With many artists scoring multiple nominations, predictions of who will take home the gramophones on February 8th, 2015 varied within the Wilmington Friends School community. The Grammy Awards, organized by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, recognizes outstanding achievements in the music industry and includes eighty-three different categories. Music eligible for nominations for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards includes songs released between October 1st, 2013 and September 30th, 2014. “This year’s nominees are a reflection of the music community’s diversity and range of talent, and a testament to The Academy’s voting process,” declared President of the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow. Were those who tuned in to the Grammy nominees announcement show on CBS surprised by the results?

Beyoncé and Sam Smith, deemed top contenders for Album of the Year, each earned six nominations. Naturally, Beyoncé and Smith were among the most talked about nominees, according to social media data released on December 5th, 2014, along with Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran. Smith secured a nomination for Best New Artist; however, Brandy Clark, Bastille, Iggy Azalea, and Haim offered strong competition for the award. Wyatt Thompson ’15 offered insight into these nominees: “Bastille has been around for awhile, but has just recently become more popular. However, Iggy is hot and up and coming with the teenagers. She may steal Best New Artist.”Arcade Fire, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, and Ed Sheeran also received a commendable amount of nominations. Patrick Pearce ’15 anticipated, “I am not familiar with a lot of the bands that received multiple nominations, but I am definitely expecting big wins for Katy Perry and Sam Smith.” Pearce particularly praised Smith’s performance in power ballad “Stay With Me” and Perry’s collaboration with rapper Juicy J in the pop hit “Dark Horse”.

In terms of music outside the General Field categories, students also shared confident predictions. Alternative music connoisseur, Ryan Fischer ’18, concluded, “When it comes to the Best Alternative Album, it’s seriously between This Is All Yours by Alt J and Melophobia by Cage the Elephant. I don’t think Arcade Fire’s Reflektor was as exciting as their previous albums, and I’m not really a fan of Jack White. St. Vincent could also win the award, as they have gained a lot of popularity recently, and they have a cool sound.” For Best Rock Performance, Jess Saunders ’16 expected a gramophone for The Black Keys’s “Fever.” Saunders said,“It’s a great song, and it’s always being played on Radio 104.5.”

With only two categories dedicated to dance and electronic music, no particular artists proved themselves as front runners. Lena Urick ’17 predicted, “Even though the other nominees for Best Dance Recording are very good, I think “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit will win because it is well known and got the most radio play.” Clean Bandit challenged Disclosure, Zhu, Basement Jaxx, and Duke Dumont for the award. Although Disclosure, an English electronic duo, received a nomination for “F For You,” the group reached more success with their hit, “Latch,” featuring the vocals of Sam Smith. Zhu, or Steven Zhu, who developed his career as an anonymous DJ up until mid-2014, earned a nomination for “Faded.” Featuring the vocals of Elliot Marshall, Basement Jaxx’s nominated track,“Never Say Never,” topped the American Billboard Top Dance Club Songs chart. Finally, British solo artist, Duke Dumont, offered competition with his hit “I Got U,” with the help of co-producer Jax Jones.

No matter how logical or confident the predictions, the results of the Grammy Awards can always surprise the audience. The 57th Annual Grammy Awards show was expected to attract even more viewers and top last year’s 28 million. “Music’s Biggest Night” never falls short of success, as it features a glamorous red carpet event and exciting performances, celebrates the achievements of hard working musicians, and brings together all genres of music.