Music
Shocking Snubs? The Artists Who Walked Away Empty-Handed at the 2025 Grammys
Well, the 2025 Grammys have come and gone. And yes, there were plenty of golden moments (Beyoncé probably added another wing to her Grammy Mansion).
But we need to talk about the shocking, Twitter-exploding (X-exploding doesn’t sound as potent) SNUBS.
Every year, the Recording Academy reminds us that predicting winners is about as reliable as expecting a drama-free awards season.
This time around, some of the biggest names in music were left standing listless in their designer outfits, watching someone else clutch that gilded gramophone for dear life.
Taylor Swift: No Crown for the Queen?
It happened, Swifties. Taylor Swift, the artist who practically breathes Grammy gold, walked away with zero wins — say what?
With The Tortured Poets Department raking in unbeatable streams and critics praising her lyrical prowess, many were sure she’d add more trophies to her already record-breaking collection. But alas, the Recording Academy had other plans.
Though TTPD was a commercial and critical darling, Swift faced stiff competition. Shockingly, she didn’t take home Album of the Year or Song of the Year.
Perhaps the Academy felt it was someone else’s turn? Perhaps they figured Swift winning another Grammy would be like binging reruns of Friends reruns — comforting but predictable? Either way, in the audience Taylor was all smiles, like nothing happened.
Billie Eilish: All That Buzz, No Statuette
For an artist who practically owned the entire Barbie soundtrack with “What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish walking away Grammy-less was one plot twist nobody saw coming.
Her heartbreaking ballad was the emotional core of the Barbie phenomenon. It brought grown adults to tears while contemplating their existence. Despite nominations in major categories, Billie ended up with the dreaded “just happy to be nominated” line.
The Academy has adored her — worshipped her — in the past. She swept the Big Four in 2020. But it seems this year, they decided to spread the wealth elsewhere.
Metallica: Rock’s Elder Statesmen Snubbed Again
Metallica fans, it’s another rough year. Despite the metal gods returning with 72 Seasons, the Grammys left them out in the cold again.
And honestly, we’ve known for decades that the Recording Academy has an on-again, off-again relationship with rock and metal. Metallica even got edged out in the Best Metal Performance category, where they were nominated.
Now, I’m not saying Metallica needs more awards. But come on, it’s Metallica. They’re to metal what cats are to the internet — essential, beloved, and occasionally terrifying.
Post Malone: The Hitmaker Without the Hardware
Post Malone has given us anthems, heartbreak, and vibes for days, yet somehow, the Academy keeps treating him like an afterthought. Austin was stripped-down, raw, and full of introspective songwriting that reveals his recent rapid artistic growth.
And yet, no wins. Despite dominating radio, streaming, and TikTok, Posty remains Grammy-less for this cycle. At this point, you have to wonder if he accidentally ghosted a Grammy voter or spilled a drink on someone at a Recording Academy gala.
Jack Antonoff: Super-Producer, Super-Snubbed
At this point, Jack Antonoff has produced more critically acclaimed albums than the Academy has logical voting decisions.
The man is everywhere. He’s worked with Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, and countless other A-listers. You’d think that’d earn him a win, right? Wrong.
Antonoff was left empty-handed. It’s a head-scratcher for many fans. But don’t worry—he’ll probably produce half of next year’s nominees.
André 3000: The Genius the Grammys Ignored
André 3000’s return to music with New Blue Sun was a moment that deserved at least one Grammy. Instead, the Recording Academy acted like they’d never heard of him.
No award for his genre-bending brilliance? Nothing for his flute-playing renaissance? Not even a Best Jazz Instrumental Album nod?
The disrespect is real. If anyone needs more proof that the Grammys often struggle to reward innovation, here it is.
So, What Happened?
The 2025 Grammy snubs came down to a mix of fierce competition, shifting industry trends, and the Academy’s voting decisions — some of which continue to puzzle fans. In some cases, the Recording Academy may have wanted to highlight new faces rather than repeat past winners.
In others, genre biases or a desire to spread the wealth may have played a role. Ultimately, awards are subjective. And although a Grammy is a prestigious honor, it doesn’t always reflect an artist’s true cultural impact.
Some snubbed singers’ music continues to dominate streaming charts and cultural conversations.