2020 Grammy Nominations: Snubs & Surprises - ETCanada.com

SURPRISE: 'Being Human In Public', Jessie Reyez, Best Urban Contemporary Album

Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez picked up her first Grammy nomination for her sophomore EP Being Human In Public. This shouldn't come as a huge surprise for her homegrown fans however - the record previously won a Juno Award for R&B/Soul Recording Of The Year. But we're thrilled that the 28-year-old is breaking through, especially on such a huge international stage.

SNUB: 'Girl', Maren Morris, Best Country Album

Fresh off her win for Album Of The Year at the CMA Awards, Maren Morris was essentially shut-out of all the major country categories. While she did pick up a single nomination for "Common" - her duet with last year's Grammys darling Brandi Carlile - her second studio album got no love from the voting body.

SURPRISE: 'Bring My Flowers Now', Tanya Tucker, Song Of The Year

In contrast, country music veteran Tanya Tucker managed to score a Song Of The Year nomination - making her one of only two country artists to penetrate the general field, along with "Old Town Road" singer Billy Ray Cyrus. The 61-year-old also picked up nods for Best Country Solo Performance, Best Country Song and Best Country Album for While I'm Livin' - her 25th release. Despite nearly 50 years in the industry, Tucker has yet to win a single Grammy. Perhaps 2020 will be her time to shine.

SNUB: 'Without Me', Halsey, Song Of The Year

Halsey earned her first No. 1 hit as a lead artist early this year with the personal track "Without Me". While it was certainly a slow burn, the song spent a full year on the Billboard Hot 100. Although it may have been an uphill battle trying to claw its way into the general field, it also failed to snag a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.

SURPRISE: Black Pumas, Best New Artist

Three big underdogs earned a Best New Artist nomination this year: British folk and Americana singer-songwriter Yola, the genre-mashing, experimental group Tank And The Bangas, and Black Pumas - a funky soul duo from Austin, Texas. Unlike Yola, who has worked with the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and country supergroup The Highwomen, and Tank And The Bangas, who gained notoriety after winning NPR's Tiny Desk Contest back in 2017, Black Pumas are relatively unknown in mainstream music circles. But their raw talent speaks for itself, with this live performance of "Colors" proving they're more than deserving of industry recognition.

SNUB: 'Lover', Taylor Swift, Album Of The Year

For the second year in a row, Taylor Swift did not receive an Album Of The Year nomination. While the 10-time Grammy winner nabbed nods for Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance and Song Of The Year, it looks like the 29-year-old will have to step up her game if she hopes to become the first woman in history to win AOTY three times.

SURPRISE: 'Hey, Ma', Bon Iver, Record Of The Year

Historically, the Grammys have always had a soft spot for Justin Vernon and Bon Iver. But "Hey, Ma" -- despite being a stunning song -- barely registered on anyone's radar, and conjured up mixed reviews among critics. Their nominations for Best Alternative Music Album and Album Of The Year make more sense.

SNUB: Bruce Springsteen

Hope there's no love lost between the Grammys and The Boss, because one of America's most beloved artists - Bruce Springsteen - failed to nab any nominations for his most recent album, Western Stars. Shocking really, considering he's won 20 of the coveted gold statues throughout his career.

SURPRISE: 'Girl Goin' Nowhere', Ashley McBryde, Best Country Song & Solo Performance

Ashley McBryde won Best New Artist at this year's CMA Awards, but we were still surprised to see her single "Girl Goin' Nowhere" earn nods in two big country categories over other prominent female voices in the genre - including Maren Morris, Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini.

SNUB: BTS

Arguably the biggest K-Pop act in the world, BTS just can't seem to endear themselves to Grammy voters - even with their North American hit "Boy With Luv". Their collaboration with Halsey probably deserved a Best Music Video nod after shattering various YouTube records in just 24 hours.

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November 21, 2019 at 01:09AM