The 2027 Grammys Contenders for Song of the Year Should Be Predominantly Women

As the Grammy nominations approach on November 16, Rolling Stone is analyzing 11 distinct categories. For each, we will forecast the nominees and identify potential winners for Grammy night.

A notable feature of the forthcoming 2027 Song of the Year nominees is the abundance of options available. "There isn't something like a 'Not Like Us,' the song that everyone is anointing as the great song," remarks Tony Gervino, editor in chief of Tidal, referencing the standout winner of 2025, a track by Kendrick Lamar.

This absence of a clear frontrunner makes the nomination process more competitive. "This is one of the most exciting batches of artists we've had in a while for these categories," states Tiana Lewis, head of pop programming at Apple.

Both Gervino and Lewis anticipate that the nominees for Song of the Year will feature a significantly younger demographic this year. However, it is important to remember that this is one of the Big Four categories and can be notoriously unpredictable (consider Bonnie Raitt's surprise win in 2022). "It's the Grammys," Gervino adds. "Predicting can be hazardous."

Song of the Year – Our Predictions

• Brandi Carlile, "Returning to Myself"
• Olivia Dean, "Man I Need"
• Ella Langley, "Choosin' Texas"
• Bruno Mars, "I Just Might"
• Raye, "Where Is My Husband!"
• Olivia Rodrigo, "The Cure"
• Taylor Swift, "The Fate of Ophelia"
• Don Toliver, "E85"

Who Will Win?

Olivia Dean, "Man I Need"

Betting on a track as prominent as this from a traditionally Grammy-friendly artist seems prudent. Dean's song has been a staple in the music scene for nearly two years. "It feels inevitable," Gervino asserts. He is backed by Lewis, who notes, "She's a historically Grammy-style artist, like H.E.R., Adele, and Alicia Keys. It's always one of two ways with those types of artists: either you win everything or you go home empty-handed." The former outcome appears more likely this time.

Who Should Win?

Ella Langley, "Choosin' Texas"

It's been 15 years since a country song won either Record or Song of the Year at the Grammys (Lady A's "Need You Now" achieved both!). A victory for Langley, whose song is undeniably one of the year's most popular and arguably the greatest of all time by certain measures, would not only celebrate her artistry but also honor some of Nashville's most esteemed contemporary songwriters, including Miranda Lambert and Luke Dick. The fact that Langley's track has achieved such resonance without relying on remixes or gimmicks further amplifies its significance. "We shouldn't be ignoring Ella Langley," Lewis emphasizes. "It's been so exciting to see her hold it down on her own. This is Ella's year, or even decade."

Forecasting the Field

The usual Grammy powerhouses (Taylor, Harry, and Bruno) have all released material in the past year, suggesting their presence in the Record or Song of the Year nominations is likely. However, this is not a year for the old guard to dominate: "They've set the bar high for themselves and everything they released is measured against their best work," Gervino explains, particularly when considering Swift and Mars. "They've already had so much success."

Instead, anticipate a strong challenge from the new wave of female artists in this category, including Langley, Raye, or either of the two Olivias — with Rodrigo gaining notable momentum with "The Cure." "These songs really don't have much in common aside from their majority being by young women," Lewis observes.

Lewis identifies Don Toliver as a potential dark horse candidate, noting that he could replicate the success Clipse saw last year with four unexpected nominations. Another consistent underdog is four-time Song of the Year nominee Brandi Carlile, even though "Returning to Myself" may not have achieved the same commercial impact as some contenders in this category. Could Bruce Springsteen's still-relevant "Streets of Minneapolis" also secure an unexpected nomination? One cannot discount the unpredictable nature of the Grammys.