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The Grammy Awards features afro-futurism, snubs The Carters, and signs female host

With the 61st GRAMMY Awards quickly approaching, the buzz around the award ceremony has soared and the Recording Academy has just announced the first group of artists to perform at this year’s show.

Current nominees Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Dan + Shay, Post Malone, Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monáe, and Kacey Musgraves will take the stage on Feb. 1.

Monáe is nominated for Album of the Year for her emotion picture and dazzling Afrofuturist sci-fi visual album, Dirty Computer. She is also nominated for the music video for her queer anthem, “PYNK.”

 

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#PYNK @Youtube #linkinbio Directed by the bad ass herself: @emma.westenberg

A post shared by Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) on

It will be an exciting night for Cabello as the artist will make her Grammy performance debut in addition to being nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance, Havana (Live) and best pop vocal album, Camila.

 

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I usually can’t shut up but right now I’m speechless. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. ❤️

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First-time nominee Malone has four nods, for record of the year, “Rockstar”, Album of The Year beerbongs & bentleys, best pop solo performance “Better Now,” and best rap/sung performance “Rockstar.”

 

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by @adamdegross

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Dan + Shay are in the mix for Best Country Duo/Group for their chart-topping hit, “Tequila.”

 

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still processing this moment. and still waiting for our clothes to dry. ☔️

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Other Highlights

Kendrick Lamar and Drake are the major contenders of the music award ceremony. Lamar earned 8 nominations and the Canadian rap superstar racked up 7 nods from the Recording Academy.

Drake, Cardi B, Brandi Carlile, HER, Post Malone, Janelle Monáe, Kacey Musgraves and Lamar’s Black Panther OST are up for Album Of The Year.

Mac Miller is nominated for Best Rap Album for his 2018 album Swimming. He is in the category alongside albums by Cardi B, Travis Scott, Pusha-T, and Nipsey Hussle. Should he win, his parents will accept the prize on the late rapper’s behalf.

The Grammy’s snubbing of The Carters — Jay Z and Beyonce over the past two years, looks to continue since the powerhouse couple only garnered a nod for the category of Best Urban Contemporary Album.

All eyes will be on the category of Song of the Year that includes, Childish Gambino’s, aka Donald Glover’s, provocative track “This Is America.” Gambino’s explosive music video and its statement of race in America garnered up to 450 million views.


The Host

Since last years show drew criticism for its heavily male-dominated slate of nominees and performers, the Recording Academy has made some changes to this year’s show.

Alicia Keys will host the award ceremony, making her the first woman to host the Grammys in 14 years. The 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist is only the fifth woman to ever host the Grammys in the show’s 61 years, and only the third woman of color.

 

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BIG news…. 🔥🔥🔥 (check my story)

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In a statement Keys declared,

“I know what it feels like to be on that stage, and I’m going to bring that vibe and energy. I’m so excited to be the master of ceremonies on the biggest night in music and celebrate the creativity, power and, magic. I’m especially excited for all the incredible women nominated this year!”

The talented singer-songwriter celebrated her honor by posting a behind-the-scenes-clip of her reaction to the news.

The 61st annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. ET. Be sure to peep!