The 2027 Grammys' Race for Record of the Year Is the Most Competitive in Ages

Record of the Year recognizes the recorded version of a song and honors all contributors involved in its creation. This year’s nominees are anticipated to feature a diverse array of both established artists and emerging talents, including notable names such as Ella Langley, Raye, Noah Kahan, and the versatile Rosalía.

“Grammys, there’s the biz of it all,” comments Tony Gervino, editor-in-chief of Tidal. “They are striving to engage a younger audience and remain relevant within that demographic, particularly given the influx of fresh talent that is excelling in the industry. I foresee them leaning more in that direction.”

Record of the Year – Our Predictions

• Olivia Dean, "Man I Need"
• Noah Kahan, "The Great Divide"
• Ella Langley, "Choosin' Texas"
• Bruno Mars, "I Just Might"
• Raye, "Where Is My Husband!"
• Olivia Rodrigo, "The Cure"
• Rosalía, feat. Björk and Yves Tumor, "Berghain"
• Taylor Swift, "The Fate of Ophelia"

Who Will Win?

Olivia Dean, "Man I Need"

Predicting the winner for this category presents a significant challenge. Olivia Dean’s "Man I Need" is a formidable contender, standing up against country sensation Ella Langley’s record-breaking "Choosin' Texas." Should Langley win, it would be the first time in over a decade that a country artist has claimed the Record of the Year award (the last being Lady A with “Need You Now” in 2011). Langley’s track has shattered multiple chart records, including achieving the status of the longest-running Number One song in Billboard Hot 100 history, coinciding with a period of rising sales and streaming figures in the genre.

It is also worth considering Raye. “Sometimes the Grammys favor familiar names. They may not recognize every song but tend to select artists they know," remarks Gervino. "If I had to make a prediction, my bet would be on Raye taking home Record of the Year.”

That said, we anticipate Dean emerging victorious. Her song encompasses the nostalgia and intricate musicianship that the Grammys traditionally honor. This acknowledges the collaborative effort that goes into songwriting. Therefore, Dean, along with co-writer Tobias MacDonald Jesso Jr. (who received the inaugural Songwriter of the Year award in 2023), and co-writer/producer Zach Nahome, will likely be celebrated on stage.

Who Should Win?

Rosalía, "Berghain"

As the lead single from her acclaimed album Lux, Rosalía showcases her impressive conservatory training with operatic vocals in both German and Spanish, set against an elaborate backdrop provided by the London Symphony Orchestra, featuring contributions from Björk and Yves Tumor. The track defies categorization into a single genre, presenting a unique challenge for the Grammys. The production team, including Noah Goldstein, Sir Dylan, and Jake Miller, intricately crafted this masterpiece, balancing its irreverent qualities with profound spirituality.

“I would love to see Rosalía rewarded for that album. There should be recognition for that level of creativity and ingenuity,” comments Gervino. “The first time I heard [Lux], it was like an unexpected revelation, reminiscent of Robert Johnson—emerging suddenly and leaving you wondering about its origins. This album has no precedent. Rosalía cannot be easily categorized, and that is precisely the challenge it presents.”

Forecasting the Field

The two Olivias are both serious contenders this year. Rodrigo, with her remarkable achievements, is likely to secure a nomination for "The Cure" and stands a solid chance of winning. Additionally, industry heavyweights Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, both Grammy favorites, could potentially feature in this category. Furthermore, Noah Kahan’s The Great Divide album, which Gervino praises as “pristine,” promises to resonate, with its titular track deemed thematically compelling and relatable for a wide audience.