Awards
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Will Beyoncé finally win album of the year at the 2025 Grammy Awards? Queen Bey has gone 0-4 in the category (as a lead artist), which has been a source of frustration for many in the BeyHive — and also those in her inner circle. Accepting an honorary award at the 2024 ceremony, Jay-Z confronted the issue head-on. “I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than everyone and never won album of the year, so even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work.”
Jay-Z’s remark suggests that Bey’s fate in the category will be the most-watched moment at the 67th annual Grammys, which will be presented Feb. 2 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Nominations will be announced Nov. 8. Here are Billboard’s best bets for nods in the top four categories.
It’s likely that solo women will take seven of the eight slots here. That’s comparable to the 2024 Grammys, where solo women took six of the eight slots and an all-woman group, boygenius, took a seventh. Jon Batiste was the only male artist to be nominated at this year’s ceremony. Chris Stapleton may have the best chance of repping men next year. Nominees for album and record of the year must have been released during the eligibility period (Sept. 16, 2023-Aug. 30, 2024).
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Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
This is Bey’s eighth solo studio album and would be her fifth to be nominated in this category following I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé, Lemonade and Renaissance. She would be the first Black artist to be nominated for a country album since Ray Charles for Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (though none of the singles from that trailblazing 1962 album appeared on Hot Country Songs). Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 (two weeks).
Sabrina Carpenter, Short N’ Sweet
Carpenter’s sixth studio album is due Aug. 23, one week before the end of the eligibility period. The album was co-produced by Jack Antonoff and Julian Bunetta. Antonoff has received eight album of the year nods — four with Taylor Swift, two with Lana Del Rey and one each with Lorde and his own pop trio, fun. He has also won producer of the year, non-classical the last three years running.
Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
Eilish’s third album features 10 tracks, two songwriters (Eilish and FINNEAS), one producer (FINNEAS) and no featured artists. That may appeal to traditionalists in the Recording Academy’s voting membership who are put off by this era’s collaboration-heavy approach. Eilish won in this category five years ago for When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and was nominated three years ago for Happier Than Ever. Billboard 200 peak: No. 2.
Ariana Grande, Eternal Sunshine
This is Grande’s seventh studio album and would be her second to be nominated in this category. She was nominated five years ago for Thank U, Next. Swedish hit-makers Max Martin and ILYA, who were nominated as producers of Thank U, Next, are also among the producers of this album. Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 (two weeks).
Chappell Roan, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
The singer’s debut album arrived Sept. 22, 2023, one week after the start of the eligibility period. This is vying to become the first debut album by a woman pop artist to receive an album of the year nod since Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR in 2022. Daniel Nigro, who has been nominated twice in this category for work with Rodrigo, co-produced the album with Ryan Linvill and Mike Wise. Billboard 200 peak: No. 5.
Chris Stapleton, Higher
This is Stapleton’s fifth studio album and would be his second to be nominated in the category. Traveller was nominated nine years ago. Stapleton is vying to become the first male country solo artist to land two nominations in this category. “White Horse,” the lead single from Higher, won two Grammys in February. Higher won album of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 16. Billboard 200 peak: No. 3.
Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department
This would be Swift’s seventh nod in the category, which would allow her to stand alone as the woman artist with the most album of the year nods. She currently shares that distinction with Barbra Streisand, with six nods each. Swift co-produced the album with Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner and Patrik Berger. Billboard 200 peak: No. 1 (12 weeks so far).
Tyla, Tyla
The South African singer’s “Water” won the inaugural Grammy presented for best African music performance. It was the lead single from her self-titled debut album, which was released during the current eligibility period. Tyla features guest appearances from stars such as Tems, Gunna, Becky G and Travis Scott. Tyla won two BET Awards on June 30 — best new artist and best international act. Billboard 200 peak: No. 24.
Within Reach: Zach Bryan, The Great American Bar Scene; Charli xcx, brat; Doja Cat, Scarlet; Future & Metro Boomin, We Don’t Trust You; Post Malone, F-1 Trillion (due Aug. 16); Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well; 21 Savage, American Dream; Kali Uchis, Orquídeas; Usher, Coming Home; Lainey Wilson, Whirlwind (due Aug. 23).
From left: Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone, Kendrick Lamar and Hozier.
Illustration by Eleanor Shakespeare; Jo Hale/Redferns; Dennis Leupold; Timothy Norris/Getty Images; Barry McCall
Beyoncé already holds the record for most career nominations in this category. Her total of eight includes an early record with Destiny’s Child and collaborations with Jay-Z and Megan Thee Stallion. Will she extend her lead this year? And could two Black artists — Bey and Shaboozey — be nominated for country hits in the same year? Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control,” a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, was entered last year and thus is ineligible.
Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ’Em”
Two years ago, Beyoncé pulled ahead of Frank Sinatra for the most nominations in this category. This would give her a record-extending ninth nod. The big question: Will it compete for best solo performance honors in pop or country? “Texas Hold ’Em” wouldn’t be the first poker-themed hit to land a record of the year nod. Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” was nominated at the awards in 1980. Hot 100 peak: No. 1 (two weeks).
Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things”
This song is constructed like Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” which was nominated for record and song of the year three years ago. It starts out soft and builds in intensity to a rock-inflected finish. This was Boone’s third Hot 100 entry, but his first to climb above No. 82. Hot 100 peak: No. 2.
Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso”
Carpenter’s camp has to decide which hit to enter — “Espresso,” which topped Billboard’s staff list of The 50 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far), or “Please Please Please,” which was Carpenter’s first No. 1 on the Hot 100. The former is one of the catchiest singles of recent years; the latter, an offbeat, country-shaded follow-up. They’ll probably go with “Espresso,” but either would be a strong nominee. Hot 100 peak: No. 3.
Billie Eilish, “Lunch”
This would be Eilish’s fifth nod in this category. She won for “bad guy” and “Everything I Wanted” and was nominated for “Happier Than Ever” and “What Was I Made For?” Eilish’s brother, FINNEAS, produced all of these records. Nominations will be announced five weeks before Eilish turns 23. No one else has ever amassed five nods in this category at such a young age. Hot 100 peak: No. 5.
Ariana Grande, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”
This record could give Grande a second nod in this category. She was nominated five years ago for the Rodgers & Hammerstein-interpolating “7 Rings.” Grande produced this track with Swedish pop masterminds Max Martin and ILYA, who were among the producers of “7 Rings.” Hot 100 peak: No. 1 (one week).
Hozier, “Too Sweet”
Hozier got some Grammy love nine years ago when his breakthrough smash, “Take Me to Church,” was nominated for song of the year. He came roaring back this year with this impeccably produced record. Hozier is vying to become the fourth Irish artist to be nominated for record of the year, following Gilbert O’Sullivan, U2 and Sinéad O’Connor. Hot 100 peak: No. 1 (one week).
Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”
This scathing dis track is from Lamar’s bitter and highly public feud with Drake. This would be Lamar’s fourth nod in this category following “HUMBLE.” (2018); “All the Stars,” a collaboration with SZA (2019); and “The Heart Part 5” (2023). If this is nominated, Lamar will tie Jay-Z for the most record of the year nods by a rapper. Hot 100 peak: No. 1 (two weeks).
Chappell Roan, “Good Luck, Babe!”
This song, Roan’s first Hot 100 hit, was produced by Daniel Nigro, who has been nominated in this category for his work on two Olivia Rodrigo hits. Nigro has received eight Grammy nods, all for work with Rodrigo. He won best pop vocal album as the producer of her debut album, SOUR. Hot 100 peak: No. 10.
Within Reach: Doja Cat, “Agora Hills”; Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me”; Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar, “Like That”; Muni Long, “Made for Me”; Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help”; Tommy Richman, “Million Dollar Baby”; Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”; Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone, “Fortnight”; 21 Savage, “Redrum”; SZA, “Saturn.”
From left: FINNEAS, Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff, ILYA and Dan Nigro.
Illustration by Eleanor Shakespeare; Robin L. Marshall/Getty Images; David O’Donohue; Jason Koerner/Getty Images; Anna Sky; Alberto E. Rodriguez/WireImage
Last year, five of the eight nominees for record of the year were also nominated for song of the year. The year before that, six of the 10 nominees for record of the year also received song of the year nods. This year, seven of the eight record of the year nominees could double up. Taylor Swift has amassed seven nominations in this category, more than any other songwriter, but she has yet to win. Will this finally be her year?
“Beautiful Things”Songwriters: Benson Boone, Jack LaFrantz, Evan Blair
This song touches on themes that have long been attractive to Grammy voters — gratitude for life’s blessings and awareness of how quickly in life fortunes can change. Other philosophical songs that have been nominated here in recent years include “Live Like You Were Dying,” “Bless the Broken Road,” “7 Years” and “God’s Plan.” In addition to co-writing “Beautiful Things,” Blair produced Boone’s single.
“Espresso”Songwriters: Sabrina Carpenter, Amy Allen, Julian Bunetta, Steph Jones
This confection may seem a little light for a song of the year nod, but the irresistible tune has been inescapable in recent months. Even Adele was caught up in the hooky line “I’m working late/’Cause I’m a singer,” praising the song during her Las Vegas residency. (And being light didn’t prevent Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like” from winning in 2019.) Allen was nominated for the inaugural songwriter of the year, non-classical award two years ago.
“Fortnight”Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Jack Antonoff
All three writers are past nominees in this category: Swift has been nominated a record seven times, Antonoff four times and Post Malone once. Alternatively, Swift could enter “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version),” which she also co-wrote with Antonoff. Both songs topped the Hot 100, for two and one weeks, respectively.
“Good Luck, Babe!”Songwriters: Chappell Roan, Justin Tranter, Daniel Nigro
Tranter and Nigro are past nominees in this category — Tranter for co-writing Julia Michaels’ “Issues,” Nigro for co-writing Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license” and “Vampire.” “Good Luck, Babe!” is about a woman parting ways with a woman who is denying her true sexual orientation. The next song on the list is about a woman accepting and embracing her own.
“Lunch”Songwriters: Billie Eilish, FINNEAS
The siblings have been nominated four times in this category, winning twice. If they win again, they’ll become the first three-time winners in the history of the category. They won most recently this year with “What Was I Made For?” They have another very pretty ballad (“Birds of a Feather”) that they could enter here instead, but “Lunch” feels like the more likely option.
“Not Like Us”Songwriter: Kendrick Lamar
As with record of the year, this would be Lamar’s fourth nod in this category following “Alright” (2016), “All the Stars” (2019) and “The Heart Part 5” (2023). And, as with record of the year, if this is nominated, Lamar will tie Jay-Z for the most song of the year nods for a rapper.
“Texas Hold ’Em”Songwriters: Beyoncé, Brian Bates, Nathan Ferraro, Raphael Saadiq, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow
This would be Beyoncé’s sixth nomination in the category. That would put her in a tie with Paul McCartney and Lionel Richie for second place on the list of all-time nominees in this category. Swift leads with seven nods. Saadiq has been nominated for best R&B song five times, winning twice, but this would be his first song of the year nod.
“We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”Songwriters: Ariana Grande, Max Martin, ILYA
This would be the first nomination in this category for Grande and ILYA and the fifth for Martin, following nods for Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” Katy Perry’s “Roar” and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space.” Martin, a Swede, and U2, from Ireland, are the only songwriters who hail from somewhere other than America or England to amass four or more nods in this category.
Within Reach: “Agora Hills” (artist: Doja Cat); “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” (Shaboozey); “Deeper Well” (Kacey Musgraves); “I Had Some Help” (Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen); “Made for Me” (Muni Long); “Obsessed” (Olivia Rodrigo); “Pink Skies” (Zach Bryan); “Redrum” (21 Savage); “Saturn” (SZA); “Too Sweet” (Hozier).
Clockwise from top: Chappell Roan, Shaboozey, Sexyy Red, Teddy Swims and Megan Moroney.
Illustration by Eleanor Shakespeare; Ryan Clemens; Daniel Prakopcyk; Chris Allmeid; CeCe Dawson; Aaron Marsh
According to the rules, “This category recognizes an artist whose eligibility-year release(s) achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness.” Artists with previous Grammy nominations are generally not allowed, nor are artists who have previously been entered in the category three times (whether or not they were nominated). That latter rule disqualifies Tate McRae. The last seven winners in this category have been solo women, which tied the record established in 1997-2003. If another solo woman wins next year, a new record will be set.
Benson Boone
Boone, 22, is the youngest of this year’s likely best new artist nominees. He is vying to become the first male artist to win in this category since Chance the Rapper in 2017. Boone could also become the second winner in this category with that surname. Debby Boone won in 1978.
Sabrina Carpenter
Short N’ Sweet is Carpenter’s sixth studio album, so how can she be considered new? Prior to this eligibility year, she had never climbed higher than No. 48 on the Hot 100. The Grammys aren’t charts-based, but they do think in terms of “public consciousness” and achieving “prominence.” Carpenter, 25, is vying to become the second winner in this category with that surname. Karen and Richard Carpenter won in 1971.
Megan Moroney
Moroney, 26, was passed over for a best new artist nod two years ago, when “Tennessee Orange” became a top 30 hit on the Hot 100. But she has continued to build. Moroney was nominated for the Country Music Association’s new artist of the year prize last year and won the Academy of Country Music’s new female artist of the year honor (on her second try) in May. Her second album, Am I Okay?, arrived July 12.
Chappell Roan
Atlantic Records dropped Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, following the release of a 2017 EP, School Nights. Her smash debut album was released through Island Records last September. Roan, 26, supported Olivia Rodrigo (who won in this category in 2022) on two major tours. She also opened for Vance Joy and Ben Platt, among others, and performed at Coachella in April.
Sexyy Red
The rapper, 26, reached the top 20 on the Billboard 200 with her third mixtape, In Sexyy We Trust. The tape spawned the top 20 Hot 100 hit “Get It Sexyy.” Sexyy Red was nominated in five categories, including best new artist, at the 2024 BET Awards, but was shut out.
Shaboozey
Shaboozey, 29, is at the forefront of bringing more diversity to the world of country music. His third album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200. Its smash single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” has made it to No. 1 on the Hot 100. Shaboozey is also featured on two tracks on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter.
Teddy Swims
Swims’ debut studio album, I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1), reached the top 20 on the Billboard 200. “Lose Control,” the smash single from the album, topped the Hot 100. Before becoming a headliner, Swims opened for Zac Brown Band, which won in this category in 2010, and Greta Van Fleet, which was nominated in 2019. Swims, 31, is the oldest of this year’s likely best new artist nominees.
Within Reach: The Beaches; Dasha; Djo; 4Batz; Knox; October London; Tommy Richman; Nate Smith; Brittney Spencer; Tigirlily Gold
This story will appear in the July 20, 2024, issue of Billboard.
We are a deeply divided country, as we keep hearing, but there’s one thing we can all agree on – Bob Newhart was a national treasure, and one of the most talented and original comedy stars who ever lived. Newhart who died on Thursday (July 18) at age 94, starred in two long-running sitcoms, The […]
This morning’s announcement that the Grateful Dead will receive the Kennedy Center Honors in December is the latest sign that that the Kennedy Center has finally gotten the memo – In music, sometimes people do their best and most lasting work in groups.
The Kennedy Center Honors was set up in 1978 to honor individuals. It wasn’t until 2008 that the Center recognized its first musical group: The Who. Before that, they had singled out the most famous member of a group or duo for honors – Paul Simon (2002), Tina Turner (2005), Smokey Robinson (2006), Diana Ross (2007) and Brian Wilson (2007).
Even after 2008, the Kennedy Center often opted to single out a member of a group rather than honor the entire group. The Beatles should certainly have been honored by the Kennedy Center, but the Center selected Paul McCartney for a solo honor in 2002. (McCartney was unable to attend that year due to a family commitment and was finally honored in 2010.)
Other group members who were honored as individuals instead of as part of the groups with which they first achieved fame are Carlos Santana (2013), Sting (2014), Mavis Staples (2016), Gloria Estefan (2017), Lionel Richie (2017), Cher (2018), Gladys Knight (2022) and Barry Gibb (2023). In some cases, it made more sense to honor the individuals. In other cases, it made less sense. Even Barry Gibb would doubtless say that his best and most lasting work was done in the Bee Gees alongside his brothers Robin and Maurice.
Both of Gibb’s brothers had died by 2023, and the Kennedy Center generally doesn’t honor people posthumously — though it made an exception for Glenn Frey, who had died by the time the Eagles were honored in December 2016. (He was alive when the group was selected in 2015. Miranda Lambert performed the Eagles classic “Desperado” on the 2015 show as a mini-tribute.)
The rule about not honoring group members posthumously needs review. To honor Earth, Wind & Fire, as the Kennedy Center did in 2016, without honoring its mastermind Maurice White is hard to fathom. Likewise, to honor Grateful Dead without recognizing its principal songwriter and lead guitarist Jerry Garcia just seems off.
This year’s other honorees are Bonnie Raitt; jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer Arturo Sandoval; filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola; and the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, which is the first venue to be honored.
Here’s a complete list of the groups that have been received Kennedy Center Honors, together with the dates they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and that they received lifetime achievement awards from the Recording Academy.
The Who (2008)
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Selena Gomez finally has a Primetime Emmy nomination in an acting category, and it couldn’t be sweeter. That’s why the 31-year-old star is celebrating the news with a cake, writing on Instagram Stories Wednesday (July 17) that she couldn’t be more thankful for the recognition. After receiving word that she’d received a nod for outstanding […]
The Latin Recording Academy announced on Thursday (July 18) that artistas Albita, Lolita Flores, Alejandro Lerner, Los Ángeles Azules, Draco Rosa and Lulu Santos will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as part of its annual Special Awards presentation. Additionally, Puerto Rican composer Ángel “Cucco” Peña and Mexican guitarist Chucho Rincón will receive the Trustees Award.
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“It is with great pride that we honor these musical legends who continue redefining our Latin music and heritage, said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating them as part of our Latin GRAMMY® 25th anniversary festivities in November.”
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According to the Latin Academy, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and its communities. Meanwhile, the Trustees Award is given to artists who have made “significant contributions to Latin music during their careers in ways other than performance.” Both are voted on by the Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.
Renowned for her fiery vocal delivery, Albita has been championing Cuban music and tradition since the late ’80s. Daughter of Spanish legends Lola Flores and Antonio “El Pescaílla” González, Lolita Flores has made significant contributions to modern flamenco with her stunning voice and diverse repertoire. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Alejandro Federico Lerner was a trailblazer in Argentine rock during the ’70s and is celebrated as a seminal figure in the genre.
From Iztapalapa to the world, Los Ángeles Azules have been instrumental in propelling Mexican cumbia to international acclaim since the ’70s, continually infusing the genre with a Latin alternative twist that keeps it vibrant and relevant. Puerto Rican multi-hyphenate Draco Rosa has evolved from boy band stardom to becoming a rock en español icon and global hitmaker. Lastly, Lulu Santos, a gifted Brazilian guitarist, singer and composer, has enchanted audiences for over five decades with his distinctive contributions to Brazilian music.
The honorees will be celebrated at a private event on Sunday, Nov. 10, in Miami during Latin Grammy Week. As in previous years, Latin Grammy Week will include the Latin Grammy Person of the Year gala, which this year honors Colombian sensation Carlos Vives, the Special Awards ceremony and a Leading Ladies of Entertainment luncheon, among other events.
Nominations for the 2024 Latin Grammys will be announced on Sept. 17, and the awards ceremony will take place on Nov. 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
The 2024 Kennedy Center Honors will feature a mix of the psychedelic and the soulful with a touch of jazz. The John F. Kennedy Center For the Performing Arts announced the selections for this year’s 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements on Thursday (July 18), a list that includes director Francis Ford Coppola (Apocalypse Now, The Godfather), jam godfathers the Grateful Dead, blues singer/guitarist Bonnie Raitt, jazz trumpeter/pianist/composer Arturo Sandoval and, in a first, The Apollo theater in Harlem in a special honor as an iconic American Institution.
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“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made an extraordinary impact on the cultural life of our nation and continue to have an immeasurable influence on new generations,” said Kennedy Center chairman David M. Rubenstein in a statement about the event that will take place in Washington, D.C. on December 8 and air on CBS (and later stream on Paramount+).
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Rubenstein continued, ““A brilliant and masterful storyteller with an unrelenting innovative spirit, Francis Ford Coppola’s films have become embedded in the very idea of American culture; a social and cultural phenomenon since 1965, the Grateful Dead’s music has never stopped being a true American original, while inspiring a fan culture like no other; Bonnie Raitt has made us love her again and again with her inimitable voice, slide guitar, and endless musical range encompassing blues, R&B, country rock, and folk; ‘an ambassador of both music and humanity,’Arturo Sandoval transcended literal borders coming from Cuba 30-plus years ago and today continues to bridge cultures with his intoxicating blend of Afro Cuban rhythms and modern jazz; and on its 90th anniversary, The Apollo, one of the most consequential, influential institutions in history, has elevated the voices of Black entertainment in New York City, nationally, and around the world, and launched the careers of legions of artists.”
The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates individuals whose unique contributions to American arts and culture at an event where the the honorees are seated in the box tier of the Kennedy Center Opera House while their peers pay homage with performances and tributes.
In a statement, Raitt said, “I am deeply honored and thrilled to have been chosen to receive one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors. I have long been an admirer of the awards and have been so blessed to be able to participate in several shows honoring others. There is no higher level of esteem nor as delightful a celebration and I want to extend my sincere thanks to all who have chosen me to receive this honor. I look forward to the upcoming ceremony and festivities, which I know will be one of my life’s peak experiences.”
The Dead’s living members — Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir — were equally effusive in their excitement about receiving one of the nation’s highest artistic honors. “It goes without saying that the Kennedy Center Honors represents the highest of reaches for artistic achievement,” they wrote in a joint statement. “To be recognized alongside the artists who have in the past received this honor is beyond humbling. The Grateful Dead has always been about community, creativity, and exploration in music and presentation. We’ve always felt that the music we make embodies and imparts something beyond the notes and phrases being played — and that is something we are privileged to share with all who are drawn to what we do — so it also must be said that our music belongs as much to our fans, the Dead Heads, as it does to us. This honor, then, is as much theirs as ours.”
They continued, “From our earliest days in San Francisco and as far as our tours have taken us, it has been and still is an incredible ride. We’ve had the opportunity to play with many talented musicians, interact with many gifted people—and to be part of something much larger than ourselves. Our music has always been about exploration and breaking through or finding our way around barriers, not just musically but also in bringing people together. The energy, the love, the connection and sharing — once again, that’s what it’s all about. As we enter our 60th year of the Grateful Dead’s journey in 2025, we’re beyond grateful for this recognition and for the journey we are on together. This honor reminds us of all those moments and the people who helped us along the way. Thank you, Kennedy Center, and to all the folks who had a hand in bringing us here, for this incredible honor.”
Sandoval, too, said he was “profoundly humbled and deeply honored” to be selected as a recipient of the prestigious award. “This recognition is an extraordinary milestone in my career and a testament to the support and encouragement I have received from my family, friends, colleagues, and fans,” said Sandoval. “Throughout my journey, I have strived to create, perform, and inspire with passion and integrity. Being acknowledged by such an esteemed institution validates my efforts and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my art. I am incredibly grateful to the Kennedy Center for this honor, and I look forward to contributing further to the vibrant cultural tapestry that the Center celebrates and nurtures. Thank you once again for this incredible honor.”
Michelle Ebanks, president/CEO of Harlem’s legendary Apollo — which over its long history has hosted everyone from Josephine Baker and Count Basie to James Brown, B.B. King, Bob Marley, Sam Cooke and Michael Jackson , among many others — also said her organization was elated by the first-time honor for an institution.
“We are thrilled to be the first organization honored in the history of the Kennedy Center Awards, emphasizing The Apollo’s impact on the past, present, and future of American culture and the performing arts,” Ebanks said. “From the longest-running talent show in America with Amateur Night at The Apollo, which launched the careers of icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Lauryn Hill, to performances from beloved legends like Smokey Robinson and Lil’ Kim and today’s biggest stars like Drake, The Apollo has always been a home for artists to create and a home for audiences to see incredible music and art from legendary artists.”
Last year’s honorees included Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, the Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb, comedian Billy Crystal and soprano Renée Fleming.
To learn more about this year’s honorees click here.
The Greatest Night in Pop, deep dive into the 1985 recording session that produced “We Are the World,” is nominated for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special — and Lionel Richie is celebrating the accomplishment. “I am still amazed by what we accomplished in 1985 and I’m even more amazed after receiving an Emmy nomination for […]
LONDON – Jason Iley, the long-serving chairman/CEO of Sony Music U.K. and Ireland, has been announced as this year’s recipient of the U.K.’s Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) in recognition of his contribution to the British record business.
Iley, who was named head of Sony Music U.K. in 2014 following a brief stint as president of Roc Nation Records in New York City, will receive the award on Nov. 4 at a gala ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. The event will benefit U.K. charities the BRIT Trust, which is a key founder of The BRIT School, and music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins.
In a statement, Iley said he was honored to be recognized by the MITS award committee and paid credit to “the talented artists I have been lucky enough to work with throughout my career.”
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MITS Award committee co-chair Toby Leighton-Pope said Iley’s “influence on the music industry is exceptional.” Co-chair Dan Chalmers said the widely respected executive has long deserved the MITS Award.
“As the longest-standing chair of Sony Music U.K., he has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest British acts of all time. His innovative leadership and steadfast commitment, his incredible work with the BRIT Awards, and overall passion for this industry make him a truly deserving honouree,” said Chalmers.
Previous recipients of the annual MITS award include Lucian Grainge, Ahmet Ertegun, Simon Cowell, Glastonbury festival founder Michael Eavis, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Annie Lennox, Roger Daltrey, Rob Stringer, Emma Banks and broadcaster and DJ Pete Tong.
Last year’s MITS award was given to Lucy Dickins, global head of contemporary music and touring at William Morris Endeavor (WME) and agent to Adele, Mumford & Sons and Olivia Rodrigo.
Over three decades in the record business, Iley has served in senior roles at Polydor, Island Records and Mercury Records, where he was president from 2005 to 2013 and worked closely with U2, Jay-Z, Elton John, Rihanna, Paul McCartney, Kanye West and Mariah Carey, among others.
In 2013, Iley took over as president of New York-based Roc Nation before returning to the U.K. and Sony Music, the label where he started his career in 1994, the following year.
Since then, Iley has led the U.K. arm of Sony Music to sustained chart success and oversaw the company’s acquisition of leading independent electronic music label Ministry of Sound Records in 2016, as well as last year’s relaunch of Epic Records U.K. (the imprint where Iley started his music career) as a front-line label.
In 2023, Sony Music-signed or affiliated artists topped the U.K. Official Singles chart for a combined 28 weeks, including Miley Cyrus’ 10 weeks at No. 1 with “Flowers” — the top song in the United Kingdom last year with 198 million streams, according to the Official Charts Company.
Other artists on the company’s roster include homegrown acts Calvin Harris, Paloma Faith, Mark Ronson, George Ezra, Robbie Williams and Central Cee, as well as internationally signed artists Beyoncé, Adele, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, SZA, Pink and Foo Fighters.
Sony Music U.K. initiatives pioneered under Iley’s leadership include a female-focused A&R Academy and a childcare support scheme aimed at increasing the proportion of women in senior roles. In addition, all senior executives at the company have been trained in managing mental health issues.
In 2020, Iley was awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his contributions to music and charity — an honor that he called a career highlight “beyond any expectation I could have had.”
Music fans looking for music nominees in the 20 program categories at the 76th Primetime Emmy nominations didn’t have to look far. The Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Starring Usher is nominated for outstanding variety special (live), where it is squaring off against The Grammys, The Oscars, The Tonys and a surprise contender, The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady.
Raj Kapoor served as executive producer of two of these programs – The Grammys and The Oscars. Here’s our story announcing Kapoor as e.p. and showrunner of this year’s Oscars.
This is the fifth consecutive year that the Super Bowl halftime show has been nominated in this category. This streak started in 2020 with the show starring Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. It continued in 2021 with The Weeknd; in 2022 with the hip-hop salute starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent; in 2023 with Rihanna and this year with Usher.
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This is also the fifth consecutive year that The Oscars has been nominated in the category. In that time frame, The Tonys have been nominated four times; The Grammys, three times.
Billy Joel: The 100th – Live at Madison Square Garden is nominated for outstanding variety special (pre-recorded). The Greatest Night in Pop, a look at the 1985 recording session that produced “We Are the World” (in which Billy Joel was a participant) is nominated for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special. STAX: Soulsville U.S.A., a look at the legendary, Memphis-based R&B label of the 1960s, is nominated for outstanding documentary or nonfiction series.Carpool Karaoke: The Series is nominated for outstanding short form comedy, drama or variety series.
For the 13th consecutive year, The Voice is nominated for outstanding reality competition program. Former category juggernaut American Idol was again passed over for a nod.
The Bear set a new record for most nominations in a single year among comedies with 23. The distinction was previously held by 30 Rock, with 22 nods in 2009. Shōgun is this year’s leader among dramas with 25 nominations.
Final-round online voting begins Aug. 15. The 76th Emmy Awards will broadcast live on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 15, (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET/5:00-8:00 p.m. PT) from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live and stream the next day on Hulu. The 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards take place at the Peacock Theater over two nights on Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8, with an edited presentation to air on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on FXX.
Emmy Award winners Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon along with Emmy-nominated Jeannae Rouzan-Clay of Jesse Collins Entertainment are set to return as executive producers of the 76th Emmy Awards.
Here’s a complete list of the nominations in the 20 program categories for the 76th annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
Outstanding variety special (live)
The Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Starring Usher • CBS • Jesse Collins Entertainment, DPS and Roc Nation
66th Grammy Awards • CBS • Fulwell 73
The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady • Netflix • Casey Patterson Entertainment, 199 Productions and Hartbeat Productions for Netflix
The Oscars • ABC • Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
76th Annual Tony Awards • CBS • White Cherry Entertainment in association with Tony Award Productions
Outstanding variety special (pre-recorded)
Billy Joel: The 100th – Live at Madison Square Garden • CBS • A Sony Music Vision and Enliven Entertainment Production / A Grammy Studios Production in association with Maritime Pictures
Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer • Netflix • Netflix | Lathan TV | Pilot Boy
Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic • CBS • Smart Dog Media and White Label Productions in association with CBS
Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die • HBO | Max • HBO in association with Done + Dusted
Trevor Noah: Where Was I • Netflix • Bob Bain Productions, Inc. for Netflix
Outstanding reality competition program
The Amazing Race • CBS • WorldRace Productions, Inc.
RuPaul’s Drag Race • MTV • World Of Wonder
Top Chef • Bravo • Magical Elves
The Traitors • Peacock • Studio Lambert
The Voice • NBC • MGM Television and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon and ITV Studios The Voice USA, I
Outstanding scripted variety series
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver • HBO | Max • HBO in association with Peyance Productions and Avalon Television
Saturday Night Live • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Outstanding talk series
The Daily Show • Comedy Central • Central Productions, LLC
Jimmy Kimmel Live! • ABC • ABC Signature in association with Kimmelot
Late Night With Seth Meyers • NBC • Universal Television and Broadway Video
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert • CBS • CBS Studios
Outstanding comedy series
Abbott Elementary • ABC • Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions and Fifth Chance in association with Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television
The Bear • FX • FX Productions
Curb Your Enthusiasm • HBO | Max • HBO
Hacks • HBO | Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Only Murders in the Building • Hulu • 20th Television
Palm Royale • Apple TV+ • Apple Studios
Reservation Dogs • FX • FX Productions
What We Do in the Shadows • FX • FX Productions
Outstanding drama series
The Crown • Netflix • Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television for Netflix
Fallout • Prime Video • Amazon MGM Studios and Kilter Films in association with Bethesda Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks
The Gilded Age • HBO | Max • HBO in association with Universal Television and Neamo Film and Television
The Morning Show • Apple TV+ • Media Res in association with Apple
Mr. & Mrs. Smith • Prime Video • Amazon MGM Studios, Big Indie Pictures
Shō gun • FX • FX Productions
Slow Horses • Apple TV+ • See-Saw Films in association with Apple
3 Body Problem • Netflix • Netflix Studios / Bighead Littlehead / The Three-Body Universe / T-Street / Plan B Entertainment / Primitive Streak
Outstanding limited or anthology series
Baby Reindeer • Netflix • A Netflix Series / A Clerkenwell Films Production
Fargo • FX • FX Presents an MGM/FXP Production
Lessons in Chemistry • Apple TV+ • Apple Studios
Ripley • Netflix • Showtime and Endemol Shine North America in association with Entertainment 360 and Filmrights for Netflix
True Detective: Night Country • HBO | Max • HBO in association with Peligrosa, Neon Black, Anonymous Content, Parliament of Owls and Passenger
Outstanding television movie
Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie • Peacock • UCP
Quiz Lady • Hulu • 20th Century Studios
Red, White & Royal Blue • Prime Video • Amazon MGM Studios, Berlanti/Schechter Films
Scoop • Netflix • Netflix presents a Lighthouse Film and Television production in association with Voltage TV
Unfrosted • Netflix • Netflix presents A Columbus 81 Production / A Skyview Entertainment Production / A Good One Production
Outstanding structured reality program
Antiques Roadshow • PBS • GBH
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives • Food Network • Knuckle Sandwich and Citizen Pictures
Love Is Blind • Netflix • Kinetic Content for Netflix
Queer Eye • Netflix • Scout Productions Inc. and ITV Entertainment LLC for Netflix
Shark Tank • ABC • MGM Television in association with Sony Pictures Television
Outstanding unstructured reality program
Below Deck Down Under • Bravo • 51 Minds
Love on the Spectrum U.S. • Netflix • Northern Pictures for Netflix
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked • MTV • World Of Wonder
Vanderpump Rules • Bravo • Evolution Media
Welcome to Wrexham • FX • Boardwalk Pictures
Outstanding documentary or nonfiction series
Beckham • Netflix • A Netflix Documentary Series / A Studio 99 Production in association with Ventureland
The Jinx – Part Two • HBO | Max • HBO Documentary Films presents a Hit The Ground Running Production
Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV • Investigation Discovery • Maxine Productions and Sony Pictures Television – Nonfiction in association with Business Insider
STAX: Soulsville U.S.A. • HBO | Max • HBO Documentary Films presents in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, Warner Music Entertainment, A Laylow Pictures production, A White Horse Pictures production
Telemarketers • HBO | Max • HBO Documentary Films presents a production of Elara Pictures and All Facts in association with Rough House Pictures
Outstanding documentary or nonfiction special
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life • HBO | Max • HBO Documentary Films and Castle Rock Entertainment
Girls State • Apple TV+ • Concordia Studio presentation of a Mile End Films production in association with Apple
The Greatest Night in Pop • Netflix • A Netflix Documentary / An MRC Film / A Dorothy St Pictures Production in association with Makemake Entertainment
Jim Henson Idea Man • Disney+ • Imagine Documentaries Productions, Disney Branded Television
Steve! (Martin) A Documentary in 2 Pieces • Apple TV+ • Apple Original Films presents an A24 / Tremolo Production
Outstanding emerging media program
Emperor • Meta Quest • An Atlas V, Reynard Films, France Télévisions production in association with Albyon
Fallout: Vault 33 • Prime Video • Amazon MGM Studios, Kilter Films, Bethesda Game Studios
The Pirate Queen With Lucy Liu • Meta • Singer Studios and Meta
Red Rocks Live in VR • Meta / Facebook • Meta, Dorsey Pictures, Lightsail VR, 7 Cinematics
Wallace & Gromit in The Grand Getaway • Meta • An Atlas V, Aardman, Meta production in association with No Ghost and Albyon
Exceptional merit in documentary filmmaking
Beyond Utopia (Independent Lens) • PBS • Ideal Partners in association with 19340 Productions, XRM Media, the Random Good Foundation and the Human Rights Foundation
Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project • HBO | Max • Confluential Films and Rada Studio in association with JustFilms | Ford Foundation in association with Bertha Doc Society
Stamped From the Beginning • Netflix • A Netflix Documentary / A One Story Up production
Outstanding game show
Celebrity Family Feud • ABC • Fremantle
Jeopardy! • ABC/Syndicated • Quadra Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television
Password • NBC • Fremantle in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio and Electric Hot Dog
The Price Is Right at Night • CBS • Fremantle
Wheel of Fortune • ABC/Syndicated • Quadra Productions, Inc. / Sony Pictures Studios
Outstanding hosted nonfiction series or special
Conan O’Brien Must Go • HBO | Max • Max in association with Conaco
Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis Gates Jr. • PBS • WETA Washington D.C., McGee Media, Inkwell Media, Kunhardt Films
How to With John Wilson • HBO | Max • HBO in association with Blow Out Productions, Johnsmovies and Atlantic Pictures
My Next Guest With David Letterman and John Mulaney • Netflix • Jax Media and Worldwide Pants, Inc. for Netflix
The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy • Apple TV+ • Twofour in association with Apple
Outstanding short form comedy, drama or variety series
Carpool Karaoke: The Series • Apple TV+ • CBS Studios in association with Fulwell 73 and Apple
The Eric Andre Show • Adult Swim • Abso Lutely Productions and Williams Street
Late Night With Seth Meyers Corrections • NBC • Sethmaker Shoemeyers Productions and Universal Television
Only Murders in the Building: One Killer Question • Hulu • Hulu
Real Time With Bill Maher: Overtime • HBO | Max • HBO in association with Bill Maher Productions
Outstanding short form nonfiction or reality series
After the Cut – The Daily Show • YouTube • Central Productions, LLC
The Crown: Farewell To a Royal Epic • Netflix • Once Upon A Time / Netflix
Hacks: Bit by Bit • HBO | Max • Universal Television in association with Paulilu, First Thought Productions, Fremulon Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment
Saturday Night Live Presents: Behind the Sketch • NBC • SNL Studios in association with Universal Television and Broadway Video
Shōgun – The Making of Shōgun • FX • FX Networks in association with More Media
Outstanding animated program
Blue Eye Samurai • “The Tale of the Ronin and the Bride” • Netflix • A Netflix Series / 3 Arts Entertainment and Blue Spirit Productions
Bob’s Burgers • “The Amazing Rudy” • FOX • 20th Television Animation
Scavengers Reign • “The Signal” • HBO | Max • Max in association with Titmouse Animation and Green Street
The Simpsons • “Night of the Living Wage” • FOX • A Gracie Films production in association with 20th Television Animation
X-Men ‘97 • “Remember It” • Disney+ • Marvel Studios
The nominees for the 2024 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards were revealed on Wednesday (July 17) from the SiriusXM Studios in Nashville.
Hosted by IBMA Executive director Ken White and Bluegrass Junction’s Joey Black, the final nominees unveiling ceremony also featured performances from Missy Raines and Allegheny, as well as Authentic Unlimited, who proved to be one of this year’s frontrunners, earning nominations spanning several categories.
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Additionally, White revealed three inductees into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame: Alan Munde, Jerry Douglas and Katy Daley. Munde has been a leader in bluegrass music for more than five decades, through work as a banjo player, bandleader and educator. Munde has been part of projects including Poor Richard’s Almanac with Byron Berline, Sam Bush and Wayne Stewart, and has played with Jimmy Martin, the Flying Burrito Brothers and Country Gazette. He was a 2008 recipient of an IBMA distinguished achievement award.
Dobro player Douglas started with the Country Gentlemen in the 1970s and has played as part of J.D. Crowe’s New South and The Whites, before joining Alison Krauss’s Union Station in 1998. In 2014, he launched the Flatt & Scruggs tribute band the Earls of Leister. He’s earned 10 IBMA Awards for dobro player of the year and is a former vice president of the IBMA’s board of directors.
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Daley, a bluegrass music broadcaster, has worked at WAMU and in 1978, collaborated in the 13-part series Bluegrass Anthology. She’s also worked at WMZQ, before joining bluegrasscountry.org, serving as a morning personality. Daley has received two IBMA Awards for bluegrass broadcaster of the year and one for distinguished achievement.
The IBMA distinguished achievement award was given to bluegrass radio presenter Cindy Baucom, fiddler/vocalist/songwriter Laurie Lewis, Bluegrass Omagh music festival leader Richard Hurst, bluegrass music instructional video hub ArtistWorks, and the Dallas/Forth Worth-based Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival.
The 35th annual IBMA Music Awards will be held Sept. 26 during the 2024 IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina. World of Bluegrass runs from Sept. 24-28 at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
See the full list of nominees below:
Entertainer of the year
Billy Strings
Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway
Del McCoury Band
Sister Sadie
The Po Ramblin’ Boys
Male vocalist of the year
Dan Tyminski
Greg Blake
Del McCoury
Danny Paisley
Russell Moore
Female vocalist of the year
Molly Tuttle
Jaelee Roberts
Dale Ann Bradley
AJ Lee
Rhonda Vincent
New artist of the year
East Nash Newgrass
Brownwyn Keith-Hynes
AJ Lee and Blue Summit
Wyatt Ellis
The Kody Norris Show
Vocal group of the year
Authentic Unlimited
Sister Sadie
Blue Highway
Del McCoury Band
Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway
Instrumental group of the year
Billy Strings
Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper
Travelin McCourys
East Nash Grass
Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway
Album of the year
City of Gold, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Last Chance to Win, East Nash Grass
Jubilation, Appalachian Road Show
No Fear, Sister Sadie
So Much For Forever, Authentic Unlimited
Song of the year
“Fall in Tennessee,” Authentic Unlimited
“Willow,” Sister Sadie
“Too Lonely, Way Too Long,” Rick Faris with Del McCoury
“Forever Young,” Daniel Grindstaff with Paul Brewster and Dolly Parton
“Kentucky Gold,” Dale Ann Bradley with Sam Bush
Music video of the year
“Alberta Bound,” Special Consensus with Ray Legere, John Reischman, Patrick Sauber, Trisha Gagnon, Pharis & Jason Romero and Claire Lynch
“Willow,” Sister Sadie
“Fall in Tennessee,” Authentic Unlimited
“The City of New Orleans,” Rhonda Vincent and the Rage
“I Call Her Sunshine,” The Kody Norris Show
Guitar player of the year
Billy Strings
Molly Tuttle
Trey Hensley
Bryan Sutton
Cody Kilby
Mandolin player of the year
Sierra Hull
Sam Bush
Ronnie McCoury
Jesse Brock
Alan Bibey
Banjo player of the year
Kristin Scott Benson
Gena Britt
Alison Brown
Bela Fleck
Rob McCoury
Resophonic guitar player of the year
Justin Moses
Rob Ickes
Jerry Douglas
Andy Hall
Gaven Largent
Fiddle player of the year
Jason Carter
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Michael Cleveland
Stuart Duncan
Deanie Richardson
Bass player of the year
Missy Raines
Mike Bub
Vickie Vaughn
Todd Phillips
Mark Schatz
Gospel recording of the year
“When I Get There,” Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out
“Thank You Lord For Grace,” Authentic Unlimited
“Just Beyond,” Barry Abernathy with John Meador, Tim Raybon, and Bradley Walker
“God Already Has,” Dale Ann Bradley
“Memories of Home,” Authentic Unlimited
Instrumental recording of the year
“Rhapsody in Blue(grass),” Bela Fleck
“Knee Deep in Bluegrass,” Ashby Frank
“Panhandle Country,” Missy Raines and Allegheny
“Lloyd’s of Lubbock,” Alan Munde
“Behind the 8 Ball,” Andy Leftwich
Collaborative recording of the year
“Brown’s Ferry Blues,” Tony Trischka feat. Billy Strings
“Fall in Tennessee,” Authentic Unlimited with Jerry Douglas
“Forever Young,” Daniel Grindstaff with Paul Brewster and Dolly Parton
“Bluegrass Radio,” Alison Brown with Steve Martin
“Too Old to Die Young,” Bobby Osborne with CJ Lewandowski