The Queer Guide to This Year’s Grammys Nominations

This year's Grammy nominations were so gay they might make Kevin Hart tweet something something homophobic and then refuse to apologize about it, combining the year's best music with a sampling of whatever straight people have been listening to on the radio, bless their hearts.

Thankfully, there's plenty of queer-adjacent artists to root for at next year's ceremony. Trans artists were more represented than they've ever been, with nominations for SOPHIE and Teddy Geiger, making this possibly the queerest Grammys ever. But our gay Grammys picks don't stop there -- here's a handy guide.

Album of the Year

Janelle Monae - Dirty Computer

Dirty Computer was one of our favorite albums of 2018, a vital pop record that saw a dynamic evolution of Monae's sound. It was also her most queer record -- it's release coincided with her coming out as queer and relationship with Tessa Thompson, and Dirty Computer is full of fierce femme energy, with love songs written from a queer perspective.

Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour

Somehow, country starlet Kacey Musgraves became a gay icon this year, and the reason probably has a lot to do with her dreamy, pop-infused country. Golden Hour is like Musgraves saying, "Don't worry, I got this" to all the pop girls trying to have a Joanne era, blending country, pop and disco on tracks like "High Horse.'

Brandi Carlile - By the Way, I Forgive You

Carlile cleaned up with the Grammy nominations, getting six nominations. The gay folk artist has said that her most recent album is her most political yet, and many of the tracks are written from the perspective of a queer mom.

Record of the Year

Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow"

A Star is Born may clean up at the film awards next year, but its most enduring legacy will surely be its music, and none of the songs have captivated the popular consciousness like "Shallow." It dominated the charts for weeks and still rules the radio, turning more unsuspecting citizens into Allygators every day.

Song of the Year

Shawn Mendes - "In My Blood"

One of the songwriters behind Mendes's huge hit is trans musician Teddy Geiger, who spent years writing for One Direction and Five Seconds of Summer. If Mendes beats "Shallow," which is also nominated for Song of the Year, we'd be happy to see Geiger take home a trophy.

Best Pop Solo Performance

Ariana Grande - "God is a woman"

Was any one person as powerful in 2018 as Ariana Grande? With the success of "thank u, next" it's crazy to remember she also released an album this summer. Sorry, "No Tears Left to Cry," but "God is a woman" is one of Grande's best songs and best vocal performances ever -- "Dangerous Woman" is shaking.

Best Dance/Electronic Album

SOPHIE - Oil Of Every Pearl's Un-Insides

The pots and pans in SOPHIE's kitchen really took a beating this year, but it was worth it when she struck Oil. The OUT100 Artist of the Year has proved herself as one of the most brilliant producers of our time and is one of the few openly trans musicians to ever be recognized by the Grammys.

Best Alternative Music Album

Bjork - Utopia

Bjork and her flute may be a meme, but they're also behind one of the most enigmatic albums of the year. The Icelandic songstress never disappoints, and her second collaboration with producer and thigh-high boot enthusiast Arca made for a hauntingly lovely record.

Music for Visual Media

Various Artists - Call Me By Your Name

No scene from a film is more triggering than Timothee Chalamet staring into a fire while Sufjan Stevens' "Visions of Gideon" plays. The soundtrack to last year's most beloved gay romance instantly transports you back to that sticky Italian summer -- peaches for everyone!

The 2019 Grammy Awards will air February 10 on CBS.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include Brandi Carlile's nominations.

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