It’s that time of year again: GRAMMY nominations have been announced. With popular artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and more on the roster for nominations, fans eagerly await the date to see which artists will be claiming awards at the official ceremony, set for Feb. 1. Certain categories, such as “Best New Artist,” “Album of the Year” and “Best Album” from varying genres have caught the attention of the Lanthorn’s Editorial Board. Each editor has their eyes on certain stars they hope to see claim a GRAMMY next year.

Editor-in-Chief Hailey Hentz

Best New Artist: The Marías

The Marías’ 2024 album ‘Submarine’ almost singlehandedly brought me out of the musical slump I was in when I first heard it. The record exudes elements like dream pop, catchy guitar riffs and the general feeling of being underwater, as if listening to music while suspended in a sparkling, yet dark and murky body of water. The group, which consists of singer María Zardoya, Josh Conway, Edward James and Jesse Perlman, consistently delivers sonic hits, even long before the release of ‘Submarine’ with their debut album ‘CINEMA.’ Taking inspiration from groups like Mazzy Star and Tame Impala, the Marías create soundscapes that are well-crafted and experimental, whether that be through their vibey, relaxing sound or occasional track that incorporates lyrics in Spanish, written by Zardoya, born in Puerto Rico. In my view, the group is wholly deserving of the “Best New Artist” GRAMMY, and I look forward to watching the award show to see if they win.

Associate Editor Megan Matthews

Best New Artist: Addison Rae 

I have been a fan of Addison Rae since the release of her hit single ‘Diet Pepsi,’ which came out Aug. 9, 2024. The dreamy and ethereal feel of the song shocked me, as I previously, and adamantly, was not a fan of her music, as I didn’t take her super seriously in her role as a TikTok influencer. However, the rollout of singles for her album ‘Addison’ and the work itself absolutely blew me away. It was the perfect summer album that made me completely change how I felt about Rae. In addition, I loved watching the behind-the-scenes footage of Rae and her team of two other women making one of my favorite songs from the album, ‘Headphones On.’ The fun and creative vibes can be felt through the screen, and sealed the deal for me on my love for her team and artistry. Not to mention, Rae has an impeccable stage presence, with her performances exuding popstar glamour. I believe Rae’s bubbly personality and artistic perspectives are finally being shown after all of this time. Combining this with the fact this is truly Rae’s first-ever album, I think she is more than deserving of the 2026 GRAMMY “Best New Artist” win.

Sports Editor Brady Kemmerling

Best Alternative Music Album: ‘SABLE, fABLE’ – Bon Iver

For an artist whose musical genre has heavily shifted over decades, Bon Iver’s latest album, “SABLE, fABLE,” connects with fans from his early, indie folk work to his recent experimental pop sound. His newest work creates a heavenly sound that perfectly demonstrates human vulnerability and the need for love and friendship. Founder and lead vocalist Justin Vernon’s dreadful beginning in the music industry is once again highlighted through his impressive vocal range. Although his song “Everything Is Peaceful Love” is up for the Best Alternative Music Performance award this year, my personal favorite on the album is “Award Season.” Looking up at the stars, you hear simplistic mixing, but lyrics that attack feelings long forgotten. Alternative music is defined as being away from the mainstream. This definition actually describes Bon Iver’s entire existence and presence in the industry, and is exactly why they should take home the award for Best Alternative Music Album.

Copy Editor Foster Hazen

Best Rock Performance: ‘U Should Not Be Doing That’ – Amyl and the Sniffers 

Between the new(ish)-on-the-scene Australian punk band Amyl and the Sniffers, alternative rock legend Linkin Park, Turnstile, Hayley Williams and a shockingly moving live cover of Black Sabbath’s ‘Changes’ performed by YUNGBLUD days before Ozzy Osbourne’s death, this category was not an easy choice. However, the timeless sound encapsulated in Amyl and the Sniffers’ ‘U Should Not Be Doing That’ sets it apart from the others. Drawing on the sounds of punk predecessors like Minor Threat, The Damned and the Sex Pistols, Amyl and the Sniffers are one of the leading voices in the current Australian punk resurgence (also see: The Chats and older-but-still-relevant Cosmic Psychos). Between Amy Taylor’s raspy vocals, stereotypical yet self-aware lyrics and gritty, nostalgic instrumental, ‘U Should Not Be Doing That’ places as not only one of the top punk songs of the year, but also as my pick of the Best Rock Performance category.

Laker Life Editor Christina Bilko

Best Dance / Electronic Album: ‘Fancy That’ – PinkPantheress

While it’s not a genre I follow closely, the catchy tracks and memorable vocals of PinkPantheress have been stuck in my head since I first listened to her music in 2019. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed watching her develop as an artist while steadily gaining popularity and recognition. In some ways, her latest album ‘Fancy That’ retains key characteristics found in earlier tracks such as ‘Break It Off’ and ‘I Must Apologise.’ These roots in bedroom pop can be heard in ‘Girl Like Me’ with the use of repeated phrases that draw listeners in. I think overall, the album demonstrates whimsical, dream-like imagery that creates a cohesive concept. Its themes of heartbreak, miscommunication and yearning immerse the audience into an experience that delivers on PinkPantheress’ stylistic conventions. Standout tracks include ‘Romeo’ and ‘Stateside,’ both examples of the artist at her best. With her refined talents and increased publicity in recent years, ‘Fancy That’ has a strong shot at taking home the GRAMMY this year.

Opinion Editor Ava Ermiger

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: ‘Defying Gravity’ – Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

“Wicked,” the 2024 film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, was arguably the best movie I saw last year. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande may face tough competition in their category against the track ‘Golden’ from ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’, KATSEYE, Rosé and Bruno Mars, and SZA and Kendrick Lamar. I argue that Erivo and Grande’s commitment not only to their roles in the film, but also to each other makes them the obvious choice for the award. No other duo on the list is doing it like them. From matching tattoos to tearing up throughout the ‘Wicked’ press tour, there are few who have devoted themselves to their work like Erivo and Grande. Their rendition of ‘Defying Gravity’ was nothing short of unforgettable. The song has always been a powerful piece about breaking free and believing in yourself, and Erivo and Grande’s version truly captured the energy and emotion of the original Broadway show. A GRAMMY win for them is a GRAMMY win for theater kids everywhere. 

News Editor Lee Marentette

Album of the Year: ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ – Tyler, the Creator

I had this album on repeat when it came out. ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ was one of those albums that immediately created a GRAMMYs conversation, fully knowing it wouldn’t be put up for nomination until a year after its release. Now that we’re here, it still stands as the front runner. While not a “no skips” album (looking at you, ‘Sticky’), I believe this album will be up there with the rest when we look back on what I consider a genius career. It’s a complex, varied and surprisingly personal album considering Tyler’s use of varied personas. Three years after ‘Call Me If You Get Lost,’ the album and tour were the followups we expected from him, and then some. Come GRAMMYs night, I expect another amazing performance and six more awards.

Multimedia Editor Aryanna Watson

Best Dance Pop Recording: ‘Midnight Sun’ – Zara Larsson

Although Zara Larsson may not have been on my radar previously, she’s definitely entered it after the release of ‘Midnight Sun’ earlier this summer. ‘Midnight Sun’ is from Larrson’s fifth studio album of the same name. While I don’t follow the pop genre as closely as I once did, now favoring more sonically alternative music, Larrson’s track feels like the genre-breaking revival that pop needed. This track truly encapsulates the feeling of a never-ending summer, and arguably drives home the experience of a lasting summer vacation during one’s childhood. This GRAMMY nomination is Larsson’s first, and clips can be seen online of the artist celebrating and becoming emotional as she called her mother to inform her of the news. With amazing vocals, bright visuals and unique concepts, this album feels like a creative breakthrough for Larrson as an artist. As she enters the next stage of her career, I hope her ubiquity can reach a high here in the States, similar to her status in the European scene. A GRAMMY win is just what a talented artist like Larsson deserves.

Assistant News Editor Olivia Mulka

Best Pop Solo Performance: ‘Disease’ – Lady Gaga

I do not follow the GRAMMYs closely (the Oscars are more my thing), but after listening to all the songs nominated in this category, it is evident Lady Gaga should win Best Pop Solo Performance for ‘Disease.’ I have always been a fan of “Mother Monster,” and this song is a great return to her classic, dark, electro-pop sound, which she is known for, especially during the early 2000s-2010s. ‘Disease’ is an excellent contrast to lighter, softer sounds, which have been dominating the pop genre lately. Also, compared to some of the songs nominated in the category, you can feel the strong emotions she is trying to convey in ‘Disease.’ In a statement posted on X, Gaga said the song is about facing inner demons and staying strong. Her gritty, intense vocals perfectly encapsulate the message she is trying to convey. While other nominations like ‘Messy’ by Lola Young and ‘The Subway’ by Chappell Roan include sincere and strong vocals, and ‘Manchild’ by Sabrina Carpenter did have more commercial success than ‘Disease,’ Gaga’s sound and style make her stand out above the rest. While the other nominated songs are catchy, I feel they lack depth and substance when compared to ‘Disease.’ With all this considered, Gaga is the clear choice for this category.