The Grammys are quickly approaching. The annual awards show is scheduled for February 12 and the nominations have been released. An overwhelming amount of people claim that 2016 was one of the best years for music, and of course the nominations for the Grammys support that claim. Some of the leading artists in nominations include Adele (5 nominations), Kanye West, Rihanna, Drake (8 nominations), and Beyoncé (9 nominations).

Many students at Greenwood have strong opinions about who deserves to win.  Senior Lindsey Greene predicts that the hit song “Formation” will take the Grammy for record of the year. “Formation pushed boundaries, and I think that is what it is all about,” says Greene. 

Beyoncé released a visual album in 2016 titled “Lemonade,” which is nominated for album of the year. “Beyoncé should win album of the year, no doubt,” says senior Spencer Shindell. Rihanna is also nominated for album of the year with her hit album ANTI. Beyoncé and Rihanna are two of the biggest names in music and pop culture in general, so it’s not easy to predict who will take home the Grammy. Sophomore Julia Kennedy believes Rihanna will take the win for album of the year. “Rihanna has always been a frontrunner, and the Grammys will be no exception,” says Kennedy.

It’s no surprise for Beyoncè and Rihanna names to appear in the nominations; however, not everything is predictable this year. David Bowie and Beyoncè are up against each other for best rock song. Bowie’s song, “Blackstar,” and Beyoncè’s collaboration with Jack White, “Don’t Hurt Yourself” are up for the award. These two influential artists being up for this award is pretty controversial considering Bowie’s recent death and his countless contributions to rock music.  Even the professionals are having a hard time predicting this one. “Both of them deserve the Grammy, so I think it could go either way,” says sophomore Lilly Minnich.

Overall music’s biggest night will be filled with many surprises, along with well-deserved recognition for many huge names in the industry today.