1. The Album of the Year Race
One of the most significant categories of the night, the Grammy for Album of the Year has the potential to be historic in several ways. None of the eight nominees have previously won this award, despite the list featuring established artists like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Kendrick Lamar. However, favorites like Lamar or Bad Bunny could make history on their own. If “GNX” wins, Lamar would become the first solo rapper to conquer this category. If Bad Bunny’s “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” takes the prize, it would be the first entirely Spanish-language album to win Album of the Year.
2. Multilingual Songs of the Year
Three out of the eight nominees for Song of the Year challenge English’s dominance in the Grammys’ main categories. The infectious “Golden” by Netflix’s k-pop sensation “Las Guerreras” and ROSÉ & Bruno Mars’ “APT” have captivated the world with their Korean and English lyrics. Winning a Grammy would catapult either as the first bilingual song to win the award. Bad Bunny could also become the first artist to win with a Spanish-language song thanks to his caribeño “DTMF”.
3. No Sixth Time’s the Charm for Trevor Noah
South African comedian Trevor Noah will host the ceremony for the sixth consecutive time, which is expected to be his farewell, according to organizers. Noah made his Grammys debut in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which lent a sober tone to what is usually an animated and festive event. Noah, who led a somber gala last year amidst Los Angeles wildfires, has balanced political satire with entertainment and social commentary in his monologues.
4. Justin Bieber Takes the Stage
Among the stars set to perform at the Crypto.com Theater is confirmed Justin Bieber, who is competing for four Grammys this year, including Album of the Year for “Swag,” his first studio album in four years released unexpectedly in July. The 31-year-old superstar has been dealing with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare neurological condition that partially paralyzes his face, forcing him to cancel the last leg of his tour in 2022. Bieber, who rose to fame as a teenager in 2009, will headline a night at the California Coachella festival in April.
5. New Categories
The Recording Academy awards dozens of prizes each year. For this edition, they added two new categories and removed one, bringing the total to 95. An award will now recognize the best traditional country album in response to the feeling that modern pop-country was overshadowing artists with a purer sound. Consequently, the Best Country Album category now calls itself Best Contemporary Country Album.
The Other New Addition: Best Album Cover
“These additions reinforce the Recording Academy’s commitment to recognizing a broader spectrum of art and honoring the diverse ways music is created and experienced,” said the Academy. The latest change was consolidating categories for Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package into a single category called Best Recording Package.
Key Questions and Answers
- What makes the Album of the Year category historically significant? This year’s nominees, including established artists like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Kendrick Lamar, have never won the Album of Artists of the Year. A win for any of them would be groundbreaking.
- Which multilingual songs are nominated for Song of the Year? “Golden” by Las Guerreras and ROSÉ & Bruno Mars’ “APT” are contenders, as is Bad Bunny’s “DTMF.” Winning either would make history as the first bilingual song to win this award.
- Why is the 2023 Grammys likely Trevor Noah’s farewell? The South African comedian has hosted the ceremony for six consecutive years, and organizers have indicated that this year will be his last.
- What challenges has Justin Bieber faced recently? Bieber, who is competing for four Grammys this year, has been dealing with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare neurological condition affecting his facial movements.
- What changes were made to the Grammy categories this year? The Recording Academy introduced two new categories—Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover—and consolidated existing categories for Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package.
