The Grammys span a broad spectrum of 94 categories, with three added this year, yet four categories rise to the forefront, including the coveted best album. Throughout history, four artists have tied for the most wins in this category—Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and Taylor Swift—each claiming the prize three times. If Swift clinches the final round with the outstanding Midnight, she would push her tally to four, matching the legendary runners-up of the past and reaffirming her status as a defining album artist since 1959, according to the Recording Academy in Los Angeles.
The 66th Grammy Awards, scheduled this Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, continue to spotlight Taylor Swift as a dominant figure with a strong slate of nominations. Yet a rival or two could disrupt the momentum, reflecting a field that remains richly diverse. In the best album category, Swift competes alongside Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monáe, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA, Boygenius, and Jon Batiste, the sole male contender who surged into multiple wins two years ago. Billie Eilish, Victoria Monét, and other prominent artists will also be in play across the night, with Monét positioned for an additional major honor as best new artist and a potential record of the year moment on stage.
Fight for the gramophone
The most nominations this year go to SZA, the artist behind an album that blends R&B, soul, and hip-hop with pop sensibilities. Her second album SOS crowns a remarkable arc that began with her breakout in 2017 and culminated in multiple nominations across the spectrum. The field also features Phoebe Bridgers, Victoria Monét, and Serban Ghenea, the acclaimed audio engineer whose work has shaped hits for Swift, Rodrigo, and a host of other chart-toppers.
These Grammys cover phonographic works released between October 1, 2022 and September 15, 2023, with a heavy emphasis on pop-dance and rock. While the pop landscape remains led by Swift, Rodrigo, Eilish, and Cyrus, the rock category presents a more male-dominated field, even as strong female voices push through. Arctic Monkeys, Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age all vie for recognition alongside emerging acts, underscoring the broad, evolving scope of the awards.
Alborán vs. Maluma
In the Latin music categories, a single Spanish artist, Pablo Alborán, stands as a leading candidate for the best Latin album, navigating a history marked by near-misses at the Latin Grammys where numerous nominations did not translate into wins. The Malaga-born singer faces a competitive lineup that includes Colombian star Maluma, making the award race wide open and intriguing for audiences across North America, including viewers in Canada and the United States.
Elsewhere, the soundtrack for Barbie commands attention with a strong presence among nominations credited to performers like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Nicki Minaj. Other notable moments include Bruce Springsteen earning a traditional pop vocal album nomination for his soulful covers collection Only the Strong Survives, while veterans like Rickie Lee Jones and Joni Mitchell remain serious contenders with projects that bridge generations. Expect a memorable Crypto.com Arena moment when a broad array of artists—from veteran icons to rising stars—take the stage, underscoring how the Grammys reflect a continually shifting musical landscape across North America.