2015 Grammy Predictions: Complete List

Album of the Year
Oddly enough, AOTY is a pretty thin category this year in retrospect. There are two strong contenders for the top prize, then 3 other nominees that are just kind of there. Beyonce (Beyonce) has been the strong frontrunner since its surprise release in 2013. Although she took a hit after missing out easy nominations in Record and Song, she’s still looking like the frontrunner in this weak field. The only nominee that has a chance to dethrone the queen is In the Lonely Hour (Sam Smith). He led the nominations (tying with Beyonce and Pharrell) and was the only artist to receive nominations in all four general field categories. If there’s a spoiler in this race, it’s him.

Will Win: Beyonce, Beyonce
Could Win: In the Lonely Hour, Sam Smith
Should Win: Morning Phase, Beck

Record of the Year
With Beyonce absent in this category and the lack of a run away hit in this category, it looks like “Stay With Me (Darkchild Remix)” (Sam Smith feat. Mary J. Blige) is going to be the one to beat. Although “Fancy” (Iggy Azalea feat. Charlie XCX) is going to pose a pretty heft threat, it’s “Chandelier” (Sia) that could spoil Smith simply because it’s the most “clearly produced” song in the category.

Will Win: “Stay With Me (Darkchild Remix)”, Sam Smith feat. Mary J. Blige
Could Win: “Chandelier”, Sia
Should Win: “Stay With Me (Darkchild Remix)”, Sam Smith feat. Mary J. Blige

Song of the Year
Song and Record rarely match up, so if ROTY doesn’t goes as planned there is a chance that “Stay With Me” (Sam Smith) takes this instead. Either way, “Stay with Me” is taking home an award. Think of it as “Royals” from last year. However, I think the surprise frontrunner here is “Take Me to Church” (Hozier). It’s the classic singer-songwriter’s song and an enormous sleeper hit.

Will Win: “Take Me to Church” (Hozier)
Could Win: “Stay With Me” (Sam Smith)
Should Win: “Take Me to Church” (Hozier)

Best New Artist
Similarly to Macklemore last year, I’m just going to go with the New Artist nominee that also has the most nominations. Sam Smith is the solid frontrunner. The only nominee giving him chase is Iggy Azalea. However, this should be a pretty easy win for Smith.

Will Win: Sam Smith
Could Win: Iggy Azalea
Should Win: Haim