Opinion: These Artists Deserve to Win the Big Four Awards at the 2025 Grammys
With last week’s reveal of Grammy nominations featuring a star-studded lineup of music’s biggest names, discussions are already buzzing about who should win at this year’s awards. Here are my opinions on who deserves to take home music’s biggest honors in the Big Four categories.
The “Big Four” categories are the Grammys’ most prestigious awards, open to artists across all genres and criteria. These include Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Album of the Year. The last artist to win all four was Billie Eilish in 2020.
Sabrina Carpenter
Best New Artist recognizes an artist who has made a major impact within the eligibility period. For this award, my pick is Sabrina Carpenter, who has firmly captured the spotlight this year.
Carpenter is no stranger to the spotlight with six studio albums under her belt. This year, she has truly redefined what it means to have a breakthrough moment. In 2024, Carpenter not only delivered radio hits like “Nonsense” and “Feather” from her album emails i can’t send, but also captivated audiences as an opener for Taylor Swift. She appeared on numerous TV shows, and wowed crowds with a Coachella set worthy of a headliner.
Her chart-topping single “Espresso” and her witty, relatable pop lyrics have kept her top of mind. Paired with her signature stage costumes and consistent, era-defining branding, Carpenter has solidified her place in pop music. Naturally, she’s a standout choice for Best New Artist.
Carpenter struck gold with “Espresso,” a song that embodies the formula for a perfect pop anthem. Record of the Year celebrates the performer and producers, recognizing the song’s overall composition. “Espresso” is a flawless puzzle where every piece falls into place effortlessly. Moreover, Carpenter’s cadence flows with ease, as if she’s barely trying in the best way possible. Producer Julian Bunetta’s meticulous touch ensures every beat lands exactly where it should, making “Espresso” the undeniable Record of the Year.
Billie Eilish
Next, Song of the Year honors the songwriters behind a single track. In contrast to Record of the Year, which focuses more on the song’s production and overall composition. My pick for Song of the Year is “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Eilish, written by herself and her sibling and collaborator, Finneas O’Connell.
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” captures a profound sense of euphoria, with Eilish and O’Connell breathing new life into a timeless theme. The lyrics are universal and adaptable, resonating not just with romantic connections but with anyone you hold dear. When a song has the power to take on new meanings through different perspectives, it truly deserves to be called Song of the Year. The sibling duo’s piece creates an immersive experience that leaves listeners feeling moved, full of warmth, and a deep sense of connection.
Album of the Year is always a challenging category, with a star-studded lineup of this year’s biggest releases—though notably missing is Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine. Although every album nominated has been on repeat for me, ultimately, Eilish’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT earns the crown for Album of the Year.
“HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” OUT NOW EVERYWHERE! https://t.co/erWjAxVda6 #HITMEHARDANDSOFT pic.twitter.com/QgsM9MBr4a— billie eilish (@billieeilish) May 17, 2024
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT showcases Eilish at her most powerful. In just 10 tracks, she delivers a flawless lineup of her best work, with no room for filler. Her songwriting is more personal and polished than ever, silencing critics by revealing her strongest vocal performances to date. True to its title, some tracks hit with a playful lightness, while others leave you deeply moved, making it a standout choice for Album of the Year.
You can read the full list of nominations here.
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