BTS
As we’ve already established, I’m a bit of a K-pop nerd and BTS is a modern classic of the genre. Although the seven-boy group has been active since 2013, BTS exploded in 2020 with the release of their first all-English single, “Dynamite,” and the group was nominated for a 2021 Grammy but did not win.
Last May, the band released their second English single, ‘Butter’ – which, like ‘Dynamite’, topped the charts and topped hearts. The song combines summery electropop beats with catchy lyricism and the undeniable charm of BTS, creating the perfect trio of excitement. “Butter” has now given BTS their second Grammy nomination, up for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. BTS is also set to perform on tonight’s show.
—Indiana Hilmes, Selah High School, 10th grade
Sonic Silk
Nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, known together as Silk Sonic, is a 4-minute infusion of groovy musical magic from the 1980s. 70, with soulful voices and flirtatious lyrics. The beautiful realization of the song is enough to make it worthy of Record of the Year. Not only do the two vocal artists balance each other out, but the various string and percussion instruments also blend seamlessly.
“Leave the Door Open” stands out in the mostly pop lineup of other Song of the Year nominees. It has the catchiness that many of the other nominees possess, but combines with Bruno Mars’ great vocals and that dynamic ’70s groove to make it truly unique.
— Lucas Cone, West Valley High School, Grade 12
Olivia Rodrigue
As an avid Olivia Rodrigo fan since the golden years of the mid-2010s, I was thrilled to learn that she had received not one, not two, but FIVE Grammy nominations for 2022: Record of of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year (with Dan Nigro), Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance. Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance all came with “Drivers License,” his memorable hit single. Rodrigo’s nomination for album of the year came with his debut album, “Sour.”
If you don’t know Rodrigo’s music yet, you can listen to his entire debut album in just under 35 minutes and be ready for his next Grammy appearance tonight! Just search for “Olivia Rodrigo” on Spotify, Apple Music, or any other music service you like, and relax. However, I would suggest grabbing a box of tissues; it’s 35 minutes of teenage angst, after all.
—Indiana Hilmes, Selah High School, 10th grade
jimmy allen
American country singer and songwriter Jimmie Allen took the country genre to a new level with his well-known singles “Best Shot” in 2018 and “Make Me Want To” in 2019. In 2021, Allen won the Country Music Association Award for New Artist of the Year and is only the second African-American to win in this category, after Darius Rucker. Now Allen is nominated for the 2022 Grammy Awards in the Best New Artist category and it’s a well-deserved nomination.
Although Allen is known for his first two singles, he also released two albums and other singles. It’s safe to say that he had a major impact in the music industry and this is just the beginning. Allen’s powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics create a unique playlist you’ll never want to interrupt. The country artist has definitely earned his nomination for Best New Artist at the Grammys, and his future in the music industry looks bright for all of his fans. No doubt he will give this his best shot.
—Lexi Barbee, West Valley High School, Grade 11
