the music scene. His recognition proves that the Academy is willing to embrace fresh talent and give attention to new voices, even if they are pushing the boundaries of traditional genres.
As always, veterans like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are part of the conversation in the 2025 Grammy nominations. Beyoncé, who has already earned an astounding 99 nominations throughout her career, is back with Cowboy Carter, an album that has seen significant crossover success in the country and roots music categories. Tracks like “16 Carriages” and her collaboration with Miley Cyrus, “II Most Wanted,” have sparked conversations about Beyoncé’s ability to merge genres and continue evolving as an artist.
Taylor Swift, another perennial Grammy favorite, continues to dominate the nominations with her album The Tortured Poets Department and her collaboration with Post Malone on “Fortnight.” Despite being a frontrunner, Taylor’s journey this year hasn’t been entirely smooth. Her song “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” missed the cut for Best Pop Solo Performance, and “Fortnight” didn’t earn a spot in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category. While Swift’s legacy is undeniable, it seems the younger generation of artists, including Sabrina, Charli, and Chappell, may be inching closer to stealing the Grammy spotlight this year.
One of the most unexpected nominations comes from André 3000, whose album New Blue Sun is a mesmerizing jazz flute journey that defies conventional genre classifications. While the album is unlikely to win big, its inclusion in the Grammy race reflects the growing diversity of musical tastes within the Academy. New Blue Sun is a bold experiment, and its nomination serves as a reminder that the Recording Academy is embracing a wider array of artistic expression in 2025.
