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Home • Entertainment

ESSENCE's Entertainment Director Picks Who Should Win A Grammy

With the 2020 Grammys Awards days away, a few thoughts on who should walk home a winner.
ESSENCE's Entertainment Director Picks Who Should Win A Grammy
By Cori Murray · Updated November 4, 2020

The best of music—singers, songwriters, producers—will be lauded at the Grammys on January 26 at the Staple Center in Los Angeles. Before the golden gramophones are engraved with 2020’s winners, I’m predicting or, more accurately, wishing, that these deserving artists, songs and albums will receive recognition on music’s biggest night.

01
Traditional World Music Album
CATEGORY: Traditional World Music Album

MY PICK: Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift

Leading up to the Grammys, there has been a campaign for Beyoncé’s Homecoming to be nominated for Best Music Film and Album of the Year. But for me, her “love letter to Africa” should take home a win. I was immediately drawn into the range of rhythms—from Nigerian Afrobeat (“Don’t Jealous Me”) to West African Wassoulou (“Mood 4 Eva”) to South African gqom (“My Power”). “When I recorded that record, I knew it was special,” says Tiwa Savage about “Keys to the Kingdom,” her track with Mr Eazi. Let’s hope the Academy agrees.

ESSENCE's Entertainment Director Picks Who Should Win A Grammy
02
Best New Artist
CATEGORY: Best New Artist

MY PICK: Lizzo

Very few artists break through with big songs (“Truth Hurts” was tied for number one for seven weeks, the longest for a rap song by a female artist), a big personality and even bigger affirmations. All signs say “Hell, yes” to Lizzo for being crowned with a Grammy.

ESSENCE's Entertainment Director Picks Who Should Win A Grammy
03
Song of the Year
CATEGORY: Song of the Year

MY PICK: Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road (Remix)” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus

A little ditty about a horse and a road uprooted all we know about hip-hop and country—and became the longest-running No. 1 song in U.S. history. Give Lil Nas X his trophy.

ESSENCE's Entertainment Director Picks Who Should Win A Grammy
04
Rap Performance by Duo or Group
CATEGORY: Rap Performance by Duo or Group

MY PICK: “Hot Girl Summer” by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign

On her debut, Megan Thee Stallion urged us to “unapologetically” be our authentic selves, making her one of the hottest women in hip-hop.

ESSENCE's Entertainment Director Picks Who Should Win A Grammy
05
Best Traditional R&B Performance
CATEGORY: Best Traditional R&B Performance

MY PICK: “Built for Love” by PJ Morton featuring Jazmine Sullivan

Last year PJ Morton tied for this Grammy. This time I hope he wins it outright for the instant vintage ballad with Jazmine Sullivan.

ESSENCE's Entertainment Director Picks Who Should Win A Grammy
06
Urban Contemporary Album
CATEGORY: Urban Contemporary Album

MY PICK: Summer Walker’s EP Last Day of Summer

Technically, Walker’s fall release debut album, Over It, missed the 2019 eligibility period (which is restricted to albums released between October 1, 2018-August 31, 2019), but her EP did not—and it has just as many bops.

ESSENCE's Entertainment Director Picks Who Should Win A Grammy
TOPICS:  2020 grammys awards awards seasons Music nominations The Culture List