. From the Oscars to middle school talent shows, award ceremonies are riddled with controversy. This year’s Grammys took place on February 4, 2024, with 91 awards being presented. However, the event left social media in an uproar, with thousands of fans debating over who they believed should have won in each category.
. However, the general public actually has very little to do with the event. From the nominations to the award ceremony, Grammy winners are determined by a group of music and recording specialists known as the Academy, who vote for a winner under their corresponding categories of expertise.
. While high schoolers may not possess any degrees in audio engineering, they definitely have plenty of opinions on music. Here’s what students at Westfield think about a few of the Grammy winners this year:
. Album of the Year:
. Despite being one of the broadest categories offered at the Grammys, with thousands of albums being released every month, only eight nominees are considered for “Album of the Year.” According to the official Grammy Awards website, voters are to “consider the quality and artistry of the collection of tracks as a whole.”
. This year’s nominees are as follows: Midnights by Taylor Swift, SOS by SZA, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Rey, the record by boygenius, Endless Summer Vacation by Miley Cyrus, The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monáe, GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo, World Music Radio by Jon Batiste.
. In the end, Taylor Swift took home the trophy with her record breaking album, Midnights. However, many fans of her formidable opponents, SZA and Lana Del Rey, believe that the pop star was undeserving of the award.
. Best Rap Album:
. Around 30 years after its conception, the Grammys announced the addition of “Best Rap Album” in 1995. Quickly growing in popularity, the genre has become one of the most heavily anticipated categories of the entire event.
. Here were this year’s nominees: Michael by Killer Mike, Utopia by Travis Scott, Heroes & Villains by Metro Boomin, Her Loss by Drake and 21 Savage, and King’s Disease by Nas.
. In a shocking turn of events for many, Killer Mike came out on top with his album Michael. Due to his lack of mainstream popularity in comparison to fan favorites, Travis Scott and Metro Boomin, many claim that the rapper was far too “irrelevant” to receive the award.
. Best Pop Vocal Album
. “Pop music” is defined as a widely appealing genre, often including catchy lyrics and danceable tempos. Since it is a significantly narrower category compared to “Album of the Year,” the winner for “Best Pop Vocal Album” was carefully selected from five total candidates.
. The following were this year’s nominees: Midnights by Taylor Swift, GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo, – (Subtract) by Ed Sheeran, Endless Summer Vacation by Miley Cyrus, Chemistry by Kelly Clarkson.
. Taylor Swift won two awards with “Album of the Year” and “Best Pop Vocal Album.” However, many Olivia Rodrigo fans were disappointed that the singer went home empty handed as they believe her album Guts deserved to win at least one Grammy.
. Unfortunately for fans, no matter how much they beg, or how right they may seem, there is nothing they can do to change the results. Nevertheless, it’s always fun to discuss award winners and debate with friends, so long as everyone keeps in mind that opinions hold zero value and mean nothing in the grand scheme of things.
