November 9, 2024: The 2025 Grammy nominations are in, and Beyoncé is once again making history, leading the pack with an incredible 11 nominations, including a major nod for Album of the Year with Cowboy Carter. The pop superstar, who continues to dominate the music industry, now boasts a staggering 99 Grammy nominations in her career, setting a new record for the most-nominated artist in Grammy history.
But while Beyoncé’s reign is undeniable, this year’s nominations have also sparked controversy—most notably, with the exclusion of BTS members, who have all released solo projects in the past year. Despite the global success of RM’s Right Place, Wrong Person, J-Hope’s Hope on the Street, Vol. 1, and Jimin’s Muse, none of the BTS members received individual nominations for their solo efforts, leaving fans and industry insiders questioning how the Recording Academy approaches K-pop stars’ solo careers.
Beyoncé’s Historic Grammy Run
Beyoncé’s dominance in the 2025 nominations comes as no surprise. Her album Cowboy Carter has been hailed as one of the year’s best, and with 11 nominations in categories like Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year, it’s clear she’s poised for another big night at the Grammys. Her career now includes an astonishing 99 nominations, further cementing her legacy as one of the most influential artists of all time.
Her Cowboy Carter album blends genres like country, pop, and R&B, and her lead single Texas Hold ‘Em is a front-runner for Record of the Year. Beyoncé’s ability to reinvent herself with each new project has kept her at the top of the game, and this year’s nominations reflect both her innovation and her consistent presence in the music conversation.
BTS Members Left Out of the 2025 Nominations
While Beyoncé is soaking in the praise, the Grammy snub of BTS members is stirring controversy. Despite the success of their solo projects in 2024, none of the BTS members received Grammy nominations. RM’s reflective Right Place, Wrong Person, J-Hope’s energetic Hope on the Street, Vol. 1, and Jimin’s emotive Muse were all well-received by fans and critics alike, yet failed to make an impact in the Grammy race.
This exclusion has raised questions about how the Recording Academy evaluates solo work from artists who are part of globally popular bands. BTS, the biggest boy band in the world, has been a force in the music industry, earning five Grammy nominations as a group over the years, but none of the members have received individual recognition for their solo projects.
Industry experts have weighed in, with some speculating that the exclusion may be a result of the Recording Academy’s ongoing struggle to fully embrace K-pop in its voting process. “The landscape of music is constantly evolving, and there’s a larger conversation about the representation of non-Western artists and genres at the Grammys,” said one anonymous source within the Academy.
Major Nominees and Standout Contenders
Beyond Beyoncé, the 2025 nominations feature some major players in the music industry. In addition to the Lemonade star, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Charli XCX are all strong contenders, each earning seven nominations. Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft and Lamar’s Not Like Us are both up for Album of the Year and Record of the Year, while Charli XCX is a fresh face in the race, earning her first-ever nominations for Brat.
Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, two breakout artists of the year, also made a big splash, each landing six nominations in their Grammy debuts. Their inclusion is a sign that the Academy is recognizing new talent in a big way, even as long-established stars like Beyoncé continue to dominate.
What’s Next for BTS?
With BTS members now facing the challenge of being overlooked for solo projects, many are wondering whether the Grammys will ever fully embrace the group’s individual careers. Although the members have enjoyed immense success globally, particularly in markets outside the U.S., the lack of Grammy recognition for their solo work raises the question of whether the Academy’s voting process is evolving fast enough to reflect the global nature of the music industry.
While BTS fans have voiced their frustrations, some industry insiders believe this may not be the end of the road for the group at the Grammys. The 2025 nominations may have missed the mark when it comes to BTS’s solo efforts, but the future is still wide open. As the K-pop genre continues to grow and shape global music trends, it’s possible that BTS will have more opportunities to shine at future Grammy Awards—both as a group and as individuals.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Grammy Awards
The 2025 Grammy Awards, airing live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, are shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable evening. Beyoncé’s 11 nominations set the stage for a record-breaking performance, but there are plenty of other exciting artists and categories to watch, from Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department to newcomer Sabrina Carpenter, who has made her mark as one of the most exciting new voices in pop.
Whether you’re rooting for Beyoncé, hoping for a breakthrough win from a newcomer, or keeping an eye on how BTS’s snub will impact the global conversation about music recognition, the 2025 Grammys are bound to be a memorable night.
