Michael Caulfield/WireImageThe 55th Annual Grammy Awards take place Sunday, which means we'll finally get answers to all our burning questions. No, not what the pop stars will wear now that side boob is strictly forboden (though we are wondering that, too). But who will take home all those shiny record player trophies!
We served up our insta-predictions back when nominations were announced, but we've had some time to think and here is who will actually win the big awards.
At least, we think so.
Album of the Year: Babel, Mumford & Sons
We're sticking with our original prediction on this one. Frank Ocean won't win (not this award, at least), as sad as that might make you (and us). The Black Keys are a formidable opponent, but the always-a-nominee-never-a-winnner band will take home the top honor this year.
Record of the Year: "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," Kelly Clarkson
We originally picked "Somebody That I Used to Know," but we changed our mind. It's our right. Taylor Swift may seem like a serious contender, but the American Idol alumn will clinch the win. It's a huge jam that was absolutely everywhere this year and it just makes more sense. Sorry, Gotye. Sorry, T.Swift.
Song of the Year: "We Are Young," fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
We're sticking with our guns on this one. There's competition from across the board on this one, from pop ("Stronger" could take home Record and Song of the Year, it's happened many time before) to R&B ("Adorn" by Miguel), but fun. shouldn't have a problem collecting this one. As well as...
Best New Artist: fun.
Again, Frank Ocean should probably win but he won't. And while we originally predicted an Esperanza Spalding 2.0 in the form of Hunter Hayes, we're going with fun. on this one too. Though with The Lumineers and Alabama Shakes also in contention, this one really could be anyone's game (except probably Frank's, so sad). You go, Katy Perry! One for you, Katy Perry!
Best Pop Solo Performance: "Wide Awake," Katy Perry
Kelly'll get Record of the Year. Adele won't win (which may seem shocking, but the ultimate Grammy darling is nominated for a live version of a past song). Carly Rae Jepsen definitely won't win (as big as "Call Me Maybe" was). Which leaves Katy, frequently nominated but never awarded.
Best Rock Album: El Camino, The Black Keys
We still say The Black Keys will take this one and we still think so for the same reason. So, to quote ourselves, "The Grammys like to prove they're hip (Arcade Fire's big win last year), so the very hip Keys will fill that status quo."
Best Urban Contemporary Album: Channel Orange, Frank Ocean
He has to win something, right?! Channel Orange was the (real) best album of the year, which is why he has to win this category. Unfortunately, it's almost a consolution prize (who else in the Urban Contemporary field even poses a challenge?) to being passed up on wins for the bigger awards.
Best Rap Song: "Mercy," Kanye West featuring Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz
We originally said "N----s in Paris" would take it (Jay-Z is practically guaranteed a Grammy every time he records something), but we think the Grammys might mix it up this year. While Nas definitely could come from behind, we're going with 'Ye on this one.
Now it's just a waiting game. But you can hold us to these predictions.