ALBUM OF THE YEAR
In 2020, 1,225 albums were entered in this category. The top 20 vote-getters went to the committee, which picked the eight nominees. This year, the top eight vote-getters will become the nominees. Here are the best bets, listed alphabetically
Billie Eilish Happier Than Ever
Eilish’s sophomore album won’t be released until July 30, but considering her Grammy history, it seems a safe bet for a nomination. Eilish would be the first artist to have both of his or her first two proper studio albums nominated in this category since Lady Gaga a decade ago.
Ariana Grande Positions
This would be the pop superstar’s second nod in this category in three years. She was nominated two years ago for thank u, next. Both albums spent their first two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
H.E.R.
Back of My Mind
H.E.R. has already made awards show history this year. She and collaborators Tiara Thomas and D’Mile won the Grammy for song of the year for “I Can’t Breathe” and the Academy Award for best original song for “Fight for You.” They were the first songwriters to win both honors in the same year with different songs since Lionel Richie in 1986. This album reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200, H.E.R.’s best showing to date.
Lil Nas X Montero
As with H.E.R., the rapper was nominated in this category even before the release of his first official studio album. The debut, which is titled after his birth name, is due this summer. Lil Nas X’s EP 7 was nominated here two years ago.
Olivia Rodrigo Sour
This album has logged three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and became the first debut release to include two singles that entered the Hot 100 at No. 1: the classic ballad “drivers license” and the pop-punk smash “good 4 u.” The fact that the singles are so completely different may work to Rodrigo’s advantage.
Jazmine Sullivan Heaux Tales
This album reached No. 4 on the
Billboard 200, Sullivan’s best showing to date. It won album of the year at the BET Awards in June. While Sullivan has gone 0-12 at the Grammys over the years, this may well be her time to finally bring one (or more) home.
Taylor Swift evermore or Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
If evermore is nominated, it would mark a first for Swift, who has never been nominated in this category with her follow-up to an album of the year winner. (In other words, Speak Now and reputation, which followed Fearless and 1989, respectively, fell short.)
Tyler, The Creator
Call Me If You Get Lost
The artist won his first Grammy in March with IGOR (best rap album). This would be the rapper-singer’s first album of the year nod as a lead artist, though he was nominated as a featured artist nine years ago on Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange.