There are nights in Chicago that feel larger than the room they happen in, and Saturday, January 20th at Thalia Hall was undeniably one of them. The Bears were facing the Packers in the first round of the playoffs, a rivalry already baked into the city’s identity, now raised to postseason intensity. Before a single note was played, the energy inside Thalia Hall was electric. Bill Murray and his Blood Brothers made it clear that the game mattered, insisting it be broadcast on the large screen behind the stage, transforming the venue into something between a historic concert hall and the ultimate Chicago watch party.

When the final seconds ran out and the Bears eliminated Green Bay, the room exploded. Cheers echoed, strangers embraced, and the release felt almost overwhelming. Without hesitation, the band took the stage, the timing so perfect it felt intentional. Bill Murray opened the set with the Chicago Bears Fight Song, and the crowd roared in approval. Murray, long a symbol of Chicago’s cultural DNA, did not feel like a celebrity dropping in, he felt like a fellow fan riding the same high as everyone else in the room.

What followed was a blues performance that more than lived up to the moment. The Blood Brothers, built around the powerful guitar pairing of Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia, delivered a soulful, driving set steeped in grit and tradition. They were joined by an expanded lineup that included two drummers, and Jimmy Vivino, the veteran musician and longtime musical director for Conan O’Brien, whose presence added even more depth and fire to the sound. Murray, who has toured with the group for years, blended seamlessly into the band, singing the blues and adding percussion on bongos and maracas, fully engaged in the music rather than positioned as a novelty frontman.

The collaboration itself traces back to a moment of pure spontaneity. Zito and Castiglia’s band had been booked for the Murray Brothers’ Caddyshack Golf Tournament by Bill’s brother, John. During their set, Murray unexpectedly joined them onstage for a song by The Rascals, a moment that sparked an ongoing musical partnership that continues to evolve. That same sense of unplanned magic defined the night at Thalia Hall. It was not just that Bill Murray was performing, or that the Bears beat the Packers in the playoffs, but that both happened together, in Chicago, without pretense. Watching Murray front a soulful blues band in the immediate aftermath of such a massive rivalry win felt like a reward for the city, and a reminder that some nights simply belong to Chicago.

Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Thalia Hall – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Chicago Bears – OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Charter One Pavilion

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

By Tamara Jenkins

The world’s best selling rap artist, Jay-Z, captivated fans with his legendary lyrical skills Tuesday night at the Charter One Pavilion.  The “only rapper to re-write history without a pen” took to the stage dressed in black including black shades, performing his latest anthem, “D.O.A.” (Death of Auto-Tune) in which he declares a moratorium on the practice and calls out rappers on their dependence and excessive used of it.

“You rappers singin’ too much, get back to rap you T-Pain’n too much.”  I’m a multi-millionaire so how is it I’m still the hardest n—a here? I don’t be in the project hallway talkin’ bout how I be in the project all day that sounds stupid to me, if you a gangsta, this is how you prove it to me”

Accompanied by a full band that included drummers, a keyboardist and a horn section and with occasional help from protégé Memphis Bleek, the rap icon performed hit after hit with a jumbo screen serving as the backdrop displaying images to coincide with songs.

The magnitude of is status was apparent as he was besieged with chants of HOVA, HOVA, HOVA during small breaks throughout the show.  Hardcore fan sang along and watched in awe, and men and young boys mimicked him, keeping their sunglasses on.

He paid tribute to Michael Jackson displaying images of him and playing the Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back” and told the crowd to sing along if they knew the words and said he his philosophy is not to mourn death, but to celebrate life.

Near the end of the show, gave the crowd a preview of the Blueprint 3, performing the intro-

“I ain’t talking about gossip, I ain’t talk about Game, I ain’t talking about Jimmy, I ain’t talking about Dame. I’m talking about real shi*.”

As far as street guys, we was dealing crack / that’s how the game goes, I don’t owe nobody jack / grown men want me to sit ’em on my lap / but I don’t have a beard and Santa Claus ain’t black.”

He concluded the show performing “99 Problems”, “Give it to Me”, “Hard Knock Life” and the finale “Encore”.

Fabolous and Ciara were the opening acts. Fabolous’s performance kept with the standard hip hop show formula, consisting of himself, a hype man and DJ on stage as he performed old tracks “Breathe”, “Baby”, “Make Me Better”, “Baby Don’t Go” and his latest single “Throw it in the Bag”. He also threw in his verses from the remixes of NeYo’s “She Got Her Own” and the Dream’s “Rockin That Thang”; nothing too difficult and the more entertaining of the two acts.

Reminiscent of Janet Jackson in appearance wearing ripped blue jeans, black leather vest over a cropped white tee and knee-high boots, Ciara arrived on stage surrounded by four female dancers and artificial smoke blowing she performed her first song “Like a Boy” followed by her debut hit single “Goodies” and then her latest “Love, Sex, Magic”.

Her vocals were descent, but she was lacking creativity. She was also inconsistent-in the middle of the performance she tells the crowd “I heard Chicago knows how to party” and then proceeded to dance to random songs played- Snoop Dog’s “What’s My Name”, Gin and Juice”, Method Man and Mary J. Blige’s “All I Need”, 50 Cent’s “I Get Money” and Lil Wayne’s “Get Money”.

Most shocking was the disappointing choreography as she is more known for her dancing than singing, the moves consisted of pelvic and hip thrusts and leg wiggling more than actual dancing.  And her backup dancers looked like amateurs. During most of the performance they were out of sync and seemed to be trying to keep up with each routine. Overall, her performance was weak.

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The 2026 GRAMMYS take place Sunday, Feb. 1, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+. Watch highlights and exclusive GRAMMYS content from the 2026 GRAMMYS all year long on live.GRAMMY.com.

The Recording Academy has officially released the full list of nominees for the 2026 GRAMMYS, marking the start of this year’s GRAMMY season and setting the stage for Music’s Biggest Night.

The nominees were announced today during a livestream, with artists including Chappell Roan, Doechii, KAROL G, Mumford & Sons, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Smith, and more presenting all 95 GRAMMY Categories. This year’s nominations span a wide range of artists, genres, and projects — from established acts to first-time nominees — across pop, country, rap, R&B, Latin, global, jazz, and beyond, reflecting a year marked by wide-ranging creativity in music.

Winners will be determined by the Recording Academy’s Voting Members — a peer group composed of music creators, including artists, songwriters, producers, engineers, and more. Their GRAMMY votes decide every GRAMMY nominee and GRAMMY winner revealed on Music’s Biggest Night, reinforcing the GRAMMY Award as music’s only industry-recognized, peer-voted honor.

This year also marks a notable update to the GRAMMY Awards process: The 2026 GRAMMYS will introduce two new GRAMMY Categories — Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover. These additions further the Recording Academy’s commitment to recognizing a broader spectrum of artistic craft and honoring the evolving ways music is created and experienced.

The 2026 GRAMMYS will take place Sunday, Feb. 1, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.

Check out the full list of nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards below.

Record Of The Year

Award to the Artist and to the Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s) and mastering engineer(s), if other than the artist.

DtMF

Bad Bunny

Scotty Dittrich, Hydra Hitz, La Paciencia, JULiA LEWiS, MAG & Tyler Spry, producers; Antonio Caraballo, Josh Gudwin, Roberto Rosado & Tyler Spry, engineers/mixers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer

Manchild

Sabrina Carpenter

Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, producers; Jack Antonoff, Bryce Bordone, Jozef Caldwell, Serban Ghenea, Sean Hutchinson, Oli Jacobs, Michael Riddleberger & Laura Sisk, engineers/mixers; Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineer

Anxiety

Doechii

Doechii, producer; Jayda Love, engineer/mixer; Nicolas De Porcel, mastering engineer

WILDFLOWER

Billie Eilish

FINNEAS, producer; Jon Castelli, FINNEAS & Aron Forbes, engineers/mixers; Dale Becker, mastering engineer

Abracadabra

Lady Gaga

Cirkut, Lady Gaga & Andrew Watt, producers; Bryce Bordone, Serban Ghenea & Paul LaMalfa, engineers/mixers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer

luther

Kendrick Lamar With SZA

Jack Antonoff, Bridgeway, M-Tech, roselilah, Sounwave & Kamasi Washington, producers; Jack Antonoff, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Hector Castro, Oli Jacobs, Jack Manning, Sean Matsukawa, Dani Perez, Tony Shepperd, Laura Sisk & Johnathan Turner, engineers/mixers; Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineer

The Subway

Chappell Roan

Daniel Nigro, producer; Chris Kaysch, Mitch McCarthy & Daniel Nigro, engineers/mixers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer

APT.

ROSÉ, Bruno Mars

Rogét Chahayed, Cirkut, Omer Fedi & Bruno Mars, producers; Serban Ghenea

Category 2

Album Of The Year

Award to Artist(s) and to Featured Artist(s), Songwriter(s) of new material, Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s), Mixer(s) and Mastering Engineer(s) credited with 20% or more playing time of the album.

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

Bad Bunny

Big Jay, La Paciencia, MAG & Tainy, producers; Antonio Caraballo, Josh Gudwin, Luis Amed Irizarry & Roberto José Rosado Torres, engineers/mixers; Benito Antonio Ocasio Martinez, Roberto José Rosado Torres, Marco Daniel Borrero, Jay Anthony Nuñez & Marcos Efrain Masis, songwriters; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer

SWAG

Justin Bieber

Eddie Benjamin, Justin Bieber, Daniel Chetrit, Dijon, Carter Lang & Dylan Wiggins, producers; Felix Byrne & Josh Gudwin, engineers/mixers; Eddie Benjamin, Justin Bieber, Daniel Chetrit, Dijon Duenas, Tobias Jesso Jr., Carter Lang, Jackson Lee Morgan & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters; Dale Becker, mastering engineer

Man’s Best Friend

Sabrina Carpenter

Jack Antonoff, Sabrina Carpenter & John Ryan, producers; Zem Adu, Jack Antonoff, Bryce Bordone, Jozef Caldwell, Serban Ghenea, Jeff Gunnell, David Hart, Mikey Freedom Hart, Sean Hutchinson, Oli Jacobs, Jack Manning, Joey Miller, Michael Riddleberger, John Ryan, Laura Sisk & Evan Smith, engineers/mixers; Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff, Sabrina Carpenter & John Ryan, songwriters; Nathan Dantzler & Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineers

Let God Sort Em Out

Clipse, Pusha T & Malice

Pharrell Williams, featured artist; Pharrell Williams, producer; Mike Larson, Manny Marroquin, Rob Ulsh & Pharrell Williams, engineers/mixers; Gene Elliott Thornton Jr., Terrence Thornton & Pharrell Williams, songwriters; Zach Pereyra, mastering engineer

MAYHEM

Lady Gaga

Cirkut, Gesaffelstein, Lady Gaga & Andrew Watt, producers; Bryce Bordone, Serban Ghenea & Paul LaMalfa, engineers/mixers; Henry Walter, Mike Lévy, Lady Gaga, Michael Polansky & Andrew Watt, songwriters; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer

GNX

Kendrick Lamar

Jack Antonoff & Sounwave, producers; Jack Antonoff, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Jozef Caldwell, Oli Jacobs, Jack Manning, Dani Perez, Laura Sisk & Johnathan Turner, engineers/mixers; Jack Antonoff, Ink, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Kendrick Lamar, Matthew Bernard & Mark Anthony Spears, songwriters; Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineer

MUTT

Leon Thomas

Freaky Rob, Peter Lee Johnson, D. Phelps & Leon Thomas, producers; Jean-Marie Horvat, engineer/mixer; Lazaro Andres Camejo, Freaky Rob, Peter Lee Johnson, D. Phelps & Leon Thomas, songwriters; Dave Kutch, mastering engineer

CHROMAKOPIA

Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator, producer; NealHPogue, Tyler Okonma & Vic Wainstein, engineers/mixers; Tyler Okonma, songwriter; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer

Category 3

Song Of The Year

A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Abracadabra

Lady Gaga, Henry Walter & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga)

Anxiety

Jaylah Hickmon, songwriter (Doechii)

**APT. **

Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown, Rogét Chahayed, Omer Fedi, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Chae Young Park, Theron Thomas & Henry Walter, songwriters (ROSÉ, Bruno Mars)

DtMF

Marco Daniel Borrero, Scott Dittrich, Benjamin Falik, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Hugo René Sención Sanabria, Tyler Thomas Spry & Roberto José Rosado Torres, songwriters (Bad Bunny)

**Golden [From “KPop Demon Hunters”]**

EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters (HUNTR/X:EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)

luther

Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha, Matthew Bernard, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, Solána Rowe, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar With SZA)

Manchild

Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)

WILDFLOWER

Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

Category 4

Best New Artist

This category recognizes an artist whose eligibility-year release(s) achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and notably impacted the musical landscape.

Olivia Dean

KATSEYE

The Marias

Addison Rae

sombr

Leon Thomas

Alex Warren

Lola Young

Category 5

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical

A Producer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.)

Dan Auerbach

Elegantly Wasted (Hermanos Gutiérrez Featuring Leon Bridges) (S)

Harsh & Exciting (Moonrisers) (A)

Holy Ghost Party (Robert Finley) (S)

Love Is Cruel (Miles Kane) (S)

Medium Raw (Early James) (A)

A Million Knives (The Velveteers) (A)

No Rain, No Flowers (The Black Keys) (A)

Our Time In The Sun (Jeremie Albino) (A)

Cirkut

Abracadabra (Lady Gaga) (S)

AEOMG (Coco Jones) (T)

APT. (ROSÉ & Bruno Mars) (S)

Big Sleep (The Weeknd Featuring Giorgio Moroder) (T)

Disease (Lady Gaga) (S)

IT girl (JADE) (S)

A Little More (Ed Sheeran) (S)

Mayhem (Lady Gaga) (A)

Red Terror (The Weeknd) (T)

Dijon

Baby (Dijon) (A)

DAISIES (Justin Bieber) (T)

DEVOTION (Justin Bieber & Dijon) (T)

THINGS YOU DO (Justin Bieber) (T)

YUKON (Justin Bieber) (T)

Blake Mills

For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) (Japanese Breakfast) (A)

Forever Is A Feeling (Lucy Dacus) (A)

Glory (Perfume Genius) (A)

That Wasn’t A Dream (Pino Palladino And Blake Mills)(A)

Sounwave

GNX (Kendrick Lamar) (A)

Category 6

Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical

A Songwriter’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.)

Amy Allen

APT. (ROSÉ & Bruno Mars) (S)

Bad As The Rest (Jessie Murph) (S)

Hail Mary (Shaboozey, Sierra Ferrell) (T)

Handlebars (JENNIE Featuring Dua Lipa) (S)

Just Keep Watching (Tate McRae) (S)

Lost In Translation (Carín León & Kasey Musgraves) (S)

Manchild (Sabrina Carpenter) (S)

Tears (Sabrina Carpenter) (S)

WHY (Jon Bellion Featuring Luke Combs) (S)

Edgar Barrera

Birthday Behavior (BIA, Young Miko) (S)

Coleccionando Heridas (KAROL G, Marco Antonio Solís) (T)

Ese Vato No Te Queda (Carín León, Gabito Ballesteros) (S)

Me Jalo (Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera) (T)

Me Retiro (Santana, Grupo Frontera) (S)

Milagros (KAROL G) (S)

Sigueme Besando Asi (Manuel Turizo) (T)

Soltera (Shakira) (S)

Una Noche Contigo (Juanes) (S)

Jessie Jo Dillon

Bless Your Heart (Megan Moroney) (T)

Bottomland (HARDY) (S)

Dreams Don’t Die (Jelly Roll) (S)

First Rodeo (Kelsea Ballerini) (T)

Happen To Me (Russell Dickerson) (S)

Hello S—ty Day (Jake Worthington, Miranda Lambert)(S)

If You Were Mine (Morgan Wallen) (T)

Patterns (Kelsea Ballerini) (T)

To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak (Kelsea Ballerini) (T)

**Tobias Jesso Jr.**

Another Baby! (Dijon) (T)

Baby! (Dijon) (T)

Daisies (Justin Bieber) (T)

From (Bon Iver) (T)

Go Baby (Justin Bieber) (T)

Golden Burning Sun (Miley Cyrus) (T)

Man I Need (Olivia Dean) (S)

Relationships (HAIM) (S)

Walking Away (Justin Bieber) (T)

Laura Veltz

About You (BigXthaPlug Featuring Tucker Wetmore) (T)

Blue Strips (Jessie Murph) (S)

Grand Bouquet (Maren Morris) (T)

Leave Me Too (Josh Ross) (S)

Parallel Universe (Lauren Spencer Smith) (T)

Someone In This Room (Jessie Murph Featuring Bailey Zimmerman) (T)

Touch Me Like A Gangster (Jessie Murph) (S)

What Tomorrow’s For (Blessing Offor) (T)

You’ll Be OK, Kid – From The Original Documentary “Child Star” (Demi Lovato) (S)

Field 1: Pop & Dance/Electronic

Category 7

Best Pop Solo Performance

For new vocal or instrumental pop recordings. Singles or Tracks only.

DAISIES

Justin Bieber

Manchild

Sabrina Carpenter

Disease

Lady Gaga

The Subway

Chappell Roan

Messy

Lola Young

Category 8

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

For new vocal or instrumental duo/group or collaborative pop recordings. Singles or Tracks only.

Defying Gravity

Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande

**Golden [From “KPop Demon Hunters”]**

HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI

Gabriela

KATSEYE

**APT.**

ROSÉ, Bruno Mars

30 For 30

SZA Featuring Kendrick Lamar

Category 9

Best Pop Vocal Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new pop vocal recordings.

SWAG

Justin Bieber

Man’s Best Friend

Sabrina Carpenter

Something Beautiful

Miley Cyrus

MAYHEM

Lady Gaga

**I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)**

Teddy Swims

Category 10

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances. Vocal or Instrumental. Singles or tracks only.

No Cap

Disclosure & Anderson .Paak

Disclosure, producer; Guy Lawrence, mixer

Victory Lap

Fred again.., Skepta, & PlaqueBoyMax

Blake Cascoe, Berwyn Du Bois, Fred again.., Darcy Lewis, Dan Mayo & PlaqueBoyMax, producers; Tom Norris, mixer

SPACE INVADER

KAYTRANADA

KAYTRANADA, producer; KAYTRANADA, mixer

VOLTAGE

Skrillex

John Feldmann & Skrillex, producers; Luca Pretolesi, Skrillex & Virtual Riot, mixers

End Of Summer

Tame Impala

Kevin Parker, producer; Kevin Parker, mixer

Category 11

Best Dance Pop Recording

For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances. Vocal or Instrumental. Singles or tracks only.

Bluest Flame

Selena Gomez & benny blanco

benny blanco, Dylan Brady & Cashmere Cat, producers;benny blanco & Cashmere Cat, mixers

Abracadabra

Lady Gaga

Cirkut, Lady Gaga & Andrew Watt, producers; Serban Ghenea, mixer

Midnight Sun

Zara Larsson

Margo XS & MNEK, producers; Tom Norris, mixer

Just Keep Watching (From F1® The Movie)

Tate McRae

Tyler Spry & Ryan Tedder, producers; Manny Marroquin, mixer

Illegal

PinkPantheress

Aksel Arvid & PinkPantheress, producers; Nickie Jon Pabon

Category 12

Best Dance/Electronic Album

For vocal or instrumental albums. Albums only.

EUSEXUA

FKA twigs

Ten Days

Fred again..

Fancy That

PinkPantheress

Inhale / Exhale

RÜFÜS DU SOL

F— U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3

Skrillex

Category 13

Best Remixed Recording

A Remixer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses for identification.) Singles or Tracks only.

Abracadabra – Gesaffelstein Remix

Gesaffelstein, remixer (Lady Gaga, Gesaffelstein)

Don’t Forget About Us

FKAYTRANADA, remixer (Mariah Carey & KAYTRANADA)

A Dreams A Dream – Ron Trent Remix

Ron Trent, remixer (Soul II Soul)

Galvanize

Chris Lake, remixer (The Chemical Brothers & Chris Lake)

Golden – David Guetta REM/X

David Guetta, remixer (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)

Field 2: Rock, Metal & Alternative Music

Category 14

Best Rock Performance

For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative rock recordings.

U Should Not Be Doing That

Amyl and The Sniffers

The Emptiness Machine

Linkin Park

NEVER ENOUGH

Turnstile

Mirtazapine

Hayley Williams

Changes (Live From Villa Park) Back To The Beginning

YUNGBLUD Featuring Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello, Adam Wakeman, II

Category 15

Best Metal Performance

For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative metal recordings.

Night Terror

Dream Theater

Lachryma

Ghost

Emergence

Sleep Token

Soft Spine

Spiritbox

BIRDS

Turnstile

Category 16

Best Rock Song

A Songwriter(s) Award. Includes Rock, Hard Rock and Metal songs. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

As Alive As You Need Me To Be

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, songwriters (Nine Inch Nails)

Caramel

Vessel1 & Vessel2, songwriters (Sleep Token)

Glum

Daniel James & Hayley Williams, songwriters (Hayley Williams)

NEVER ENOUGH

Daniel Fang, Franz Lyons, Pat McCrory, Meg Mills & Brendan Yates, songwriters (Turnstile)

Zombie

Dominic Harrison & Matt Schwartz, songwriters (YUNGBLUD)

Category 17

Best Rock Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new rock, hard rock or metal recordings.

private music

Deftones

I quit

HAIM

From Zero

Linkin Park

NEVER ENOUGH

Turnstile

Idols

YUNGBLUD

Category 18

Best Alternative Music Performance

For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative Alternative music recordings.

Everything Is Peaceful Love

Bon Iver

Alone

The Cure

SEEIN’ STARS

Turnstile

mangetout

Wet Leg

Parachute

Hayley Williams

Category 19

Best Alternative Music Album

Vocal or Instrumental.

SABLE, fABLE

Bon Iver

Songs Of A Lost World

The Cure

DON’T TAP THE GLASS

Tyler, The Creator

moisturizer

Wet Leg

Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party

Hayley Williams

Field 3: R&B, Rap & Spoken Word Poetry

Category 20

Best R&B Performance

For new vocal or instrumental R&B recordings.

YUKON

Justin Bieber

It Depends

Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller

Folded

Kehlani

MUTT — Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk

Leon Thomas

Heart Of A Woman

Summer Walker

Category 21

Best Traditional R&B Performance

For new vocal or instrumental traditional R&B recordings.

Here We Are

Durand Bernarr

UPTOWN

Lalah Hathaway

LOVE YOU TOO

Ledisi

Crybaby

SZA

VIBES DON’T LIE

Leon Thomas

Category 22

Best R&B Song

A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Folded

Darius Dixson, Andre Harris, Donovan Knight, Don Mills, Kehlani Parrish, Khris Riddick-Tynes & Dawit Kamal Wilson, songwriters (Kehlani)

Heart Of A Woman

David Bishop & Summer Walker, songwriters (Summer Walker)

It Depends

Nico Baran, Chris Brown, Ant Clemons, Ephrem Lopez Jr., Ryan Press, Bryson Tiller, Elliott Trent & Dewain Whitmore Jr., songwriters (Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller)

Overqualified

James John Abrahart Jr & Durand Bernarr, songwriters (Durand Bernarr)

YES IT IS

Jariuce Banks, Lazaro Andres Camejo, Mike Hector, Peter Lee Johnson, Rodney Jones Jr., Ali Prawl & Leon Thomas, songwriters (Leon Thomas)

Category 23

Best Progressive R&B Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded progressive vocal tracks derivative of R&B.

BLOOM

Durand Bernarr

Adjust Brightness

Bilal

LOVE ON DIGITAL

Destin Conrad

Access All Areas

FLO

Come As You Are

Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon

Category 24

Best R&B Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new R&B recordings.

BELOVED

GIVĒON

**Why Not More?**

Coco Jones

The Crown

Ledisi

Escape Room

Teyana Taylor

MUTT

Leon Thomas

Category 25

Best Rap Performance

For a Rap performance. Singles or Tracks only.

Outside

Cardi B

Chains & Whips

Clipse, Pusha T & Malice Featuring Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams

Anxiety

Doechii

tv off

Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay

Darling, I

Tyler, The Creator Featuring Teezo Touchdown

Category 26

Best Melodic Rap Performance

For a solo or collaborative performance containing both elements of R&B melodies and Rap.

Proud Of Me

Fridayy Featuring Meek Mill

Wholeheartedly

JID Featuring Ty Dolla $ign & 6Lack

luther

Kendrick Lamar With SZA

WeMaj

Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon Featuring Rapsody

SOMEBODY LOVES ME

PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake

Category 27

Best Rap Song

A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Anxiety

Jaylah Hickmon, songwriter (Doechii)

The Birds Don’t Sing

Gene Elliott Thornton Jr., Terrence Thornton, Pharrell Williams & Stevie Wonder, songwriters (Clipse, Pusha T & Malice Featuring John Legend & Voices Of Fire)

Sticky

Aaron Bolton, Dwayne Carter, Jr., Dudley Alexander Duverne, Tyler Okonma, Janae Wherry, Gloria Woods & Rex Zamor, songwriters (Tyler, The Creator Featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne)

TGIF

Lucas Alegria, Dillon Brophy, Yakki Davis, Jess Jackson, Ronnie Jackson, Mario Mims, Jorge M. Taveras & Gloria Woods, songwriters (GloRilla)

tv off

Jack Antonoff, Larry Jayy, Kendrick Lamar, Dijon McFarlane, Sean Momberger, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay)

Category 28

Best Rap Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new rap recordings.

Let God Sort Em Out

Clipse, Pusha T & Malice

GLORIOUS

GloRilla

God Does Like Ugly

JID

GNX

Kendrick Lamar

CHROMAKOPIA

Tyler, The Creator

Category 29

Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

For albums containing greater than 50% playing time of new spoken word poetry recordings.

A Hurricane in Heels: healed people don’t act like that — partially recorded live @City Winery & other places

Queen Sheba

Black Shaman

Marc Marcel

Pages

Omari Hardwick & Anthony Hamilton

Saul Williams Meets Carlos Niño & Friends At Treepeople

Saul Williams, Carlos Niño & Friends

Words For Days Vol. 1

Mad Skillz

Field 4: Jazz, Traditional Pop, Contemporary Instrumental & Musical Theater

Category 30

Best Jazz Performance

For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative jazz recordings.

Noble Rise

Lakecia Benjamin Featuring Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield

Windows – Live

Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade

Peace Of Mind / Dreams Come True

Samara Joy

Four

Michael Mayo

All Stars Lead To You – Live

Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach, Tom Scott, Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold & Rachel Eckroth

Category 31

Best Jazz Vocal Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal jazz recordings.

Elemental

Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap

**We Insist 2025!**

Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell

Portrait

Samara Joy

Fly

Michael Mayo

Live at Vic’s Las Vegas

Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach, Tom Scott, Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold & Rachel Eckroth

Category 32

Best Jazz Instrumental Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new instrumental jazz recordings.

Trilogy 3 — Live

Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade

Southern Nights

Sullivan Fortner Featuring Peter Washington & Marcus Gilmore

Belonging

Branford Marsalis Quartet

Spirit Fall

John Patitucci Featuring Chris Potter & Brian Blade

Fasten Up

Yellowjackets

Category 33

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new large ensemble jazz recordings.

Orchestrator Emulator

The 8-Bit Big Band

Without Further Ado, Vol 1

Christian McBride Big Band

Lumen

Danilo Pérez & Bohuslän Big Band

Basie Rocks

Deborah Silver & The Count Basie Orchestra

Lights on a Satellite

Sun Ra Arkestra

Some Days Are Better: The Lost Scores

Kenny Wheeler Legacy Featuring The Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra & Frost Jazz Orchestra

Category 34

Best Latin Jazz Album

For vocal or instrumental albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded material. The intent of this category is to recognize recordings that represent the blending of jazz with Latin, Iberian-American, Brazilian, and Argentinian tango music.

La Fleur de Cayenne

Paquito D’Rivera & Madrid-New York Connection Band

The Original Influencers: Dizzy, Chano & Chico Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

Featuring Pedrito Martinez, Daymé Arocena, Jon Faddis, Donald Harrison & Melvis Santa

Mundoagua – Celebrating Carla Bley

Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

A Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole

Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta & Joey Calveiro

Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at The Village Vanguard

Miguel Zenón Quartet

Category 35

Best Alternative Jazz Album

For vocal or instrumental albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new Alternative jazz recordings.

honey from a winter stone

Ambrose Akinmusire

Keys To The City Volume One

Robert Glasper

Ride into the Sun

Brad Mehldau

LIVE-ACTION

Nate Smith

Blues Blood

Immanuel Wilkins

Category 36

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new traditional pop recordings.

Wintersongs

Laila Biali

The Gift Of Love

Jennifer Hudson

**Who Believes In Angels?**

Elton John & Brandi Carlile

Harlequin

Lady Gaga

A Matter Of Time

Laufey

The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2

Barbra Streisand

Category 37

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new contemporary instrumental recordings.

Brightside

ARKAI

Ones & Twos

Gerald Clayton

BEATrio

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez

Just Us

Bob James & Dave Koz

Shayan

Charu Suri

Category 38

Best Musical Theater Album

For albums containing greater than 51% playing time of new recordings. Award to the principal vocalist(s), and the album producer(s) of 50% or more playing time of the album. The lyricist(s) and composer(s) of 50 % or more of a score of a new recording are eligible for an Award if any previous recording of said score has not been nominated in this category.

Buena Vista Social Club

Marco Paguia, Dean Sharenow & David Yazbek, producers (Original Broadway Cast)

Death Becomes Her

Taurean Everett, Megan Hilty, Josh Lamon, Christopher Sieber, Jennifer Simard & Michelle Williams, principal vocalists; Noel Carey, Sean Patrick Flahaven, Julia Mattison & Scott M. Riesett, producers; Noel Carey & Julia Mattison, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)

Gypsy

Danny Burstein, Kevin Csolak, Audra McDonald, Jordan Tyson & Joy Woods, principal vocalists; David Caddick, Andy Einhorn, David Lai & George C. Wolfe, producers (Jule Styne, composer; Stephen Sondheim, lyricist) (2024 Broadway Cast)

Just In Time

Emily Bergl, Jonathan Groff, Erika Henningsen, Gracie Lawrence & Michele Pawk, principal vocalists; Derik Lee, Andrew Resnick & Bill Sherman, producers (Bobby Darin, composer & lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast)

Maybe Happy Ending

Marcus Choi, Darren Criss, Dez Duron & Helen J Shen, principal vocalists; Deborah Abramson, Will Aronson, Ian Kagey & Hue Park, producers; Hue Park, lyricist; Will Aronson, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)

Field 5: Country & American Roots Music

Category 39

Best Country Solo Performance

For new vocal or instrumental solo country recordings.

Nose On The Grindstone

Tyler Childers

Good News

Shaboozey

Bad As I Used To Be [From “F1® The Movie”] Chris Stapleton

I Never Lie

Zach Top

Somewhere Over Laredo

Lainey Wilson

Category 40

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

For new vocal or instrumental duo/group or collaborative country recordings.

A Song To Sing

Miranda Lambert And Chris Stapleton

Trailblazer

Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson

Love Me Like You Used To Do

Margo Price & Tyler Childers

Amen

Shaboozey & Jelly Roll

Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame

George Strait, Chris Stapleton

Category 41

Best Country Song

A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Bitin’ List

Tyler Childers, songwriter (Tyler Childers)

Good News

Michael Ross Pollack, Sam Elliot Roman & Jacob Torrey, songwriters (Shaboozey)

I Never Lie

Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols & Zach Top, songwriters (Zach Top)

Somewhere Over Laredo

Andy Albert, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson & Lainey Wilson, songwriters (Lainey Wilson)

A Song To Sing

Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Miranda Lambert And Chris Stapleton)

Category 42

Best Traditional Country Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new traditional country recordings.

Dollar A Day

Charley Crockett

American Romance

Lukas Nelson

Oh What A Beautiful World

Willie Nelson

Hard Headed Woman

Margo Price

Ain’t In It For My Health

Zach Top

Category 43

Best Contemporary Country Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new contemporary country recordings.

Patterns

Kelsea Ballerini

Snipe Hunter

Tyler Childers

Evangeline Vs. The Machine

Eric Church

Beautifully Broken

Jelly Roll

Postcards From Texas

Miranda Lambert

Category 44

Best American Roots Performance

For new vocal or instrumental American Roots recordings. This is for performances in the style of any of the subgenres encompassed in the American Roots Music field including bluegrass, blues, folk or regional roots. Award to the artist(s).

LONELY AVENUE

Jon Batiste Featuring Randy Newman

Ancient Light

I’m With Her

Crimson And Clay

Jason Isbell

Richmond On The James

Alison Krauss & Union Station

Beautiful Strangers

Mavis Staples

Category 45

Best Americana Performance

For new vocal or instrumental Americana performance. Award to the artist(s).

Boom

Sierra Hull

Poison In My Well

Maggie Rose & Grace Potter

Godspeed

Mavis Staples

That’s Gonna Leave A Mark

Molly Tuttle

Horses

Jesse Welles

Category 46

Best American Roots Song

A Songwriter(s) Award. Includes Americana, bluegrass, traditional blues, contemporary blues, folk or regional roots songs. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Ancient Light

Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins, songwriters (I’m With Her)

BIG MONEY

Jon Batiste, Mike Elizondo & Steve McEwan, songwriters (Jon Batiste)

Foxes In The Snow

Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell)

Middle

Jesse Welles, songwriter (Jesse Welles)

Spitfire

Sierra Hull, songwriter (Sierra Hull)

Category 47

Best Americana Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental Americana recordings.

BIG MONEY

Jon Batiste

Bloom

Larkin Poe

Last Leaf On The Tree

Willie Nelson

So Long Little Miss Sunshine

Molly Tuttle

Middle

Jesse Welles

Category 48

Best Bluegrass Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental bluegrass recordings.

Carter & Cleveland

Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter

A Tip Toe High Wire

Sierra Hull

Arcadia

Alison Krauss & Union Station

Outrun

The Steeldrivers

Highway Prayers

Billy Strings

Category 49

Best Traditional Blues Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental traditional blues recordings.

Ain’t Done With The Blues

Buddy Guy

Room On The Porch

Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’

One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey

Maria Muldaur

Look Out Highway

Charlie Musselwhite

Young Fashioned Ways

Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush

Category 50

Best Contemporary Blues Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental contemporary blues recordings.

Breakthrough

Joe Bonamassa

Paper Doll

Samantha Fish

A Tribute To LJK

Eric Gales

Preacher Kids

Robert Randolph

Family

Southern Avenue

Category 51

Best Folk Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental folk recordings.

What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow

Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson

Crown Of Roses

Patty Griffin

Wild And Clear And Blue

I’m With Her

Foxes In The Snow

Jason Isbell

Under The Powerlines April 24 – September 24

Jesse Welles

Category 52

Best Regional Roots Music Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental regional roots music recordings.

Live At Vaughan’s

Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet

For Fat Man

Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Church Of New Orleans

Kyle Roussel

Second Line Sunday

Trombone Shorty And New Breed Brass Band

A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco

(Various Artists)

Field 6: Gospel & Contemporary Christian Music

Category 53

Best Gospel Performance/Song

This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best traditional Christian, roots gospel or contemporary gospel single or track.

Do It Again

Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

Church

Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters

Still Live

Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing III, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters

Amen

Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters

Come Jesus Come

Cece Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Category 54

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best contemporary Christian music single or track, (including pop, rap/hip-hop, Latin, or rock.)

I Know A Name

Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters

YOUR WAY’S BETTER

Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & Pera, songwriters

Hard Fought Hallelujah

Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Jason Bradley Deford, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings & Brandon Lake, songwriters

Headphones

Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Bongo ByTheWay, Clifford Harris, William Roderick Miller, Lecrae Moore, Michael Render & Tyshane Thompson, songwriters

Amazing

Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls,songwriters

Category 55

Best Gospel Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional or contemporary/R&B gospel music recordings.

Sunny Days

Yolanda Adams

Tasha

Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Live Breathe Fight

Tamela Mann

Only On The Road Live

Tye Tribbett

Heart Of Mine

Darrel Walls, PJ Morton

Category 56

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, contemporary Christian music, including pop, rap/hip hop, Latin, or rock recordings.

CHILD OF GOD II

Forrest Frank

Coritos Vol. 1

Israel & New Breed

King Of Hearts

Brandon Lake

Reconstruction

Lecrae

Let The Church Sing

Tauren Wells

Category 57

Best Roots Gospel Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional/roots gospel music, including country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and Americana recordings.

I Will Not Be Moved — Live

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Then Came The Morning

Gaither Vocal Band

Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah

The Isaacs

Good Answers

Karen Peck & New River

Back To My Roots

Candi Staton

Field 7: Latin, Global, Reggae & New Age, Ambient, or Chant

Category 58

Best Latin Pop Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new Latin pop recordings.

Cosa Nuestra

Rauw Alejandro

BOGOTÁ DELUXE

Andrés Cepeda

Tropicoqueta

KAROL G

Cancionera

Natalia Lafourcade

**¿Y ahora qué?**

Alejandro Sanz

Category 59

Best Música Urbana Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new Música Urbana recordings.

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

Bad Bunny

Mixteip

J Balvin

FERXXO VOL X: Sagrado

Feid

NAIKI

Nicki Nicole

EUB DELUXE

Trueno

SINFÓNICO — En Vivo

Yandel

Category 60

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new Latin rock or alternative recordings.

Genes Rebeldes

Aterciopelados

ASTROPICAL

Bomba Estéreo, Rawayana, ASTROPICAL

PAPOTA

CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso

ALGORHYTHM

Los Wizzards

Novela

Fito Paez

Category 61

Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new regional Mexican (banda, norteño, corridos, gruperos, mariachi, ranchera and Tejano) recordings.

MALA MÍA

Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera

Y Lo Que Viene

Grupo Frontera

Sin Rodeos

Paola Jara

**Palabra De To’s [Seca]**

Carín León

**Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya Y Una Mía – Por La Puerta Grande [En Vivo]**

Bobby Pulido

Category 62

Best Tropical Latin Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new tropical Latin recordings.

Fotografías

Rubén Blades, Roberto Delgado & Orquesta

Raíces

Gloria Estefan

Clásicos 1.0

Grupo Niche

Bingo

Alain Pérez

Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2

Gilberto Santa Rosa

Category 63

Best Global Music Performance

For new vocal or instrumental Global music recordings.

EoO

Bad Bunny

Cantando en el Camino

Ciro Hurtado

JERUSALEMA

Angélique Kidjo

**Inmigrante Y Que?**

Yeisy Rojas

**Shrini’s Dream [Live]**

Shakti

Daybreak

Anoushka Shankar Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar

Category 64

Best African Music Performance

Love

Burna Boy

With You

Davido Featuring Omah Lay

Hope & Love

Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin

Gimme Dat

Ayra Starr Featuring Wizkid

PUSH 2 START

Tyla

Category 65

Best Global Music Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental Global Music recordings.

Sounds Of Kumbha

Siddhant Bhatia

No Sign of Weakness

Burna Boy

Eclairer le monde – Light the World

Youssou N’Dour

**Mind Explosion [50th Anniversary Tour Live]**

Shakti

Chapter III: We Return To Light

Anoushka Shankar Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar

Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo

Caetano Veloso And Maria Bethânia

Category 66

Best Reggae Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new reggae recordings.

Treasure Self Love

Lila Iké

Heart & Soul

Vybz Kartel

BLXXD & FYAH

Keznamdi

From Within

Mortimer

No Place Like Home

Jesse Royal

Category 67

Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental new age recordings.

Kuruvinda

Kirsten Agresta-Copely

According To The Moon

Cheryl B. Engelhardt, GEM, Dallas String Quartet

Into The Forest

Jahnavi Harrison

NOMADICA

Carla Patullo Featuring The Scorchio Quartet & Tonality

The Colors In My Mind

Chris Redding

Field 8: Children’s, Comedy, Audio Books, Visual Media & Music Video/Film

Category 68

Best Children’s Music Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new musical or spoken word recordings that are created and intended specifically for children.

Ageless: 100 Years Young

Joanie Leeds & Joya

Buddy’s Magic Tree House

Mega Ran

Harmony

FYÜTCH & Aura V

Herstory

Flor Bromley

The Music Of Tori And The Muses

Tori Amos

Category 69

Best Comedy Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new recordings.

Drop Dead Years

Bill Burr

PostMortem

Sarah Silverman

Single Lady

Ali Wong

What Had Happened Was…

Jamie Foxx

Your Friend, Nate Bargatze

Nate Bargatze

Category 70

Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording

Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story

Kathy Garver

Into The Uncut Grass

Trevor Noah

Lovely One: A Memoir

Ketanji Brown Jackson

Meditations: The Reflections Of His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama

You Know It’s True: The Real Story Of Milli Vanilli

Fab Morvan

Category 71

Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media

Award to the principal artist(s) and/or ‘in studio’ producer(s) of a majority of the tracks on the album. In the absence of both, award to the one or two individuals proactively responsible for the concept and musical direction of the album and for the selection of artists, songs and producers, as applicable. Award also goes to appropriately credited music supervisor(s).

A Complete Unknown

Timothée Chalamet

F1® The Album

(Various Artists)

KPop Demon Hunters

(Various Artists)

Sinners

(Various Artists)

Wicked

(Various Artists)

Category 72

Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film And Television)

Award to Composer(s) for an original score created specifically for, or as a companion to, a current legitimate motion picture, television show or series, or other visual media.

How To Train Your Dragon

John Powell, composer

Severance: Season 2

Theodore Shapiro, composer

Sinners

Ludwig Göransson, composer

Wicked

John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, composers

The Wild Robot

Kris Bowers, composer

Category 73

Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media

Award to Composer(s) for an original score created specifically for, or as a companion to, video games and other interactive media.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Secrets of the Spires

Pinar Toprak, composer

Helldivers 2

Wilbert Roget, II, composer

Indiana Jones And The Great Circle

Gordy Haab, composer

Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card & A Pirate’s Fortune

Cody Matthew Johnson & Wilbert Roget, II, composers

Sword of the Sea

Austin Wintory, composer

Category 74

Best Song Written For Visual Media

A Songwriter(s) award. For a song (melody & lyrics) written specifically for a motion picture, television, video games or other visual media, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

**As Alive As You Need Me To Be — From “TRON: Ares”**

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, songwriters (Nine Inch Nails)

**Golden — From “KPop Demon Hunters”**

EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)

**I Lied to You — From “Sinners”**

Ludwig Göransson & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Miles Caton)

**Never Too Late — From “Elton John: Never Too Late”**

Brandi Carlile, Elton John, Bernie Taupin & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Elton John, Brandi Carlile)

**Pale, Pale Moon — From “Sinners”**

Ludwig Göransson & Brittany Howard, songwriters (Jayme Lawson)

**Sinners — From “Sinners”**

Leonard Denisenko, Rodarius Green, Travis Harrington, Tarkan Kozluklu, Kyris Mingo & Darius Povilinus, songwriters (Rod Wave)

Category 75

Best Music Video

Award to the artist, video director, and video producer.

Manchild

Sabrina Carpenter

Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia, video directors; Aiden Magarian, Nathan Scherrer & Natan Schottenfels, video producers

So Be It

Clipse

Hannan Hussain, video director; Daniel Order, video producer

Anxiety

Doechii

James Mackel, video director; Pablo Feldman, Jolene Mendes & Sophia Sabella, video producers

Love

OK Go

Aaron Duffy, Miguel Espada & Damian Kulash Jr., video directors; Petra Ahmann, video producer

Young Lion

Sade

Sophie Muller, video director; Aaron Taylor Dean & Sade, video producers

Category 76

Best Music Film

For concert/performance films or music documentaries. Award to the artist, video director, and video producer.

Devo

Devo

Chris Smith, video director; Danny Gabai, Anita Greenspan, Chris Holmes & Chris Smith, video producers

Live At The Royal Albert Hall

Raye

Paul Dugdale, video director; Stefan Demetriou & Amy James, video producers

Relentless

Diane Warren

Bess Kargman, video director; Peggy Drexler, Michele Farinola & Kat Nguyen, video producers

Music By John Williams

John Williams

Laurent Bouzereau, video director; Sara Bernstein, Laurent Bouzereau, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Meredith Kaulfers, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Steven Spielberg & Justin Wilkes, video producers

Piece By Piece

Pharrell Williams

Morgan Neville, video director; Morgan Neville, Caitrin Rogers, Mimi Valdes & Pharrell Williams, video producers

Field 9: Package, Notes & Historical

Category 77

Best Recording Package

And The Adjacent Possible

Hà Trinh Quoc Bao, Damian Kulash, Jr., Claudio Ripol, Wombi Rose & Yuri Suzuki, art directors (OK Go)

Balloonerism

Bráulio Amado & Alim Smith, art directors (Mac Miller)

Danse Macabre: De Luxe

Rory McCartney, art director (Duran Duran)

Loud Is As

Farbod Kokabi & Emily Sneddon, art directors (Tsunami)

Sequoia

Tim Breen & Ken Shipley, art directors (Various Artists)

The Spins — Picture Disc Vinyl

Miller McCormick, art director (Mac Miller)

Tracks II: The Lost Albums

Meghan Foley & Michelle Holme, art directors (Bruce Springsteen)

Category 78

Best Album Cover

CHROMAKOPIA

Shaun Llewellyn & Luis “Panch” Perez, art directors (Tyler, The Creator)

The Crux

William Wesley II, art director (Djo)

Debí Tirar Más Fotos

Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, art director (Bad Bunny)

Glory

Cody Critcheloe & Andrew J.S., art directors (Perfume Genius)

moisturizer

Hester Chambers, Ellis Durand, Henry Holmes, Matt de Jong, Jamie-James Medina, Joshua Mobaraki & Rhian Teasdale, art directors (Wet Leg)

Category 79

Best Album Notes

Adios, Farewell, Goodbye, Good Luck, So Long: On Stage 1964-1974

Scott B. Bomar, album notes writer (Buck Owens And His Buckaroos)

After The Last Sky

Adam Shatz, album notes writer (Anouar Brahem, Anja Lechner, Django Bates, Dave Holland)

Árabe

Amanda Ekery, album notes writer (Amanda Ekery)

The First Family: Live At Winchester Cathedral 1967

Alec Palao, album notes writer (Sly & The Family Stone)

A Ghost Is Born — 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Bob Mehr, album notes writer (Wilco)

Miles ’55: The Prestige Recordings

Ashley Kahn, album notes writer (Miles Davis)

Category 80

Best Historical Album

Joni Mitchell Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years — 1976-1980

Patrick Milligan & Joni Mitchell, compilation producers; Bernie Grundman, mastering engineer (Joni Mitchell)

The Making Of Five Leaves Left

Cally Callomon & Johnny Chandler, compilation producers; Simon Heyworth & John Wood, mastering engineers (Nick Drake)

Roots Rocking Zimbabwe – The Modern Sound Of Harare’ Townships 1975-1980 — Analog Africa No.41

Samy Ben Redjeb, compilation producer; Michael Graves, mastering engineer (Various Artists)

Super Disco Pirata – De Tepito Para El Mundo 1965-1980 — Analog Africa No. 39

Samy Ben Redjeb, compilation producer; Michael Graves, mastering engineer (Various Artists)

You Can’t Hip A Square: The Doc Pomus Songwriting Demos

Will Bratton, Sharyn Felder & Cheryl Pawelski, compilation producers; Michael Graves, mastering engineer (Doc Pomus)

Field 10: Production, Engineering, Composition & Arrangement

Category 81

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

An Engineer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.)

All Things Light

Jesse Brock, Jon Castelli, Tyler Johnson, Nick Lobel, Simon Maartensson, Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, Anders Mouridsen, Ryan Nasci, Ernesto Olivera-Lapier, Ethan Schneiderman & Owen Stoutt, engineers; Dale Becker, mastering engineer (Cam)

Arcadia

Neal Cappellino & Gary Paczosa, engineers; Brad Blackwood, mastering engineer (Alison Krauss & Union Station)

For Melancholy Brunettes & sad women

Joseph Lorge, Blake Mills & Sebastian Reunert, engineers; Patricia Sullivan, mastering engineer (Japanese Breakfast)

That Wasn’t A Dream

Joseph Lorge & Blake Mills, engineers; Patricia Sullivan, mastering engineer (Pino Palladino, Blake Mills)

Category 82

Best Engineered Album, Classical

An Engineer’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)

Cerrone: Don’t Look Down

Mike Tierney, engineer; Alan Silverman, mastering engineer (Sandbox Percussion)

Eastman: Symphony No. 2; Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2

Gintas Norvila, engineer; Jennifer Nulsen, mastering engineer (Franz Welser-Möst & The Cleveland Orchestra)

Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth Of The Mtsensk District

Shawn Murphy & Nick Squire, engineers; Tim Martyn, mastering engineer (Andris Nelsons, Kristine Opolais, Günther Groissböck, Peter Hoare, Brenden Gunnell & Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Standard Stoppages

Sean Connors, Robert Dillon, Peter Martin, Bill Maylone, Judith Sherman & David Skidmore, engineers; Joe Lambert, mastering engineer (Third Coast Percussion)

Yule

Morten Lindberg, engineer; Morten Lindberg, mastering engineer (Trio Mediæval)

Category 83

Producer Of The Year, Classical

A Producer’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)

Blanton Alspaugh

All Is Miracle – The Choral Music Of Kyle Pederson (Timothy J. Campbell & Transept) (A)

Heggie: Intelligence (Kwame Ryan, Janai Brugger, Jamie Barton, J’Nai Bridges & Houston Grand Opera) (A)

Marsalis: Blues Symphony (Jader Bignamini & Detroit Symphony Orchestra) (A)

Massenet: Werther (Robert Spano, Matthew Polenzani, sabel Leonard & Houston Grand Opera) (A)

The Mirage Calls (Charles Bruffy & Kansas City Chorale) (A)

Sheehan: Ukrainian War Requiem (Michael Zaugg, Axios Men’s Ensemble & Pro Coro Canada) (A)

Sun, Moon, Stars, Rain (Christopher Gabbitas & Phoenix Chorale) (A)

Sergei Kvitko

Biedenbender: Enigma; River Of Time (Kevin L. Sedatole & Michigan State University Wind Symphony) (A)

Chiaroscuro (Vedrana Subotic) (A)

Dancing In A Still Life (Tasha Warren) (A)

Excursions (Vuorovesi Trio) (A)

Four Hands. Two Hearts. One Hope. Ukrainian And American Music For Piano Duo (Mykhailo Diordiiev & Anastasiia Larchikova) (A)

Here And Now – Trumpet Music By Virginia Composers (Jason Crafton, Richard Masters, Annie Stevens & Paul Langosch) (A)

Lansky: Touch And Go (Gwendolyn Dease) (A)

Orbiting Garden (William Hobbs) (A)

Would That Loving Were Enough (Haven Trio) (A)

Morten Lindberg

Fred Over Jorden (Peace To The World) (Elisabeth Holte, Kjetil Bjerkestrand & Uranienborg Vokalensemble) (A)

Stjernebru (Anne Karin Sundal-Ask & Det Norske Jentekor) (A)

Yule (Trio Mediæval) (A)

Dmitriy Lipay

Heggie: Before It All Goes Dark (Joseph Mechavich, Megan Marino, Ryan McKinny & Music Of Remembrance Ensemble) (A)

Odyssey (Jorge Glem, Gustavo Dudamel & Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Of Venezuela) (A)

Ortiz: Yanga (Gustavo Dudamel, Alisa Weilerstein & Los Angeles Philharmonic) (A)

Elaine Martone

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique (Franz Welser-Möst & The Cleveland Orchestra) (A)

Chopin & Rachmaninoff: Cello Sonatas (Brian Thornton & Spencer Myer) (A)

Dear Mrs. Kennedy (Ryan Townsend Strand) (A)

Eastman: Symphony No. 2; Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 (Franz Welser-Möst & The Cleveland Orchestra) (A)

LeFrak: Romántico (Sharon Isbin, Lopez-Yañez & Orchestra Of St. Luke’s) (A)

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 27 & Symphony No. 29 (Garrick Ohlsson, Franz Welser-Möst & The Cleveland Orchestrea) (A)

The Poet & The Prodigy (Debra Nagy & Mark Edwards) (A)

Shapes In Collective Space (Tallā Rouge) (A)

Songs Of Orpheus (Kelley O’Connor) (A)

Category 84

Best Immersive Audio Album

For vocal or instrumental albums in any genre. Must be commercially released for physical sale or on an eligible streaming or download service and must provide a new immersive mix of four or more channels. Award to the immersive mix engineer, immersive producer (if any) and immersive mastering engineer (if any).

All American F—boy

Andrew Law, immersive mix engineer (Duckwrth)

Immersed

Justin Gray, immersive mix engineer; Michael Romanowski, immersive mastering engineer; Justin Gray, Drew Jurecka & Morten Lindberg, immersive producers (Justin Gray)

An Immersive Tribute To Astor Piazzolla — Live

Andrés Mayo & Martín Muscatello, immersive mix engineers; Andrés Mayo & Martín Muscatello, immersive producers (Various Artists)

Tearjerkers

Hans-Martin Buff, immersive mix engineer; Hans-Martin Buff, immersive producer (Tearjerkers)

Yule

Morten Lindberg, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive mastering engineer; Arve Henriksen & Morten Lindberg, immersive producers (Trio Mediæval)

Category 85

Best Instrumental Composition

A Composer’s Award for an original composition (not an adaptation) first released during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only

First Snow

Remy Le Boeuf, composer (Nordkraft Big Band, Remy Le Boeuf & Danielle Wertz)

Live Life This Day: Movement I

Miho Hazama, composer (Miho Hazama, Danish Radio Big Band & Danish National Symphony Orchestra)

Lord, That’s A Long Way

Sierra Hull, composer (Sierra Hull)

Opening

Zain Effendi, composer (Zain Effendi)

Train To Emerald City

John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, composers (John Powell & Stephen Schwartz)

Why You Here / Before The Sun Went Down

Ludwig Göransson, composer (Ludwig Göransson Featuring Miles Caton)

Category 86

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella

An Arranger’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Be Okay

Cynthia Erivo, arranger (Cynthia Erivo)

A Child Is Born

Remy Le Boeuf, arranger (Nordkraft Big Band & Remy Le Boeuf)

Fight On

Andy Clausen, Addison Maye-Saxon, Riley Mulherkar & Chloe Rowlands, arrangers (The Westerlies)

Super Mario Praise Break

Bryan Carter, Charlie Rosen & Matthew Whitaker, arrangers (The 8-Bit Big Band)

Category 87

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals

An Arranger’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Big Fish

Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick, Nate Smith & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (Nate Smith Featuring säje)

**How Did She Look?**

Nelson Riddle, arranger (Seth MacFarlane)

Keep An Eye On Summer

Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier)

Something In The Water — Acoustic-Ish

Clyde Lawrence, Gracie Lawrence & Linus Lawrence, arrangers (Lawrence)

What A Wonderful World

Cody Fry, arranger (Cody Fry)

Field 11: Classical

Category 88

Best Orchestral Performance

Award to the Conductor and to the Orchestra.

**Coleridge-Taylor: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Ballade Op. 4, Suites From ’24 Negro Melodies’**

Michael Repper, conductor (National Philharmonic)

Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie

Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Ravel: Boléro, M. 81

Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Of Venezuela)

Still & Bonds

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor (The Philadelphia Orchestra)

Stravinsky: Symphony In Three Movements

Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor (San Francisco Symphony)

Category 89

Best Opera Recording

Award to the Conductor, Album Producer(s) and Principal Soloists, and to the Composer and Librettist (if applicable) of a world premiere Opera recording only.

Heggie: Intelligence

Kwamé Ryan, conductor; Jamie Barton, J’Nai Bridges & Janai Brugger; Blanton Alspaugh, producer (Houston Grand Opera; Gene Scheer)

Huang Ruo: An American Soldier

Carolyn Kuan, conductor; Hannah Cho, Alex DeSocio, Nina Yoshida Nelsen & Brian Vu; Adam Abeshouse, Silas Brown & Doron Schachter, producers (American Composers Orchestra; David Henry Hwang)

Kouyoumdjian: Adoration

Alan Pierson, conductor; Miriam Khalil, Marc Kudisch, David Adam Moore, Omar Najmi, Naomi Louisa O’Connell & Karim Sulayman; Mary Kouyoumdjian, producer (Silvana Quartet; The Choir Of Trinity Wall Street)

O’Halloran: Trade & Mary Motorhead

Elaine Kelly, conductor; Oisín Ó Dálaigh & John Molloy; Alex Dowling & Emma O’Halloran, producers (Irish National Opera Orchestra; Mark O’Halloran)

Tesori: Grounded

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Ben Bliss, Emily D’Angelo, Greer Grimsley & Kyle Miller; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus; George Brant)

Category 90

Best Choral Performance

Award to the Conductor, and to the Choral Director and/or Chorus Master where applicable and to the Choral Organization/Ensemble.

Advena – Liturgies For A Broken World

Craig Hella Johnson, conductor (Simon Barrad, Emily Yocum Black & Michael Hawes; Conspirare)

Childs: In The Arms Of The Beloved

Grant Gershon, conductor (Billy Childs, Dan Chmielinski, Christian Euman, Larry Koonse, Lyris Quartet, Anne Akiko Meyers, Carol Robbins & Luciana Souza; Los Angeles Master Chorale)

Lang: Poor Hymnal

Donald Nally, conductor (Steven Bradshaw, Michael Hawes, Lauren Kelly, Rebecca Siler & Elisa Sutherland; The Crossing)

Ortiz: Yanga

Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Grant Gershon, chorus master (Los Angeles Philharmonic; Los Angeles Master Chorale)

Requiem Of Light

Steven Fox, conductor; Emily Drennan & Patti Drennan, chorus masters (Brian Giebler & Sangeeta Kaur; The Clarion Choir)

Category 91

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance

For new recordings of works with chamber or small ensemble (twenty-four or fewer members, not including the conductor). One Award to the ensemble and one Award to the conductor, if applicable.

Dennehy: Land Of Winter

Alan Pierson & Alarm Will Sound

La Mer – French Piano Trios

Neave Trio

Lullabies For The Brokenhearted

Lili Haydn & Paul Cantelon

Slavic Sessions

Yuja Wang; Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Standard Stoppages

Third Coast Percussion

Category 92

Best Classical Instrumental Solo

Award to the Instrumental Soloist(s) and to the Conductor when applicable.

**Coleridge-Taylor: 3 Selections From ’24 Negro Melodies’**

Curtis Stewart; Michael Repper, conductor (National Philharmonic)

Hope Orchestrated

Mary Dawood Catlin; Jesús David Medina & Raniero Palm, conductors (Venezuela Strings Recording Ensemble)

Inheritances

Adam Tendler

Price: Piano Concerto In One Movement In D Minor

Han Chen; John Jeter, conductor (Malmö Opera Orchestra)

Shostakovich: The Cello Concertos

Yo-Yo Ma; Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos; Solo Works

Yuja Wang; Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Category 93

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album

Award to: Vocalist(s), Collaborative Artist(s) (Ex: pianists, conductors, chamber groups) Producer(s), Recording Engineers/Mixers with greater than 50% playing time of new material.

Alike – My Mother’s Dream

Allison Charney, soloist; Benjamin Loeb, conductor (National Symphonia Orchestra)

Black Pierrot

Sidney Outlaw, soloist; Warren Jones, pianist

In This Short Life

Devony Smith, soloist; Danny Zelibor, pianist; Michael Nicolas, artist

Kurtág: Kafka Fragments

Susan Narucki, soloist; Curtis Macomber, artist

Schubert Beatles

Theo Hoffman, soloist; Steven Blier, pianist (Rupert Boyd, Julia Bullock, Alex Levine, Andrew Owens, Rubén Rengel & Sam Weber)

Telemann: Ino – Opera Arias For Soprano

Amanda Forsythe, soloist; Robert Mealy, Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs, conductors (Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra)

Category 94

Best Classical Compendium

Award to the Artist(s) and to the Album Producer(s) and Engineer(s) of over 50% playing time of the album, and to the Composer and Librettist (if applicable) with over 50% playing time of a world premiere recording only.

Cerrone: Don’t Look Down

Sandbox Percussion; Jonathan Allen, Victor Caccese, Christopher Cerrone, Ian Rosenbaum, Terry Sweeney & Mike Tierney, producers

The Dunbar/Moore Sessions, Vol. II

Will Liverman; Jonathan Estabrooks, producer

Ortiz: Yanga

Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, producer

Seven Seasons

Janai Brugger, Isolde Fair, MB Gordy & Starr Parodi; Nicholas Dodd, conductor; Jeff Fair, Starr Parodi & Kitt Wakeley, producers

Tombeaux

Christina Sandsengen; Shaun Drew & Christina Sandsengen, producers

Category 95

Best Contemporary Classical Composition

A Composer’s Award. (For a contemporary classical composition composed within the last 25 years, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year.) Award to the librettist, if applicable.

Cerrone: Don’t Look Down

Christopher Cerrone, composer (Conor Hanick & Sandbox Percussion)

Dennehy: Land Of Winter

Donnacha Dennehy, composer (Alan Pierson & Alarm Will Sound)

León: Raíces — Origins

Tania León, composer (Edward Gardner & London Philharmonic Orchestra)

Okpebholo: Songs In Flight

Shawn E. Okpebholo, composer (Will Liverman, Paul Sánchez & Various Artists)

Ortiz: Dzonot

Gabriela Ortiz, composer (Alisa Weilerstein, Gustavo Dudamel & Los Angeles Philharmonic)

Giveon

October 20, 2025

Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

Chicago, IL

by Keeton Robinson

Giveon’s recent concert was an emotionally charged performance that showcased his remarkable vocal talent and soulful presence. The audience was captivated from start to finish as he delivered a setlist featuring his signature hits like “Heartbreak Anniversary” and “Like I Want You,” along with new material. His deep, resonant voice and heartfelt lyrics created an intimate atmosphere, allowing fans to connect on a profound level. Throughout the night, Giveon demonstrated impressive stage presence, engaging the crowd and expressing genuine emotion, making the experience memorable for all in attendance. Critics praised his ability to blend vulnerability with musical excellence, reaffirming his status as one of today’s most compelling R&B artists.

Giveon opened strong with selections from his latest project and past hits, bringing his signature jazz-inflected R&B sound to the live setting. The independent show guide mentions his second album tour in Chicago as featuring “rich baritone vocals” and “introspective tunes.”  The production leaned more minimalist rather than flashy: colored lighting, his band tucked behind, and Giveon in a sleek outfit — letting the vocals and emotion carry the night.  Audience interaction: he paused to acknowledge crowd signs and shout-outs, making the large room feel more personal. 

 For a Chicago audience, he tapped into hometown energy, performing “Chicago Freestyle,”  eliciting significant reactions. The finale built into a strong moment: his breakout track “Heartbreak Anniversary” brought the house down — crowd singing along, the stage lights dimming then rising for the big ending. (Again, based on past show but likely mirrored here.) 

This show was a standout: a full house in an iconic venue, an artist at the height of his career, delivering a set that balanced vocal mastery with emotional connection. Whether you were there to enjoy or to shoot, this was likely a memorable night.

Ninety-two-year-old Nelson isn’t just a figurehead for Farm Aid either. Headlining his 40th Farm Aid, the legendary Red-headed Stranger closed out the night, performing with sons Lukas and Micah and others, and gathering all of the musicians and bands on stage for a singalong at the end.
Twelve hours after the first act, the Wisdom Indian Dancers, had taken the stage for a sort of opening ceremony, Willie Nelson tossed his cowboy hat, and a few bandanas, into the crowd and waved goodnight. It’s hard to say how many of these Willie still has in him, but on this night, he was as legendary and as Willie as perhaps he’s ever been – and if that’s any indication, and if the world somehow is worthy (or just desperate enough), we’ll see his signature bandana and braids, and his trusty guitar Trigger, on stage again.
The Nelson family’s finale capped off a tremendous full day of stirring hymns and guitar-, mandolin- and banjo-picking, big-band stomping ballads and breakout songs by an incredible lineup of musicians.
Dressed for a rodeo, singer Madeline Edwards belted soulfully about not being able to “Hold My Horses” – something she no doubt had in common with the crowd, champing at the bit for more.
Next up was Jesse Welles, a true modern-day folk hero who has kicked up plenty of dust with political protest songs like “Red” and cutting social commentary on songs like “The Poor,” which he dedicated to billionaires like Bill Gates who he said have stolen farmland from families. Less controversial perhaps but just as clever, his last song of the set was about his love for “Bugs.”
Rocking a rad red electric guitar, Eric Burton of the band Black Pumas turned up the soul with his set, which featured his band’s 2019 radio hit “Colors.”
Singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield then brought her latest indie music project, Waxahatchee, to the stage, reminding us to stop and smell the “Lilacs” with her terrifically twang-tinged vocals. Named after a creek in Alabama where she grew up, the band is a return to folksy roots for Crutchfield, who previously was in a pop punk band called P.S. Eliot.
Farm Aid saw red with the next performance as the fiery Wynonna Judd and her band declared: “It’s about to get real country up in here.” Striking a chord for one of the best eras of country music, the ’90s, she broke out hit after hit, including “No One Else On Earth,” which got the crowd singing along – proving that truly no one else on Earth can do it like Wynonna.
Minnesota’s own Trampled By Turtles, a bluegrass-inspired folk band with 10 albums, were crowd favorites, bringing a unique blend of guitar, cello, banjo, bass guitar, mandolin and fiddle to hits such as “Wait So Long” and “Whiskey.”
Performing solo on mandolin, Steve Earle provided a mesmerizing interlude between acts, particularly rousing and rattling the fans with his stripped-down rendition of his hit, “Copperhead Road.”
In a red “Stop Factory Farms” t-shirt, overalls and cap, Nathaniel Rateliff brought out his band The Night Sweats presumably to burn (billionaire) barns. Backed by sax, trumpet, keys and drums, Rateliff’s jailhouse-rollicking revivalist “S.O.B.” certainly set the stage and stadium ablaze.
Lukas Nelson wears a cowboy hat at least as well as anyone else and probably better – and sings a cowboy song just as well. Before his family finale, Lukas showed off the shine on his boots, and his incredible voice, with some help from friends including Grammy-winning West Virginia singer-songwriter Sierra Ferrell, as well as Dave Matthews.
Billy Strings next wowed the crowd with his incomparable guitar skills – and, as if that wasn’t enough, he sings, too. Kenny Chesney treated the fans to a “Beer in Mexico,” playing as the sun went down. And Margo Price offered this sound advice during her set: “Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down.” She went old-school country in her set, too, covering songs by Waylon Jennings, Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. On Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm,” she was joined on stage by Billy Strings and Jesse Welles.
Dave Matthews and longtime collaborator guitarist Tim Reynolds had a sit-down acoustic set, stripping down DMB tracks such as “Grey Street” and mixing “Don’t Drink the Water” with a little of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.” For “Crush,” “Warehouse,” and “Ants Marching,” the duo was joined masterfully by fiddler Jake Renick Simpson, from Lukas Nelson’s band.
John Mellencamp started out his set with a statement on the “Lawless Times” we’re in before taking a trip down Americana road with fitting tributes such as “Small Town,” “Pink Houses,” and an almost acapella take on “Jack & Diane,” with audience assistance. The Cougar can still roar with the best of them.
Only legends left alive as Bob Dylan took a dimly lit stage to perform at piano a medley from his catalogue of hits including “All Along the Watchtower,” “Highway 61” and “Don’t “Think Twice.” Then, Neil Young with his band The Chrome Hearts rocked out signature protest anthems “Big Crime” and the iconic, rallying “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
Willie Nelson and family’s set spanned the river valleys, golden prairies and the countless miles of road of the country superstar’s life and music, with staples such as “On the Road Again,” “Georgia (On My Mind),” and “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.”
There were tender moments too, as with his duet with son Lukas on the Pearl Jam cover “Just Breathe;” and Willie singing Tom Waits’ “Last Leaf” was enough to make the tears well up in anyone’s eyes. But Willie Nelson isn’t one to shed any tears about his life or even its end – as he reminds us in the poignant but hilariously on-brand “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die.”
The night ended with a gospel choir of Farm Aid family and friends on “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “It’s Hard to Be Humble” and finally “I Saw the Light.”
And in the dark of a Minneapolis night, we were reminded that this light, the candle being carried for family farmers by Willie Nelson and Farm Aid, shines ever bright.
Rob McCune is Every_Thing_After_Photo on Instagram, where he shares his concert photography and reviews, as well as clips from his “Every.Thing.After” podcast, with interviews with musicians and bands.

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by Daniel Locke

By the time Tina Turner belted out “Proud Mary” in sequins and stilettos, she wasn’t just singing—she was detonating. Now, the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll has been immortalized in bronze, her legacy towering 10 feet high in Brownsville, Tennessee, just a stone’s throw from the humble roots of Nutbush where Anna Mae Bullock first found her voice.

This weekend, Brownsville threw down a tribute worthy of a legend. As part of the 10th-annual Tina Turner Heritage Days, fans, family, and funk disciples gathered to unveil a statue that doesn’t just honor Turner—it channels her. Sculptor Fred Ajanogha captured the lioness in full roar: wild mane, mic in hand, index finger extended like she’s about to blow the roof off the joint. “I wanted to show her movement, her power,” Ajanogha said. Mission accomplished.

📍 The statue stands in Heritage Park, facing Carver High School, where Turner once played basketball and dreamed bigger than the cotton fields and church pews of Nutbush. It’s a symbolic bridge between the girl who sang in rural Tennessee and the icon who set global stages ablaze.

🎤 Turner’s journey wasn’t just glitter and Grammys. She clawed her way out of a brutal marriage with Ike Turner, turned pain into platinum, and redefined what it meant to be a woman in rock. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” wasn’t just a hit—it was a battle cry. Her admirers ranged from Mick Jagger to Beyoncé, and her influence stretched from soul to stadium rock.

🎶 Her discography reads like a jukebox of rebellion: “Nutbush City Limits,” “Private Dancer,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero.” Her film credits? Just as fierce—“Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” “Tommy,” “Last Action Hero.” She didn’t just cross genres; she torched the borders.

🕊️ Turner passed away in May 2023 at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, at age 83. But Brownsville made sure her spirit didn’t fade quietly. The statue joins the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, forming a permanent shrine to the woman who turned trauma into triumph and rhythm into revolution.

Fans like Karen Cook traveled from Georgia to pay homage, some with family ties, others with hearts full of gratitude. “She gave us strength,” one attendee said. “She gave us fire.”

This isn’t just a statue. It’s a resurrection. A reminder that legends don’t die—they echo. And in Brownsville, Tennessee, Tina Turner’s echo just got a whole lot louder.

🦁 Long live the lioness. Long live the Queen.

Northlight Theater

,Skokie,Il

by Maja Rios

Northlight Theatre, Skokie, IL – July 17 – In the annals of rhythm and blues, few stories resonate with as much heartbreaking poignancy as that of Donny Hathaway. A voice that could melt glaciers, a songwriter of unparalleled depth, his flame burned fiercely but far too briefly. Now, at Northlight Theatre, Kelvin Roston Jr. steps into those impossibly large shoes for ‘Twisted Melodies,’ a one-man tour de force that’s less a play and more a channeling of a troubled genius.

From the moment Kelvin Roston Jr. takes the stage, he doesn’t just portray Hathaway; he becomes him. For nearly two hours, we’re locked inside Hathaway’s final, desperate hours in a New York hotel room, the twinkling city lights outside the window serving as both a beautiful distraction and a cruel reminder of a world spinning on without him. This isn’t just acting; it’s an exorcism, as Roston Jr. navigates the depths of Hathaway’s spiraling mental health with a raw, unflinching honesty that’s almost unbearable to witness. He sings, he speaks, he laughs, he weeps, he screams – every emotion laid bare, every fractured piece of Hathaway’s psyche exposed.

It’s an astonishing feat for any artist to carry a show solo, let alone embody a legend with such vocal prowess and emotional gravitas. Kelvin Roston Jr. not only performs, but he also wrote the monologue and masterfully accompanies himself on keyboards, a testament to his staggering talent. His voice, a sensitive instrument, captures Hathaway’s distinctive timbre and emotional range, moving effortlessly from the soaring heights of “A Song for You” to the gritty urgency of “The Ghetto.” We’re treated to soul-stirring renditions of classics like “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know,” “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” and “You Are My Heaven,” each interwoven with dialogue that illuminates Hathaway’s struggles and moments of profound clarity. Even a few gospel numbers, harking back to Hathaway’s church roots, find their way in, adding another layer to the complex tapestry of his life.

Under the seasoned direction of Chicago theater veteran Ron O. J. Parson, the production never misses a beat. The pacing is relentless, the transitions seamless, pulling the audience deeper into Hathaway’s internal chaos. Roston Jr.’s facial expressions and nuanced vocal inflections are mesmerizing, painting a vivid picture of a mind succumbing to the darkness of schizophrenia.

This isn’t just a tribute; it’s an immersive experience that reclaims Donny Hathaway from the tragic footnotes of music history and places him back in the spotlight, where his genius can be truly appreciated. The two hours fly by, leaving you breathless and profoundly moved. ‘Twisted Melodies’ isn’t just the best monologue this reviewer has ever seen; it’s an essential journey into the soul of a musical titan. Go see it. Seriously.

SiR

Riviera Theatre

June 07, 2025

Chicago, IL

by Keeton Robinson

Few artists know how to blend soulful vocals with modern vibes quite like SiR. The Chicago show on June 7 at the historic Riviera Theatre was a night to remember. Fans gathered expecting a night full of smooth sounds and emotional moments. In this review, you’ll discover how SiR delivered an electrifying performance, and why the Riviera Theatre set the perfect scene for his music. Prepare to relive the night or get excited for what’s next.

SiR, born Sir Darryl Peters Jr., is a rising star in the world of R&B. He’s part of the Top Dawg Entertainment family, alongside artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Over the years, SiR has released several albums that boost his reputation as a top-tier singer and songwriter. Notable projects include “November” and “Used 2,” both showcasing his ability to mix smooth melodies with introspective lyrics. He’s also collaborated with big names like Anderson .Paak, further cementing his influence in modern soul music.

What makes SiR stand out? It’s his dreamy, soulful voice paired with thoughtful lyrics that often touch on love, growth, and self-awareness. His style combines classic R&B with hints of jazz, funk, and pop. When he performs live, fans notice his arrangements often include extended vocal runs or improvisations, keeping every concert unique. Tracks like “D’Funny How” and “Something New” become even more captivating in a live setting, where his emotional delivery pulls everyone closer.

The Riviera Theatre has been a part of Chicago’s cultural scene since the 1930s. This historic venue is known for its stunning Art Deco design and vintage charm. Its ornate ceiling and plush seating give it a cozy yet grand feel. The acoustics are praised by artists and fans alike, making it an ideal place for an intimate but powerful concert experience.

The crowd on June 7 was a diverse mix of young and old, all united by a love for soulful music. Fans were excited, some waving phones to catch every moment, others soaking in the vibe with eyes closed. The theatre’s layout allowed everyone to feel close to SiR, no matter where they sat. The warm ambiance and attentive audience created a memorable, almost personal concert experience.

SiR’s setlist was a mix of hits and deep cuts that kept fans hooked. Most of his popular songs like “WAR” and “Something New” sounded even better live. He added some surprises by changing up the arrangements. Notably, he brought out a guest artist for a verse, improvising parts of the song that made the performance feel fresh and spontaneous.

SiR’s stage presence was undeniable. His smooth vocals never faltered, and his charisma made the audience feel connected. He seemed genuine, sharing stories between songs and making eye contact. Fans left saying they felt like they experienced more than just a concert — it was a personal moment with him.

Lighting played a big role in creating mood. Soft pinks and blues washed over the stage as SiR sang, while subtle visuals added depth. The stage design was simple but effective, focusing on SiR’s vocals and mood. These visual choices made each song more emotional, turning the concert into a sensory journey.

Local Chicago outlets and music critics agreed. They described the show as “intimate” yet “powerful,” praising SiR’s vocal control and the venue’s atmosphere. Critics also noted his ability to switch from mellow tunes to energetic moments seamlessly. The consensus? SiR’s Chicago performance confirmed his place as one of the top voices in modern R&B.

SiR’s June 7 concert at the Riviera Theatre was a night filled with soul, passion, and genuine connection. His effortless vocals and magnetic stage presence kept the audience in awe. The historic venue added an extra layer of charm, making every moment even more special. If you missed this show, don’t worry — SiR’s upcoming performances are sure to deliver more unforgettable nights. Stay tuned, and immerse yourself in his growing musical journey. His voice is one you won’t want to miss.

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