Grammys 2025’s Biggest Snubs: Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa Miss Out

The nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards are officially here, and while some artists are celebrating their nods, others are left questioning why they didn’t make the cut.

The Grammys are no stranger to controversy when it comes to snubs, and this year is no different. Despite incredible achievements in 2024, several big names were surprisingly overlooked, whether in top categories or even in specific genre nominations.

Music released between September 16, 2023, and August 30, 2024, was eligible for the awards, which will be handed out on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.

So, who were the most significant omissions this time around?

Instagram/ @dualipa

Dua Lipa has been a Grammy favorite for years, earning multiple awards and nominations, including her 2020 win for Future Nostalgia. But this year, she’s been shut out entirely. Despite releasing Radical Optimism, an album that was widely praised, not a single nomination came her way for 2025. She wasn’t even acknowledged in the Song categories, with tracks like “Houdini” failing to make the cut. It’s a surprising oversight for an artist who has been a consistent presence in Grammy history.

Reuters

Megan Thee Stallion’s single “Hiss” was one of the most talked-about rap tracks of 2024. Known for her sharp lyrical prowess and unmatched flow, Megan delivered an impressive diss track that critics hailed as one of her best. However, the Grammys chose not to recognize it, leaving the “Savage” rapper out of the Best Rap Song race. It’s a curious decision, especially considering how much attention “Hiss” generated in the rap community and beyond.

Reuters

Ariana Grande’s absence from the top categories of the 2025 Grammys is puzzling, especially given the critical acclaim surrounding her album Eternal Sunshine. Despite its sleek production and artistry, Grande was snubbed in all the major categories — including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. Even more baffling is the exclusion of her powerful music video for “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” which had previously been nominated for a MTV VMA. While she did secure a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album, it’s a surprising lack of recognition for what many considered to be her most refined project to date.

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Tyla made a splash at the 2024 Grammys when she won the inaugural Best African Performance Award for her hit “Water,” a track that blended Afrobeats, Amapiano, and pop. Fans had high hopes for her self-titled debut album to earn Grammy recognition, but it didn’t even make the cut. Even more shockingly, the Best African Performance category this year is exclusively filled with Nigerian artists, leaving out Tyla, whose innovative sound is beloved across Africa and beyond.

Tinashe had one of her best years in 2024, but the Grammys overlooked her yet again. The track “Nasty,” with its sharp, bold lyrics and undeniable energy, should have been a contender for Record of the Year. Despite a growing fanbase and critical acclaim for her multifaceted artistry, Tinashe’s snub is a reminder that the Recording Academy hasn’t fully recognized her unique contribution to the pop and R&B genres.

Hozier’s “Too Sweet” had an incredible run this year, even reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100. The song was expected to earn a nomination in Record of the Year, but it didn’t make the cut. This was especially surprising given that his breakthrough hit “Take Me to Church” earned multiple Grammy nominations nearly a decade ago. Despite the massive success of “Too Sweet,” it seems the Grammys have moved on without acknowledging Hozier’s continued success.

AFP

Sexyy Red’s breakout year saw her win Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist at the BET Hip Hop Awards and a nomination for Best New Artist at the BET Awards. However, the Recording Academy overlooked her for a Best New Artist nomination at the Grammys. With female rap dominating the charts in recent years, it’s surprising that Sexyy Red wasn’t included, especially given her rising popularity.

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Though Jack Antonoff received seven Grammy nominations in total this year — including multiple for Album of the Year and Song of the Year — he was passed over for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, a category he has dominated for the past three years. Antonoff had been aiming to make history with a fourth consecutive win, but the Grammys decided to go in a different direction, making this a notable omission for one of the industry’s most in-demand producers.

Troye Sivan had a standout year with the release of his album Something to Give Each Other, which garnered critical praise. His track “One of Your Girls” was one of the most talked-about songs of the year, yet Sivan was shut out of the Best Pop Solo Performance category. Given his established presence in pop and the acclaim his music has received, this snub is a head-scratcher for many fans.

Instagram/ @gracieabrams 

Gracie Abrams' album The Secret of Us was one of the most anticipated releases of the year, with standout tracks like “I Love You, I’m Sorry” showcasing her vulnerability and songwriting talent. Yet, Abrams didn’t manage to secure a nod in the Best Pop Solo Performance category. It’s a disappointing omission for an artist who has been steadily building a loyal fanbase and critical respect.

Instagram/ @normani 

Normani’s Dopamine was another album that many believed had the potential to land in the Best R&B Album category. Despite her undeniable vocal talent and the success of tracks like “Wild Side,” Normani was shut out of this year’s nominations, continuing the pattern of her consistent snubbing by the Grammys. It’s a missed opportunity for an artist who many believe is overdue for recognition.