Predictions for the 2022 Grammys: I am prepared to be disappointed

Another year full of disappointment for Grammy nominations. 

The 2022 Grammy nominations were revealed on Nov. 23, and to be quite honest, I was a little upset in the choices that were made; a lot of my personal favorites of the year got snubbed. However, I am only a 20-year-old gay man from Illinois, so maybe my music taste is not the same as The Recording Academy.

Although it is sad to see, if there is anything that can make me feel better, it is predicting who will win and I love to give my opinion. I will only be predicting the categories I am the most knowledgeable of; I do not think I can give a solid prediction for the best classical album.

Here we go, if I’m wrong… no I am not.

Record of the year: I Still Have Faith in You by ABBA

To be honest I had to google the difference between record of the year and song of the year; it is a concept I have never quite understood. From my understanding, record of the year is for a song that may not have the most commercial success, which is why I choose ABBA. 

I was baffled to hear this was their first Grammy nomination, which is why I am predicting they will win. ABBA has to win a Grammy and I feel like this is an easy category for them to finally get the award they deserve. ABBA has been around for years giving us banger after banger with “Arrival,” “Gold,” “Super Trouper,” and many more.

Album of the year: Sour by Olivia Rodrigo

“Sour” hands down was my favorite album of the year from the nominations, and I know this is a lot of people’s pick to win. For a debut album, Rodrigo really knocked it out of the park. Even though this album was released in May, it still is in my current rotation of music that I listen to.  It truly is a perfect piece of music, and I am expecting it to win. 

Song of the year: Kiss Me More by Doja Cat featuring SZA

This song really has ruled the radio since its release. Every time I start my car I feel like this song is playing. People are obsessed with this song and they have every reason to be. This song is addicting to listen to; I can play it endlessly and never get tired of it. I love Doja Cat’s relaxed vocals, and SZA really adds a nice depth to this song with her verse; I really hope I am right with this prediction. 

Best New Artist: Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo has owned this year with her debut, there is no doubt in my mind that she will win this award. If she doesn’t win, it truly will be (not a favorite) crime.  

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Butter by BTS

After the mess of last year with BTS not winning a Grammy, I feel like they almost have to win this category. “Butter” may not be the best song off of the list, but the performances of this song are steller.  

Best Pop Vocal Album: Positions by Ariana Grande

I need Ariana Grande to win after the travesty that occurred at the 62nd Grammy Awards, where her album “thank you, next,” received many nominations but left with no winners. For her to be one of the most highly acclaimed artists of the generation, yet only have two awards, it does not sit right with me. 

“Positions” is an amazing album, it has some of my favorite tracks from her catalog. She should win a Grammy for “pov” alone. I want her to win this so badly, please Recording Academy hear my prayer.

Best R&B Song: Good Days by SZA

This song is the reason I am no longer sad. I started having more “Good Days” all around. It is one of the most relaxing songs I have ever heard, and the lyric “I don’t miss no ex, I don’t miss no text. I just choose not to respond,” needs to be in the history books. I love this song and it deserves to win. 

Best Country Solo Performance: camera roll by Kacey Musgraves

Is this song really a country song? Absolutely not. However, it still deserves a Grammy. This is my absolute favorite song from the entire year and in every category that it is nominated in I need it to win. 

Best Country Song: camera roll by Kacey Musgraves

I mean the lyric “chronological order and nothing but torture” is why I am the man I am today. Give this song the win, please and thank you.

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical: Jack Antonoff

This man right here is an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. What he does, is for the gays. I mean, he worked with Lana Del Ray, Taylor Swift, and Lorde this year. I need him to win; he really deserves an award for producing some of the best albums this year. 

Best Music Video: Montero (Call Me By Your Name) by Lil Nas X

My absolute favorite music video from the entire year, and one of the more controversial ones. The message of the video, Lil Nas X giving Satan himself a lap dance, truly is modern art. I hope this man gets awarded for being so brave with this video.

The 64th Grammy Awards will take place on Monday, Jan. 31.