David Bowie's acclaimed final album Blackstar failed to get a nod. Picture / Getty Images
David Bowie's acclaimed final album Blackstar failed to get a nod. Picture / Getty Images
Grammy nominations are in, and while it comes as no shock that Beyonce and Adele dominate the major categories, the Recording Academy did deliver some surprises.
Here's a rundown of surprises and snubs:
David Bowie
Bowie only won two Grammys in his lifetime: in 1985 for best music video and in 2006 for lifetime achievement. So many predicted that Blackstar, released just before the musician's death and lauded by critics as one of his best, would get nominated for best album. It didn't, perhaps signalling a shift away from the Recording Academy's history of recognising work for its prestige status.
And while Bowie's work did get five nominations, his track Lazarus was passed over for song of the year and record of the year.
A few nominations in this category came as no surprise. Chance the Rapper had been considered a shoo-in - particularly after the Recording Academy had to say that a rule change that allows streaming-only music to get nominated wasn't just for the Chicago rapper's benefit.
But no Shawn Mendes, and no Zayn (because of a Recording Academy rule that makes the former One Direction singer ineligible for this particular category).
Alessia Cara
Pop singer Alessia Cara didn't get one nomination for anything this round. Billboard's spread showcasing the best new artist hopefuls featured the Here breakout singer, along with now-nominees Maren Morris and Chance.
Kanye West
Kanye West has had a difficult year, ending in the cancellation of his Life of Pablo tour.
The rapper, who has had a difficult year ending in the cancellation of his Life of Pablo tour, has never received an album of the year nomination, despite years of commercially successful and critically acclaimed work. While he did receive eight nominations this year, he was passed over for all of the major categories. His very public criticism of the awards show may be a factor.
They won best new artist in 2012, a win that typically sets up musicians for future, big-category nominations. Not this year. Their first studio album release since 2011, 22, A Million, was passed over for the album of the year. Bon Iver, who's frontman Justin Vernon has criticised the Grammys in the past, only got one nomination this year, for best alternative music album.
Rihanna
Rihanna received eight nominations, including one in the prestigious record of the year category. But it's surprising that Anti didn't get an album of the year nod.
Sturgill Simpson
The critically acclaimed and controversial country singer shocked many with his best album nomination for A Sailor's Guide to Earth. He was considered a long-shot for the category, but the fact that he beat out Bowie was an even bigger surprise.
Beyonce
Beyonce was considered a favorite for the major awards, and she's also nominated in multiple genre categories.
Beyonce was considered a favorite for the major awards, and she's also nominated in multiple genre categories. The biggest shock of them all? Best rock performance for Don't Hurt Yourself, with Jack White. Those wishing she would follow her viral Country Music Association Awards performance with a Grammy for best country song or solo performance are disappointed, but can console themselves with her nine total nominations.
This year, Beyonce is the most nominated artist. If she wins in every category she will make Grammy history, surpassing Alison Krauss, who has 27.
