Grammy 2025 nominations stir debate with major snubs, surprises, and controversial choices

The 2025 Grammy nominations, announced Friday, have sparked reactions across the music world with both unexpected snubs and surprising nods.

Rising stars like Reneé Rapp and Tyla missed out on major nominations, leaving fans and critics questioning the Recording Academy’s choices. Rapp, who starred in Mean Girls and gained acclaim with her album Snow Angel, was notably passed over, while fan-favorite Tyla, whose hit “Water” won at last year’s Grammys, saw her acclaimed self-titled album go unrecognized.

The Album of the Year category also surprised with André 3000’s flute-centric New Blue Sun and Jacob Collier’s Djesse Vol. 4, competing against pop icons like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine missed out on general-field recognition, instead receiving genre-specific nods. Meanwhile, Chris Brown received multiple nominations despite his controversial past, sparking debate.

Critics also took issue with Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” being nominated for Record of the Year despite its mixed reception. The Grammy Awards will air live from Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2025.