Grammy predictions: AP writers debate who’ll triumph Sunday

Related Press Leisure Writers Jonathan Landrum Jr. and Kristin M. Corridor spoil down the Grammy nominees, agreeing on the very least that Olivia Rodrigo goes to select up gold trophies. However the writers (and most probably Grammy electorate, too) are conflicted when there’s such a lot stiff pageant between artists like Woman Gaga and Tony Bennett, Billie Eilish and Rodrigo.

The sixty fourth annual Grammy Awards will air on Sunday, April 3 on CBS and Paramount+.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: “We Are,” Jon Batiste; “Love For Sale,” Tony Bennett and Woman Gaga; “Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe),” Justin Bieber; “Planet Her (Deluxe Version),” Doja Cat; “Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish; “Again of My Thoughts,” H.E.R.; “MONTERO,” Lil Nas X; “Bitter,” Olivia Rodrigo; “Evermore,” Taylor Swift; “Donda,” Kanye West.

LANDRUM: Tony Bennett and Woman Gaga are an ideal fit to win album of the yr in opposition to some stiff pageant. It’ll be a good race between the dynamic duo at the side of Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, however I feel Bennett and Gaga will reign best above the remainder of the well-respected pack with their unrivaled chemistry displayed by means of the mythical crooners on “Love for Sale.” True, there’s a lifelong bond and synergy between the sister-brother combo of Eilish and Finneas. Rodrigo has probably the most greatest early profession splashes of luck too. However the magic created by means of Bennett and Gaga is an extraordinary incidence — particularly for Bennett, who confirmed in his 90s that he can nonetheless vocally grasp his personal and flourish with Gaga of their selection of masterful duets.

HALL: Aww, Jonathan, I had no thought you have been this type of romantic! Even a hard-hearted cynic like me has a tough time arguing in opposition to a duo who has 30 Grammys (and a life-time success award) between them. This class has such selection from debut albums and dad and rap stars evolving thru more than a few ranges of repute the entire option to musical icons. However I’m gonna cross with my intestine, now not my middle, and say that Rodrigo ekes out a good contest this is more likely to cut up amongst pop enthusiasts. Her inescapable amusing pop rock hits have became the younger artist right into a family title, giving her a slight edge over Grammy favs Eilish and Swift.

RECORD OF THE YEAR: “I Nonetheless Have Religion in You,” ABBA; “FREEDOM,” Jon Batiste; “I Get a Kick Out of You,” Tony Bennett and Woman Gaga; “Peaches,” Justin Bieber that includes Daniel Caesar and Giveon; “Proper on Time,” Brandi Carlile; “Kiss Me Extra,” Doja Cat that includes SZA; “Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish; “MONTERO (Name Me By means of Your Title),” Lil Nas X; “Drivers License,” Olivia Rodrigo; “Depart the Door Open,” Silk Sonic.

HALL: I do know I’m now not intended to, however I’m speaking about Bruno. As in Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak making a lush soundscape with their Silk Sonic collaboration. “Depart the Door Open” is an easy ’70s generation R&B throwback that simply hits the best notes, from the tinkling keys to the primary traces of the music: “What you doin’? The place you at? Oh you were given plans? Don’t say that.” Mars and .Paak made some nostalgic 24K magic right here this is my jam.

LANDRUM: I feel Eilish will utterly close Silk Sonic’s door. She’s an excessive amount of of a power for the opposite competition right here. And thru “Happier Than Ever,” she’ll make historical past by means of changing into the primary artist to win 3 instantly years within the class and sign up for Paul Simon as the one artist with 3 document of the yr victories.

SONG OF THE YEAR (songwriter’s award): “Unhealthy Behavior,” “A Gorgeous Noise,” “Drivers License,” “Battle For You,” “Happier Than Ever,” “Kiss Me Extra,” “Depart The Door Open,” “MONTERO (Name Me By means of Your Title),” “Peaches,” “Proper On Time.”

LANDRUM: I most definitely performed Justin Bieber’s “Peaches” that includes Daniel Caesar and Giveon greater than the opposite nominee’s tracks. I used to be captured by means of the music’s feel-good melody and Bieber’s catchy hook — which oftentimes nonetheless performs in my head. However after my soliloquy, I’m predicting that H.E.R. will cross back-to-back on this class for “Battle for You,” a soulful music with poignant lyrics from the “Judas and the Black Messiah” soundtrack. The music — written by means of H.E.R., manufacturer D’Mile and singer Tiara Thomas — gained an Academy Award for perfect authentic music ultimate yr. It gives a formidable message identical to ultimate yr’s winner “I Can’t Breathe” and I feel ”Battle for You” will win this bout for the trio on the Grammys too.

HALL: The Recording Academy obviously LOVES Eilish and has anointed the celebrity with seven Grammys already, so she seems like a nice shoo-in. “Happier Than Ever” is a cinematic melodramatic tale music, appearing the other facets of the other pop singer-songwriter, despite the fact that it wasn’t probably the most larger songs from her album. Despite the fact that a part of me actually would like for Lil Nas X to marvel everybody with a win right here.

BEST NEW ARTIST: Arooj Aftab; Jimmie Allen; Child Keem; Finneas; Glass Animals; Eastern Breakfast; The Child Laroi; Arlo Parks; Olivia Rodrigo; Saweetie.

HALL: Such a lot of deserving names on this class (and I feel Jimmie Allen is the toughest running artist in nation song at the moment), however there is not any doubt this award is reserved for Rodrigo. Simply cross forward and engrave her title on it.

LANDRUM: This award must be signed, sealed and brought to Rodrigo. Sorry Saweetie, however there’s a bona fide sleeper on this class: Finneas. Yep, Eilish’s brother who has already gained 8 Grammys thru his manufacturer and co-writer paintings on his sister’s tasks. Do I in truth assume Finneas will dissatisfied Rodrigo? No. She’s had too large of a yr to lose. However there’s a small a part of me that believes Finneas has a sliver of an opportunity. Once in a while, that is all you want.

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE: “Any individual,” Justin Bieber; “Proper on Time,” Brandi Carlile; “Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish; “Positions,” Ariana Grande; “Drivers License,” Olivia Rodrigo.

LANDRUM: Eilish or the Biebs may derail, however Rodrigo’s “drivers license” must be coasting down the street within the winner’s seat with out a detours.

HALL: what’s even higher than in spite of everything incomes your driving force’s license? A Grammy trophy. I am hoping she drives it round in her passenger seat to brag over that ex.

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE: “Thot S(asterisk)(asterisk)(asterisk),” Megan The Stallion; “M Y. L I F E,” J. Cole feat. 21 Savage and Morray; “Up,” Cardi B; “Circle of relatives Ties,” Child Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar.

HALL: Megan and Cardi are nonetheless on fireplace even if they’re losing singles between albums, however there is not any fit for the lyrical one-two punch from cousins Child Keem and Kendrick Lamar. The circle of relatives affair is a two-part music, pairing up Keem, the emerging celebrity who arrives to fanfare with a blare of horns and a drum line, with Lamar, one of the acclaimed rappers of our time, who publicizes “I’m the Omega.” The Pulitzer Prize winner, who has been most commonly quiet musically because the “Black Panther” soundtrack, drops a number of hints that extra is coming from him.

LANDRUM: Lamar and Keem’s circle of relatives ties to this class might be damaged. For me, it is a toss up between the “WAP” duo — Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. It’ll be shut, however I imagine Cardi’s crossover hit “Up” will trap electorate sufficient to actually ship her up on degree to assert this award and grow to be the primary lady to win this class as a solo artist.

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE: “Select Up Your Emotions,” Jazmine Sullivan; “Depart The Door Open,” Silk Sonic; “Harm,” H.E.R.; “Peaches,” Justin Beiber feat. Daniel Caesar and Giveon; “Misplaced You,” Snoh Aalegra.

LANDRUM: Turn flop my selection about H.E.R. and Bieber within the music of the yr class for this one. I really like H.E.R.’s “Harm,” however I feel “Peaches” by means of Bieber is gratifying my candy teeth for perfect R&B efficiency.

HALL: I really like each “Select Up Your Emotions” and “Harm” for his or her good and horny lyrics, so I’m torn. However I feel Silk Sonic will skate away with the win on this class.

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE: “You Must Most likely Depart,” Chris Stapleton; “digicam roll,” Kacey Musgraves; “All I Do Is Pressure,” Jason Isbell; “Consider Her Title,” Mickey Guyton; “Endlessly After All,” Luke Combs.

HALL: This can be a singer’s class, so you have to have the pipes and Stapleton may simply win this award once more. Combs’ time is coming quickly, however I feel Guyton’s efficiency of a music so non-public provides her a bonus. Guyton’s voice is supple and robust on “Consider Her Title” and I feel Grammy electorate will take note her definitely.

LANDRUM: Final yr, Guyton confirmed up. This yr, she’ll display out. Identical to the title of her album and music, you’ll completely take note her title when Guyton prevails on this class.