Southwords’ picks for the 65th Annual Grammys

Caitlin Vengazo

Entertainment Editor

With the 65th Annual Grammy Awards coming up on Feb. 5, Southwords chooses the worthiest contenders in each major category.

Taylor Swift’s undeniable lyrical talent is taken to another level on her 10-minute version of “All Too Well.” This version further alludes to her alleged former relationship with Jake Gyllanhaal, adding new lyrics in the verses and bridge. It is more upbeat than the original release and delves deeper into the heartbreak of the lyrics. The track was an instant hit and broke the record for longest #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, formerly held by Don McLean’s “American Pie” (8 minutes and 42 seconds). Swift also wrote and directed an accompanying short film for the song, which is also nominated for a Grammy in the Best Music Video category. Swift currently boasts a collection of 11 Grammys and is nominated in four categories this year.

2022 seemed to be the year of Harry Styles, and his third studio album is an obvious choice for Album of the Year. “Harry’s House” debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in May, and all 13 tracks on the album charted in the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, with “As it Was” at the top of the list for 15 weeks in a row. The album features upbeat songs such as “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” and “Late Night Talking,” as well as tracks with deeper lyrics, including “Matilda” and “Little Freak.” Styles is currently on his second world tour, “Love on Tour,” which sold approximately 2.6 million tickets in total. Winning Album of the Year would be Styles’ second Grammy, adding to his award for Best Solo Pop Performance from two years ago.

Best New Artist Record of the Year

In a wonderful blend of R&B, pop, and alternative melodies, Steve Lacy’s vocals and funky lyrics on “Bad Habit” have captivated millions of listeners since its release in July. The catchy tune caught traction on Tik Tok, and the sped-up version quickly went viral over the summer across social media platforms. The record was 24-year-old Lacy’s first song to top the Billboard charts in October, and winning this category would be his first Grammy award. Even with many worthy contenders nominated for this category, including Harry Styles’s “As It Was” and Adele’s “Easy On Me,” Lacy deserves the award for his creativity and groovy melody on “Bad Habit.”

Latto has been pursuing her music career since 2016, when she won the first season of Lifetime’s “The Rap Game.” Her most popular track, “Big Energy,” was released in November of 2021 and is her highest-charting song thus far, hitting #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April. Latto has collaborated with many notable artists, including Megan Thee Stallion, 21 Savage, and Childish Gambino. Latto, DJ Khalid, and Mariah Carey released a remix of “Big Energy” which featuring Carey’s hit “Fantasy.” The mash-up reached #1 on the US iTunes chart and was popular over the summer. Latto looks to have a bright future in the music industry based on her rap background and popular hits, and winning this category would be her first Grammy.