The 61st Annual Grammy Awards will be taking place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on 10^th February 2019. There have been many conversations about Grammy Awards for many, many years, but mostly controversial ones on who wins what. From Macklemore winning Best Rap Album over Kendrick Lamar or Adele winning the same category over Beyoncé, we have come prepared with an open heart to witness another unexpected show this year.

It is very subjective how the winners of award shows are chosen when it doesn’t come from the fan and with social media, we have our opinions just like how this piece is going to be, so don’t come at us. Let’s tackle some of the biggest categories in this year’s Grammy Awards on who we think will and should win.

RECORD OF THE YEAR:

Will win: Drake “Gold’s Plan”

As this category is to honour the songs with artistry impact that doesn’t involve the sales or chart position, so the possibilities are wide. Chances are they might give this award to Drake’s “God’s Plan” for how it has affected the internet for its generosity-themed music video. The chances of it beating Cardi B, Post Malone, Zedd, Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar is very strong. Also, it has been a while since Drake had his shine on the Grammy Awards and it feels like it is time for that since receiving two wins for “Hotline Bling” in 2017.

Our Pick: Childish Gambino “This Is America”

This is a more obvious choice for this category for its message on gun violence, the mass shootings, racism and discrimination. It is a bold song for Childish Gambino, who has won several awards last year for this release including. The night could be a surprise and see Childish Gambino win big at this year’s Grammy Awards if the academy understands how influential and dynamic “This Is America” is for the culture.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

Will win: Various Artists – Black Panther: The Album

It’s very rare for a soundtrack to receive an Album of the Year nomination at the Grammys and Black Panther really left a huge impact in the film and music scene last year with original songs produced by hip-hop darling Kendrick Lamar. The album is filled with A-list artists like Kendrick himself, SZA, Schoolboy Q, 2 Chainz, Khalid, Vince Staples, Jay Rock, The Weeknd and so much more. Black Panther: The Album just feels like the release that had inspire many people through the deep messages of each song to accompany the influential movie based on the Marvel Comics.

Our Pick: Janelle Monáe – Dirty Computer

The third album by singer-producer Janelle Monáe is a celebration of female empowerment, self-worth and queerness. Dirty Computer received praises for her very satisfying artistry that reminiscent of the late Prince. It’s a strong and fun album accompanied by strong hooks as well as intellectual lyrics. Even with guest artists like Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Grimes, Pharrell Williams and Zoë Kravitz, it doesn’t take away the powerful individual that Janelle Monáe is as an artist that deserves her long-overdue high recognition in the music industry.

SONG OF THE YEAR:

Will win: Drake “God’s Plan”

This category should represent the song that round up the year and Drake really gave us an anthem with “God’s Plan” so it is only natural that he deserves this win. “God’s Plan” talks about Drake’s fame and fate which was initially from the Scary Hours EP, then later on appeared in his Scorpions album. It was the video’s impact that gave this song the boost when Drake went to do cash handouts and gifts that made it one of the most-liked YouTube videos in 2018.

Our Pick: Ella Mai “Boo’d Up”

This Ella Mai single may come as a surprise in this category, but it has really captured the hearts of many since its release and have quickly become a favourite. Ella Mai wrote “Boo’d Up” in 2014 and released it in 2017, and it was 2018 that made this a breakthrough single for the singer-songwriter. It has that ‘90s R&B vibe that captured many people’s heart and it could easily be a surprise winner of the night.

BEST NEW ARTIST:

Will win & Our pick: H.E.R.

She has a nomination in the Album of the Year category and deservingly so. Since her debut in the music scene in 2016 when she released the first EP H.E.R. Volume 1 that got people wondering who this amazing singer-songwriter is because she seemed like an enigma behind the sunglasses and silhouettes. Her amazing voice captured the hearts of many and since the release of H.E.R. in 2017 with songs from the EPs she had previously released. The others don’t come close to the artistry she had displayed and we would be very shock if she doesn’t win this category.

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM:

Will win: Ariana Grande – Sweetener

It has been a crazy ride for Ariana Grande and Sweetener has allowed the world to see the pop artist that she is from a different side through songs like “God Is A Woman” and “No Tears Left To Cry” before the massive “Thank You, Next” was later released. The album is Ariana Grande at her most vulnerable state and to portray the good on top of the bad with accompanying guests Pharrell Williams, Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott. This could possibly be Ariana Grande’s first ever Grammy Award.

Our Pick: Kelly Clarkson – Meaning Of Life

Vocally, Kelly Clarkson is definitely the more obvious choice and she has shown her growth since her American Idol days. This eight album released by Kelly Clarkson is an amazing package of R&B and soul songs that showcases her best vocal abilities. Meaning Of Life could be a surprise as the Grammys have a soft side for this amazing singer over the years that is inspired greatly by acts like En Vogue, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Bonnie Raitt. Kelly Clarkson never sounded better on an album.

BEST RAP ALBUM:

Will win: Cardi B – Invasion Of Privacy

It has been a whirlwind for rapper Cardi B and it would feel wrong if she doesn’t win an award for this category. The world’s favourite female rapper had given us hits after hits of her own and on featured projects. It may not be the perfectly-crafted album, but her impact gives her the permission to win this category for all the hard work she has been showing before the album was even released until she had given birth to continue promoting this album that gave us amazing hits like “Bodak Yellow”, “I Like It” with Bad Bunny & J Balvin, “Be Careful” and “Bartier Cardi” with 21 Savage.

Our Pick: Travis Scott – Astroworld

Astroworld has proven to the world that Travis Scott is in a class of his own especially through “Sicko Mode” featuring Drake. This album is a homage to the torn down theme park Six Flags AstroWorld in 2005 to make way for apartments, in which Travis Scott used that theme of taking the park away from the kids and they want it back for the album. Astroworld is the continuation of his first album Rodeo with a hip-hop and psychedelic sound that we know Travis Scott from. If Travis Scott wins this category for Astroworld, it will definitely solidify his status as a true household name.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL:

Will win & Our pick: Kanye West

Despite all the commotions that surrounded Kanye West in 2018, you cannot deny his impact in the music industry with songs he had worked for himself, his Kid Sees Ghost project with Kid Cudi, Teyana Taylor, Christina Aguilera, Lil Pump, Pusha T and Nas. We are so quick to be blinded by the things that the media portrays of Kanye West that we sometimes forget how amazing of a producer he is and he must win this category this year.

What are your predictions?

Image: Drake via Time

Kevin was the former editor of two music and lifestyle platforms in Malaysia. He is an all-round music enthusiast from the '90's R&B to K-Pop.