With over 1,015 songs submitted for Song of the Year and 894 vying for Record of the Year, the race for the 68th Grammy Awards’ top honours is shaping up to be one of the fiercest yet. As the Recording Academy begins first-round voting this month, only eight tracks will ultimately secure nominations in each category — setting the stage for another year of high-stakes competition and cultural impact.
Last year, Kendrick Lamar dominated both major categories with his explosive hit “Not Like Us,” marking a defining moment in modern hip-hop history. Now, with “Luther” rumoured to be among the front-runners again, industry watchers are buzzing about whether he can make Grammy history with a consecutive win in both fields — a feat rarely achieved in the awards’ seven-decade legacy.
According to Rolling Stone’s early predictions, this year’s Song of the Year lineup could be one of the most diverse yet, spanning languages, genres, and emotional tones. The projected list includes Lady Gaga’s cinematic anthem “Abracadabra,” Bad Bunny’s romantic reggaeton cut “Inolvidable,” and Chappell Roan’s viral storytelling track “The Subway.” Also tipped for nominations are Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True,” Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” and Lamar’s introspective “Luther.”
While the official nominee announcement won’t arrive until November, anticipation is already building online, with fans and critics debating whether 2025 will favour pop spectacle, lyrical depth, or cross-genre innovation. As Grammy season heats up, one thing is clear — the road to Song of the Year has never sounded more unpredictable.
