Our Predictions For The Grammy Awards In Country Categories
February 4th 2023
Are y'all ready? The Grammy Awards, widely considered the highest honors in the music industry, are coming up on Sunday. A variety of genres - of course, including country - are represented well in this year's ceremony. Here's a little recap on this year's nominations in country categories, along with our predictions of who will win!
Best Country Solo Performance
Nominees: "Heartfirst" by Kelsea Ballerini, "Something In The Orange" by Zach Bryan, "In His Arms" by Miranda Lambert, "Circles Around This Town" by Maren Morris, "Live Forever" by Willie Nelson
Our Prediction: "Heartfirst" by Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea fully lives by the song's theme of "diving in heartfirst" and embracing the thrill that comes along with it. She is never afraid to take risks in both her artistic and personal life, something that "Heartfirst" covers perfectly. It kickstarted a landmark album cycle for the star, SUBJECT TO CHANGE. A song representing growth, it conveys a positive message that everyone, especially the younger generations, should hear.
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Nominees: "Wishful Drinking" by Ingrid Andress & Sam Hunt, "Midnight Rider's Prayer" by Brothers Osborne, "Outrunnin' Your Memory" by Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert, "Does He Love You - Revisited" by Reba McEntire & Dolly Parton, "Never Wanted To Be That Girl" by Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde, "Going Where The Lonely Go" by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Our Prediction: "Never Wanted To Be That Girl" by Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde
A standout from Carly's career-defining third studio album, 29: Written In Stone, "Never Wanted To Be That Girl" contains some of the best songwriting we've ever seen. We love the song's dual perspective aspect, as it tells the parallel stories of two women being used by the same man. It has comforted many in their own failed relationships and marriages - helping people put their experiences into perspective and making them feel less alone. Not to mention how phenomenal the two superstars' voices sound together!
Best Country Song
Nominees: "Circles Around This Town" by Maren Morris, "Doin' This" by Luke Combs, "I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)" by Taylor Swift, "If I Was A Cowboy" by Miranda Lambert, "I'll Love You Till The Day I Die" by Willie Nelson, "'Til You Can't" by Cody Johnson
Our Prediction: "I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)" by Taylor Swift
"I Bet You Think About Me" isn't just a post-breakup revenge anthem - it's a statement that artists shown own their work. A single off of Red (Taylor's Version), the global superstar's re-recorded fourth studio album, its music video helped to highlight its multiple layers of subtext - essentially calling out Scott Borschetta after he sold her masters without her consent or knowledge. Additionally, we're in love with the traditional country influences that complement Taylor's poignant delivery.
Best Country Album
Nominees: Growin' Up by Luke Combs, Palomino by Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville by Ashley McBryde, Humble Quest by Maren Morris, A Beautiful Time by Willie Nelson
Our Prediction: Growin' Up by Luke Combs
It is about time Luke Combs wins a Grammy, this album we feel will do it. The reigning CMA Entertainer of the year has really leaned into his everyman aesthetic. With that little has changed with Luke's muisc since his rise to superstardom. The album explores personal growth ("Tomorrow Me"), true love ("Forever After All") and reflection (Doin' This.) While there are lyrics about beer and partying throughout Growin' Up, there is no big beer song on this album. Comb's ability to capture the everyday life and everyday feelings is one that should we rewarded.
We're so excited to see who takes home the trophies on Sunday! No matter what the results are, all the nominees have produced some phenomenal work this year, which we can't wait to celebrate. With the outstanding accomplishments of artists across the spectrum in the past year, this year's Grammy Awards are sure to be a magical time.