My Picks & Predictions for the 2023 Grammy Awards

It’s that time of the year again. No, I’m not talking about Christmas.

I’m talking about the annual disappointment (punctual as a clock) caused by the Grammy nominations and, shortly after, by the Grammy ceremony itself. Last year, I commented on the winners and snubs of the 2022 edition. This year, I’m on time to also comment on the nominations for the 2023 edition and share not only my picks and predictions but the top three albums and songs that should’ve been nominated, in my opinion. As always, my expectations are lower than ever.

There’s still a lot to unpack, though, so let’s get into it! Oh, and don’t forget to let me know your picks and predictions in the comments below.

Record of the Year

Pick(s): Lizzo – About Damn Time

Prediction(s): Beyoncé – Break My Soul

Should have been nominated:

• Kendrick Lamar – Rich Spirit
• Rosalía – Hentai
• Shygirl – Shlut

Album of the Year

Pick(s): Lizzo – Special

Prediction(s): Beyoncé – Renaissance

Should have been nominated:

• Rosalía – Motomami
• Shygirl – Nymph
• Luna Ki – CL34N

Song of the Year

Pick(s): Lizzo – About Damn Time

Prediction(s): Beyoncé – Break My Soul

Should have been nominated:

• Kendrick Lamar – Rich Spirit
• Rosalía – Hentai
• Shygirl – Shlut

Best New Artist

Pick(s): Måneskin

Prediction(s): Anitta

(I still don’t understand the criteria they use to determine who’s a “new artist” and who isn’t so I will abstain from this one.)

Best Pop Solo Performance

Pick(s): Lizzo – About Damn Time

Prediction(s): Adele – Easy on Me

Should have been nominated:

• Aurora – Blood In The Wine
• Emeli Sandé – Oxygen
• Rina Sawayama – Hold The Girl

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

Pick(s): Post Malone & Doja Cat – I Like You (A Happier Song)

Prediction(s): Post Malone & Doja Cat – I Like You (A Happier Song)

Should have been nominated:

• Rosalía & The Weeknd – La Fama
• FKA twigs & Shygirl – papi bones
• Camila Cabello & Willow – psychofreak

Best Pop Vocal Album

Pick(s): Lizzo – Special

Prediction(s): Adele – 30

Should have been nominated:

• Aurora – The Gods We Can Touch
• Rosalía – Motomami
• Kilo Kish – American Gurl

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

Pick(s): Beyoncé – Break My Soul

Prediction(s): Beyoncé – Break My Soul

Should have been nominated:

• Mura Masa Featuring Bayli – Demon Time

Best Dance/Electronic Music Album

Pick(s): Beyoncé – Renaissance

Prediction(s): Beyoncé – Renaissance

Should have been nominated:

• Mura Masa – Demon Time

Best Alternative Music Performance

Pick(s): Florence and the Machine – King

Prediction(s): Florence and the Machine – King

Should have been nominated:

• 070 Shake – Cocoon (Deezer Sessions)
• Santigold – Nothing
• BoyWithUke Featuring Blackbear – IDGAF

Best Alternative Music Album

Pick(s): Björk – Fossora

Prediction(s): Björk – Fossora

Should have been nominated:

• 070 Shake – Web
• Santigold – Spirituals
• BoyWithUke – Serotonin Dreams

Best R&B Performance

Pick(s): Lucky Daye – Over

Prediction(s): Beyoncé – Virgo’s Groove

Should have been nominated:

• Kehlani Featuring Jessie Reyez – More Than I Should
• Tinashe – I Can See The Future
• Devvon Terrell – Wasting Time

Best Traditional R&B Performance

Pick(s): Beyoncé – Plastic Off the Sofa

Prediction(s): Beyoncé – Plastic Off the Sofa

Best R&B Song

Pick(s): Beyoncé – Cuff It

Prediction(s): Beyoncé – Cuff It

Should have been nominated:

• Kehlani Featuring Jessie Reyez – More Than I Should
• Tinashe – I Can See The Future
• Devvon Terrell – Wasting Time

Best Progressive R&B Album

Pick(s): Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights

Prediction(s): Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights

Best R&B Album

Pick(s): Lucky Daye – Candy Drip

Prediction(s): Lucky Daye – Candy Drip

Should have been nominated:

• Kehlani – Blue Water Road
• Tinashe – 333
• Jessie Reyez – Yessie

Best Rap Performance

Pick(s): Doja Cat – Vegas

Prediction(s): Kendrick Lamar – The Heart Part 5

Should have been nominated:

• Leikeli47 – LL Cool J
• Vince Staples Featuring Mustard – BANG THAT
• Monaleo Featuring Flo Milli – We Not Humping

Best Melodic Rap Performance

Pick(s): Jack Harlow – First Class

Prediction(s): Kendrick Lamar Featuring Blxst & Amanda Reifer – Die Hard

Should have been nominated:

• Kendrick Lamar – Rich Spirit
• Leikeli47 – Free To Love

Best Rap Song

Pick(s): Jack Harlow Featuring Drake – Churchill Downs

Prediction(s): Kendrick Lamar – The Heart Part 5

Should have been nominated:‘

• Leikeli47 – LL Cool J
• Vince Staples Featuring Mustard – BANG THAT
• Buddy – Hoochie Mama

Best Rap Album

Pick(s): Jack Harlow – Come Home The Kids Miss You OR Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

Prediction(s): Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

Should have been nominated:

• SwaVay – ALMETHA’S SON
• M.I.A. – MATA
• Leikeli47 – Shape Up

Best Música Urbana Album

Pick(s): Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti

Prediction(s): Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

Pick(s): Rosalía – Motomami

Prediction(s): Rosalía – Motomami

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Cover image credits: Getty Images for The Recording Academy