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Miranda Lambert brought a bevvy of musical friends — including Little Big Town, Dan+Shay, Lukas Nelson and HARDY — with her for the “Music For Mutts” benefit concert, which took place Saturday (Oct. 5) at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater.
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Presented by Tractor Supply, the concert is Lambert’s latest effort toward supporting a cause she has long championed: lifting up shelter pets who are all-too-often forgotten, and aiding pet shelters in need of supplies.
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“I’m so happy to be here,” Lambert told the crowd early in her set. “We’re singing for the dogs — all the dogs!”
The concert helped continue the work of the MuttNation Foundation, which Lambert and her mother Bev launched 15 years ago, and has raised more than $10 million to promote adoption, support shelters, aiding with the transport of animals during natural disasters and more. Prior to the show, there was a public dog adoption event held at Ascend Park, with pet shelters taking part, including Crossroads Campus, Nashville Humane, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, and Wags and Walks.
The concert opened with a double-shot of Texas country, as Jake Worthington served as the opening act, followed by Miranda’s headlining set. Worthington was raised in La Porte, Texas, just over an hour away from George Jones’ hometown, and his sound is steeped in much of the same honky-tonk forged, deep Texas twang, evidenced by his effortless vocal rendering of songs such as “Next New Thing,” or the earnest balladry in “The State You Left Me In.” Of course, there were plenty of nods to sawdust floors, neon lights and the Lone Star State in songs such as “Honkytonk Crowd” and “Honkytonks in Texas.”
From there, as a glittering saddle hung from above the stage, Lambert launched her “Miranda and Friends” portion of the show with a double-barrel of high-octane songs, “Fastest Girl in Town” and “Kerosene.”
She welcomed a string of guests, as the show toggled between Lambert solo performances and collaborative efforts with her musical cohorts including Worthington, HARDY, Lukas Nelson, Ashley Monroe, Riley Green, Dan + Shay and Little Big Town.
“I work and then I get a concert,” Lambert quipped of watching her fellow musicians perform.
Calling him “country as a biscuit,” Lambert invited Worthington back to the stage. Worthington, who recently shifted from Big Loud Records to Lambert’s label imprint Big Loud Texas, joined her on the pointed ballad “Hello S—ty Day.”
Throughout the evening, she performed many fan-favorites, including “If I Was a Cowboy,” “Mama’s Broken Heart,” “Gunpowder and Lead,” “The House That Built Me” and “Automatic” (with the screens showing several of Lambert’s childhood photos while also chronicling the early days of her musical journey).
Lambert wore a spangly black and neon pink outfit, which Lambert told the crowd was hand-embroidered and, appropriately, featured images of each of her dogs on the outfit. Throughout the evening, screens behind her filled with Images of fiery running horses, cacti, and star-filled skies over desert horizons.
Lambert also offered songs from her new album Postcards From Texas, including “Alimony.” Lambert nodded to MuttNation’s work to helping dog shelters and dogs in need of aid, before introducing another song from her new album, “Dammit Randy.” “Speaking of dogs, I wrote this one for my new record about a guy named Randy. So if you’ve got a Randy in your life and you have somebody you just need to flip the bird to, this is for you.”
She welcomed Nelson to help honor the late singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson by singing a Mere Haggard classic, “Silver Wings,” with Lambert noting, “Because we know Kris loved Merle… we love you, Kris.”
Back in June, Lukas Nelson and his band The Promise of the Real announced they were going on hiatus, while many of the band members would pursue various creative endeavors. During the “Music For Mutts” show, Nelson gave a ferocious solo turn on the group’s “Find Yourself,” spearheaded by Nelson’s pulse-racing guitar riffs, and his gritty, soul-scraping voice.
From there, Lambert welcomed another guest, Riley Green. Lambert noted that after one of his recent concerts near the East Coast was nixed due to Hurricane Helene, Green called to see if he could help with the “Music For Mutts” Show. Green, who is riding high on the success of his collaboration with Ella Langley, “You Look Like You Love Me,” performed his 2019-released “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” and the female-majority audience took notice, standing up, waving and filming the performance on their phones.
Lambert welcomed her frequent co-writer and Pistol Annies bandmate Ashley Monroe to join her for “Heart Like Mine.” Another of her frequent co-writers, Nashville songwriter luminary Natalie Hemby, joined for a songs they co-wrote, “Bluebird,” as well as a rendition of the Lambert/Jack Ingram/Jon Randal co-write “Geraldene.”
From there, Lambert welcomed Dan+Shay to the stage as they performed their hits “Tequila” and “Speechless,” spearheaded by Shay Mooney’s pitch-perfect vocal. Meanwhile, his bandmate Dan Smyers spoke of how proud they were to take part in the evening, given their shared passion for helping animals. Smyers and his wife Abby helped open a Nashville branch of the animal rescue group Wags & Walks.
One of the most impactful moments came from HARDY, who performed the exquisitely-crafted, unreleased song “Dog Years,” which is sung from the perspective of looking back on an elderly dog’s life and being thankful for the “Dog Years.” He noted that the song was one that helped him get a music publishing deal early in his career, and given how the song brought tears to some in the audience, it does make one wonder why it was never released.
The vocal power and camaraderie onstage continued to reach new heights, thanks to vocal group Little Big Town (whom Lambert previously toured with in 2022 on The Bandwagon Tour), who joined forces with Lambert to collaborate on a range of songs including Little Big Town’s “Boondocks” and “Little White Church,” as well as Lambert’s “White Liar” and “Little Red Wagon.” The evening ended with an “all-sing,” as the entire lineup returned to the stage to perform “(Drunk) And I Don’t Wanna Go Home.”
“Thank you for spending your hard-earned money on some country music and helping doggies,” Lambert said, waving to the crowd.
Taylor Swift was not at Kelce Car Jam, Travis Kelce’s event on his birthday (Saturday, Oct. 5) — but she is expected to attend his next game, the Chiefs player says.
“She will not be here. I know she’s coming in for the game,” the tight end answered when asked about his girlfriend on Saturday, according to Page Six‘s coverage of the event.
Swift, who was last spotted with Kelce the weekend of the U.S. Open (Sept. 8), wasn’t seen at the Kansas City Chiefs’ last two away games. The Chiefs are scheduled for a home game against the New Orleans Saints on Monday (Oct. 7) at Arrowhead Stadium.
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People reports Kelce was joined by parents Donna and Ed, brother Jason and sister-in-law Kylie at Kelce Car Jam. Guests included Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany.
Kelce Car Jam is an annual car exhibition that helps raise money for underserved youth in the Kansas City and Cleveland areas with 87 and Running, Travis’ nonprofit organization.
On a recent episode of New Heights, the podcast he hosts with his brother Jason, Travis described the day: “This year is the second year we’ve done a car show, basically a block-party style event, that will showcase some of the city’s top automobiles from the Fuel House, a fun car club out here. And then I guess a bunch of others that are lined up. It’s gonna be fun. I should have my old school ’70 Chevelle all revved up and ready to rock and roll. But if not, I’ll bring one of the other cars that I have.”
Swift recently thanked Kelce in her video of the year acceptance speech at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, held on Sept. 11.
“This video seems very sad when you watch it, but it was actually the most fun video to make,” she said of “Fortnight.” “I would always just hear someone cheering, like, ‘Whoo!’ from across the studio — that one person was my boyfriend, Travis. Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic, so I want to thank him for adding that to our shoot.”
She’ll soon be back to The Eras Tour for its final leg, with dates in Miami, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Toronto and Vancouver. The career-spanning show has its last performance on Dec. 8. The “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” star has kept quiet about whatever she has up her sleeve for the remainder of 2024 and early 2025.
Cue “Anytime You Need a Friend.” Mariah Carey was asked to give advice to younger artists like Chappell Roan, the “Good Luck, Babe!” singer who’s been grappling with the negative side of a sudden ascent into celebrity. The pop legend didn’t hesitate to commiserate and share what she’s learned.
Roan has been all over newsfeeds after drawing criticism for not endorsing a candidate in the 2024 election, and then canceling two festival performances in order to prioritize her health while things “have gotten overwhelming”; she also was the subject of the most talked-about SNL sketch last weekend. She continues to top charts with her The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess album.
The Associated Press turned to Carey for comment on adjusting to fame, from the perspective of someone who’s been through it.
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Carey didn’t address Roan specifically, but was kind enough to give general guidance to the new generation of pop stars in her response.
“Well, I have been through my share of dramas,” Carey said to the AP. “And it’s not fun because you grow up thinking, ‘I want to be famous.’”
She continued, “I mean, really with me, it was always, ‘I want to be a singer. I want to write songs.’”“But ‘I want to be famous’ was right there with it,” admitted Carey. “I feel like it was probably because I didn’t feel like I was good enough on my own because of the things I went through growing up. And that’s not a good way to feel, you know?”
“My advice would be try your hardest to go into this industry with a love of your talent or what’s really real for you,” said Carey.
“You know, if it’s like, ‘I want to be famous. I want to run around with those people, whoever they are, the famous people,’ then it’s probably not the best idea,” she added.
Chappell does seem to focus on her love for art and performance. But she’s made it known she finds some parts of fame unbearable, particularly the behavior of “superfans” who lack boundaries.
“I chose this career path because because I love music and art and honoring my inner child,” she said to in August. “I do not accept harassment of any kind because I chose this path, nor do I deserve it.”
She asked fans to “please stop touching me. Please stop being weird to my family and friends. Please stop assuming things about me. There is always more to the story. I am scared and tired.”
Roan returned to the road for the remainder of The Midwest Princess Tour following last weekend’s show cancelations. She’s scheduled to wrap the tour in Austin this week.
Michael Stipe and Jason Isbell joined forces to perform a pair of R.E.M. classics during a Pennsylvania campaign event supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
On Friday (Oct. 4), the singer-songwriters took the stage during a Get Out the Vote concert at Pittsburgh’s Schenley Plaza, where Stipe sang R.E.M.’s “The One I Love” and “Driver 8,” which he hadn’t performed live since 2008. The former was the iconic rock band’s first top 10 hit, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1987.
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The singer-songwriters also teamed up for a handful of songs from Isbell’s catalog, including “Traveling Alone” and “Hope the High Road.”
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During the event, Stipe and Isbell were introduced by potential future First Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is married to Vice President Harris. Emhoff was present to help rally voters in the battleground state for this year’s Democratic presidential ticket.
“It’s been a while since I’ve sung these songs, 16 years in fact, but I’m really happy to be here with Jason and with the soon-to-be First Gentleman ever of the United States of America,” Stipe told the crowd.
Stipe and Isbell have been vocal in their support for the VP this year, with the “Cover Me Up” singer performing at the Democratic National Convention in August. Stevie Wonder, John Legend, The Chicks, Mickey Guyton and P!nk also took the stage at the Chicago political gathering, while numerous celebrity musicians — including Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Lizzo and Cardi B — have all endorsed Harris for president in 2024.
The Get Out the Vote concert arrived on the heels of the Oct. 1 vice presidential debate between Walz and Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, which took place a few weeks after the Sept. 10 presidential debate between Harris and the former POTUS.
Both campaigns are now working to sway the minds of American voters as Election Day on Nov. 5 approaches, particularly the nation’s swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Watch Stipe and Isbell’s performances of “The One I Love” and “Driver 8” here.
Mimis Plessas, a beloved Greek composer whose music featured in scores of films, television shows and theatrical productions and who provided the soundtrack to millions of Greeks’ lives, has died just a week shy of his 100th birthday.
His death was confirmed Saturday (Oct. 5) by his wife, Loukila Carrer. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute to Plessas, writing, “A leading composer, a great scholar and a kind man has left us.
Born in Athens on Oct. 12, 1924, Plessas began his musical journey at a young age. He became a piano soloist at state radio before entering international piano competitions while still in his 20s. His gift for composition would cement his legacy.
Plessas became a constant presence on Greek television, his mild manner and singalong melodies endearing him to generations. Often seated at the piano, accompanying renowned Greek stars, he was a fixture of musical moments and celebrations for decades, his music becoming intertwined with the nation’s cultural fabric. His 1969 composition, “O Dromos” (The Street), remains one of the highest-selling albums in Greek history.
He collaborated with a constellation of Greek music icons, including Nana Mouskouri, Vicky Leandros, Giannis Poulopoulos, Marinella, and lyricist Lefteris Papadopoulos, shaping the landscape of Greek music. His work defied genre, blending traditional Greek music forms with elements of jazz and classical, creating an easy-on-the-ear signature sound — softer than the hard jangle of many of his contemporaries.
“His ‘Road’ was rich, full of melodies that start from jazz and permeate Greek song, as well as Greek cinema,” Mitsotakis said. “Mimis Plessas was unique, just like the moments he will forever give us with his music.”
Plessas’ contributions extended beyond composing. He produced a popular radio quiz show, In 30 Seconds, and he served as a judge on numerous Greek and international music competition panels. He was also a member of prestigious artistic societies, including the Greek Society of Theatrical Authors and the Society of Greek Composers and Lyricists.
Plessas is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. Funeral arrangements were not immediately known.
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Celiz Cruz’s New Exhibit
The New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream is hosting a new exhibit celebrating Cuban star Celia Cruz, known as “The Queen of Salsa.” The special exhibit will remain open until the end of November, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Cruz, who died in 2003, was inducted to the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2013 in the arts and entertainment category. The New Jersey Hall of Fame has also recognized the late artist’s contributions to culture and communities in Cuba and New Jersey with the renaming of the Forked River Service Area on the Garden State Parkway.
Eduin Caz at President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Inauguration
History was made in Mexico when the country held the inauguration for the first-ever female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. There to witness this unprecedented moment was Grupo Firme’s frontman, Eduin Caz, and the group’s manager, Isael Gutiérrez. “You made history, president and friend, I know good things are coming for Mexico,” Caz posted on social media, along with photos of him and Gutiérrez at the ceremony held Oct. 2.
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Noel Schajris Opens Restaurant
Argentine singer and songwriter Noel Schajris is embarking on a new venture. The “Kilometros” singer and his wife Gwendolyn Stephenson opened a new restaurant in the Los Angeles area called Vegan Foodie Bowl. “Happy to cook not only songs in this home … the world will now enjoy what I have appreciated for years … vegan home cooking by the best in the world,” Schajris wrote on social media.
2024 Billboard Latin Music Week Full Schedule
Earlier this week, the full schedule to the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, taking place Oct. 14-18 in Miami, was unveiled, which you can check out here.
It was also announced that Ana Mena, Belinda, Elvis Crespo, FloyyMenor, George Harris (comedian) and Tito Double P will join Young Miko for the Billboard Latin Music Week 35th anniversary show, set for Friday, Oct.18, at The Fillmore Miami Beach. This event is included for INSIDER PASS HOLDERS. Tickets are available to the public starting at $35.
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air on Telemundo on Sunday, Oct. 20. Latin Music Week tickets will not include access to the awards show this year. Instead, INSIDER badge holders will receive exclusive invitations to the 35th anniversary star-studded event.
Visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com for the latest updates.
CeCe Winans, Brandon Lake and Forrest Frank were among the evening’s biggest winners at the 55th annual GMA Dove Awards, which aired Friday (Oct. 4) on TBN.
The ceremony, which took place in front of a sold-out crowd at Allen Arena at Nashville’s Lipscomb University, the evening celebrated the artists and songwriters behind the year’s top music, encompassing sounds including pop, Gospel, rap/hip-hop, southern gospel and more.
“Unity does not mean uniformity. The Dove Award stage is a picture of God’s creativity,” said GMA president Jackie Patillo told the audience as the show began. “They are all uplifting and praising the name of Jesus.”
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Host for the evening, singer-songwriter Tauren Wells echoed those sentiments, saying, “I’m encouraged by the diversity and beauty I see in this room. The diversity that the dove awards represent is beautiful,” and adding, “Though there are many genres, we are singing one song.”
Winans earned the evening’s top honor, artist of the year, along with two other accolades.
“You gotta be kidding me,” Winans said after taking the stage to accept the artist of the year win. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I know it has nothing to do with me. God is amazing…I’m known for my music, but God only knows me for my relationship with Him. He only knows us according to the way we know Him. And so all of us here tonight – the artists I was in the category with, I came here to cheer them on tonight.”
In accepting the pop/contemporary album of the year honor for Coat of Many Colors, Lake said, “I’ve been crying all night and I told somebody this is the award I wanted to win the most. I just want my friends to win. These amazing producers, these guys it has been the honor of my life just to roll with you guys. I get the privilege of touring and presenting these songs. Your fingerprints are on thousands of lives that have been changed…I’m so grateful. I’m literally sitting here all night and just weeping…the word humility, I’m surrounded by greatness. What an honor to be surrounded by greatness. Thank you for supporting these songs, this record, we’ve got a lot more coming.” Lake was also named songwriter of the year (artist).
The evening featured 11 performances, with CeCe Winans opening the show with a full-throttle, praise-inspiring “That’s My King.” CAIN followed with their top 5 Billboard Christian Airplay hit “Any More,” while break-dancers flanked Anike as she performed the fierce “In the Light,” with guest Porsha Love. Joseph Habedank performed the swampy, soulful, stomping “Tell the Devil.”
Tye Tribbett and his backing vocalists soared through “Only One Night Tho,” to thunderous applause. Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore performed the piano ballad “God Problems” (the song was named contemporary gospel recorded song of the year).
“I think the only joy in having a song like this win something like this is we get the opportunity to remind people over and over and over again there is nothing impossible for God,” Raine said. “He is able. He sees us.”
Forrest Frank
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The crowd rose to its feet when the Jackie Patillo award for distinguished leadership was awarded to Gospel music pioneers Bill and Gloria Gaither, known for songs including “Because He Lives” and “There’s Just Something About That Name.”
“We are overwhelmed with that,” Gloria said, thanking everyone who has sung their songs in churches, congregations and choirs around the world, and artists who have recorded the songs.
“Somewhere along the way we’ve lost our song. Let us stand on the Rock of Ages and shine like a city on a hill, because there’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill,” Bill Gaither said.
Michael W. Smith presented the song of the year honor, which went to Chris Tomlin’s “Holy Forever.” Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson accepted the honor, also thanking their co-writers on the song, Tomlin, Jason Ingram and Phil Wickham.
Multiple times during the evening, mothers were celebrated. In accepting the Rap/Hip-Hop album of the year honor for his album His Glory Alone II, KB honored his mother, who was in the audience.
“I got the honor this year to come to the Doves with my lovely mother,” KB said. “The doctors told her when I was a baby I would not be able to talk, and if I could, I would not talk well. My mother told them they were wrong. She’s exemplified this resilient stubborn faith that believes God can do more than what the reports say.” Turning to his mother, he said, “I dedicate this award to you. You have represented a fighter for me my entire life. You fought for me when I was far from Jesus, when I did not believe in God. And here I am right now as the fruit of your labor.”
He went on to say, “Christian Hip Hop is an often overlooked entity. Something is happening in the mainstream right now. They are paying attention to what is going on. It’s something that isn’t just music, this is a movement. People are coming to Christ. Marriages are being saved. Folks are finding themselves in these Gospel representations. As the world is watching, give them Jesus.”
The feature film of the year went to the For King & Country film Unsung Hero, based on the story of the sibling duo’s family and their journey from Australia to America. The duo’s Joel and Luke Smallbone invited their parents, who inspired the film, to speak.
“I believe every mom is an unsung hero,” their mother said, while their father added, “This is emotional. When I lost everything 35 years ago, I said, ‘The only way we can get ahead is to go to America.’ She said, ‘We’ll go for two years.’ And 35 years later, we’re sill here. We love America. This is a land of opportunity.”
“Shout to the Lord” writer Darlene Zschech introduced the collaboration of Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Gabriel Guedes for a multi-lingual version of “Holy Forever.”
Meanwhile, in accepting the Spanish language recorded song of the year, Christine D’Clario said, “This one is special…and has become the song of my recovery.”
Wells took a break from hosting duties to team with DAVIES and Skillet’s John Cooper for “Take It All Back (What The Enemy Stole),” issuing a commanding performance with pummeling drums and careening guitars, instantly taking some in the audience from raising hands to headbanging.
Anne Wilson
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Natalie Grant gave a powerful, stirring rendition of “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory),” honoring the lives of many artists, executives and other creators who have passed away over the past year.
Elsewhere during the evening, Christian-country singer Anne Wilson performed her powerful ballad “Strong” (her album Rebel won bluegrass/country/roots album of the year).
The new artist of the year honor went to Forrest Frank, who earlier in the evening performed his songs “No Longer Bound” and “Good Day.” Frank also picked up the win for pop/contemporary recorded song of the year, for ‘Good Day.”
“I feel so undeserving of this award. I was curious if I was even going to come to an awards show for Christian music because everything I do is for the Lord,” Frank said. “For some reason, He’s given me songs that relate to people. I’m so thankful to be here and I want to continue to give Jesus glory because my name will fade away like everyone else’s….but one name will remain and that’s Jesus Christ.”
The evening closed out with a performance from Crowder, as he performed his top 10 Christian Airplay hit “Grave Robber,” which was named rock/contemporary recorded song of the year.
The 56th annual GMA Dove Awards will be held Oct. 7, 2025, when the Dove Awards ceremony relocates from its longtime home at Allen Arena, moving to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
See a list of winners below:
Artist of the year: CeCe Winans
Pop/contemporary album of the year: Coat of Many Colors, Brandon Lake
New artist of the year: Forrest Frank
Bluegrass/country/roots album of the year: Rebel, Anne Wilson
Southern gospel album of the year: Live in Amsterdam, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
Spanish language recorded song of the year: “Tanta Historias,” Christine D’Clario
Rap/hip-hop album of the year: His Glory Alone II, KB
Rap/hip hop recorded song of the year: “Love Like That,” Hulvey feat. Tony D. Shaun, Alex Jean
Short-form music video (concept): “Faithfully,” TobyMac
Short-form video of the year (performance): “Joy (The Choir Room Version),” The Choir Room, Ben Rector
Songwriter of the year (non-artist): Jason Ingram
Songwriter of the year (artist): Brandon Lake
Producer of the year: Jonathan Smith
Worship recorded song of the year: “Praise,” Elevation Worship
Song of the year: “Holy Forever,” Chris Tomlin
Feature Film of the Year: Unsung Hero
Contemporary gospel recorded song of the year: “God Problems,” Maverick City Music
Contemporary gospel album of the year: Father’s Day, Kirk Franklin
Bluegrass/country/roots recorded song of the year: “Lookin’ For You,” Zach Williams Feat. Dolly Parton
Gospel worship album of the year: More Than This, CeCe Winans
Inspirational recorded song of the year: “My Tribute (to God Be the Glory),” Natalie Grant feat. CeCe Winans
Traditional gospel recorded song of the year: “I Believe God” – Jekalyn Carr
Traditional gospel album of the year: No Failure, Melvin Crispell III
Southern gospel recorded song of the year: “Here Comes Jesus,” Jeff & Sheri Easter (ft. Mo Pitney)
Worship album of the year: I Believe, Phil Wickham
Christmas/special event album of the year: Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years, Casting Crowns
Christmas recorded song of the year: “Manger Throne,” Phil Wickham
Spanish language album of the year: Evangelio (En Vivo), Miel San Marcos
Inspirational album of the year: autobiography, Joseph Habedank
Children’s recorded song of the Year: “Holy Forever,” Yancy
Recorded music packaging of the year: Jesus Music, CAIN
Spanish language worship recorded song of the year: “Hermoso Momento (Sesión Acústica),” Kairo Worship
Spanish language recorded song of the year: “Tantas Historias,” Christine D’Clario
Television series of the year: Chasing CAIN
Rock/contemporary album of the year: Manna, Chris Renzema
Rock/contemporary recorded song of the year: “Grave Robber,” Crowder
Gospel worship recorded song of the year: “The Story I’ll Tell (Live)” – Naomi Raine
Pop/contemporary recorded song of the year: “Good Day,” Forrest Frank
Musical/choral collection of the year: “My King Is Known By Love”
Long form video of the year: “Steven Curtis Chapman: The Great Adventure,” Steven Curtis Chapman
The Grammys often talk about honoring an artist’s intent. Their screening committee did just that in at least two cases this year, allowing Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter to compete for best country album, and Dolly Parton’s Rockstar to compete for best rock album. Both albums could have been slotted in the best pop vocal album category, but the Grammys went along with the artists’ intentions.
Albums often wind up right on the border between two or more genres. That’s bound to happen more and more as artists increasingly cross genre lines. In those cases, the Recording Academy’s screening committee endeavors to put it in the most suitable category.
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Here are more albums whose placement was less-than-certain.
Jimmy Buffett’s last studio album, Equal Strain on All Parts, is entered for best Americana album, rather than best pop vocal album. Buffett died in September 2023.
Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, brat, is entered for best dance/electronic album rather than best pop vocal album.
Doja Cat’s Scarlet 2 Claude, a reissue of her fourth studio album, Scarlet, is entered for best rap album rather than best pop vocal album.
Twisters: The Album is entered for best compilation soundtrack for visual media rather than best country album.
All three Latin albums that made the top 10 on the Billboard 200 in the eligibility period are entered in different categories. Bad Bunny’s Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana is entered for best música urbana album. Kali Uchis’ Orquídeas is entered for best Latin pop album. Peso Pluma’s Éxodo is entered for best música Mexicana album (including Tejano).
Several top 10 albums weren’t entered at all, including Zach Bryan’s The Great American Bar Scene, Drake’s For All the Dogs and Ed Sheeran’s Autumn Variations.
Travis Scott’s Days Before Rodeo wasn’t eligible. The mixtape was released independently on his SoundCloud account in August 2014.
In other news, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones could be headed for their first Grammy showdown. The two legendary groups are both entered for best rock performance – The Beatles for “Now and Then” and The Stones for “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” (featuring Lady Gaga). If both groups are nominated, it will be the first time they have ever faced off on a Grammy ballot. The Grammys were resistant to rock in the years the bands were at their peak. The Beatles, being the world-shakers they were, were often nominated, but The Stones weren’t nominated in any category until 1978, when Some Girls was up for album of the year.
First-round voting opened Friday (Oct. 4). Voters have until Oct. 15 to make their first-round choices. Nominations will be announced on Nov. 8. Final-round voting runs from Dec. 12 through Jan. 3. The winners will be revealed on Feb. 2 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Star Bandz is newest youngin’ on the scene. The teenage rapper out of Chicago has been doing her thing for a couple years, but she caught a little wave earlier this year with her breakout song “Yea Yea” where she had clever lines like, “Had to show ’em how to run the game, he got […]
The family of the late Tupac Shakur has hired New York attorney Alex Spiro to investigate an alleged link between the rapper’s death and Sean “Diddy” Combs, Billboard can confirm. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Shakur was 25 years old when he was shot and killed while […]