Entertainment

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Rides Into Grammy Contention as Sabrina Carpenter Shines for Best New Artist

2024-10-02

Author: Jessica Wong

Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter at the Grammy Awards

The stage is set for an electrifying Grammy Awards as both Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter stake their claims for recognition in their respective categories. Beyoncé's highly anticipated album, *Cowboy Carter*, is poised to compete for Best Country Album, marking an exciting moment in her illustrious career. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter, whose breakthrough came with her sixth studio album, will be in the running for Best New Artist, according to exclusive sources.

Best New Artist Nominees

The Recording Academy's recent screening committee meeting finalized the contenders for various categories, including the coveted Best New Artist award, where Carpenter stands as a frontrunner alongside other notable talents like Chappell Roan. This year’s updates to the Best New Artist category—designed to reflect industry changes—signal a shift away from the restrictive song and album limits that have drawn criticism in the past.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Rise

Carpenter, 25, is making waves on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit singles “Espresso,” “Please Please Please,” and “Taste,” all of which have spent five consecutive weeks in the Top 10. Her latest album, *Short n’ Sweet*, has already achieved platinum status, and she is electrifying audiences with her sold-out tour across the country.

Beyoncé’s Impact on Country Music

In the Best Country Album category, Beyoncé’s *Cowboy Carter*, featuring collaborations from iconic artists like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, breaks down barriers and has sparked significant cultural discussions regarding the representation of Black artists in country music. This follows the singer's previous exclusion from the country category at the 2016 Grammys with her song “Daddy Lessons.” With no nominations for *Cowboy Carter* at the recent CMA Awards, this Grammy nod could symbolize a pivotal moment for her in the country genre.

Grammy Voting Timeline

The journey to the Grammy stage is well underway, with first-round voting opening soon and nominations set to be unveiled on November 8. The final votes will take place between December 12, 2024, and January 3, 2025, culminating in the live Grammy broadcast on February 2, 2025, from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Beyoncé’s Record-Breaking Achievements

Beyoncé, who has a record-breaking 32 Grammy wins—spanning R&B, rap, dance, and more—could become the rare artist to receive nominations across multiple genres for *Cowboy Carter*. This album is anticipated to be a strong contender for the prestigious Album of the Year award, potentially marking Beyoncé’s fifth entry in this highly competitive category.

Competing Artists

Other artists vying for recognition alongside Carpenter include Shaboozey, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, and Megan Moroney. As artists prepare for the upcoming Grammys, the stakes are higher than ever, with conversations surrounding genre representation and the evolving music landscape taking center stage.

Looking Ahead to the Grammys

All eyes are now on the Grammy Awards, set to celebrate the industry's brightest talents while continuing to challenge conventions. Will Beyoncé finally take her rightful place in the country genre, and can Sabrina Carpenter achieve her dream of Grammy glory? Stay tuned—the countdown to music’s biggest night has officially begun!