2017 Grammys: Snubs and Surprises Include Drake, Sia, David Bowie and More

Musicians who did and didn't make the cut in certain categories

By Francesca Bacardi Dec 06, 2016 3:04 PMTags

Unsurprisingly, the 2017 Grammys will be a face off between Adele and Beyoncé in four categories, including Album of the Year.

But what is surprising, however, is who didn't make the cut in that category (or in other categories). Like any award show, the 2017 Grammys are filled with snubs and surprises, which are sure to leave fans upset, shocked and feeling like asking, "what?!" Alas, it happens every year, so here are the biggest snubs and surprises from the upcoming Grammys, which will be hosted by James Corden.

photos
Stars' First Grammys

Snubs

David Bowie's Blackstar in Album of the Year: While the late legend's album was nominated in other categories, including Best Alternative Music Album and Best Recording Package, fans certainly expected to see his last album in the Album of the Year category. But that wasn't the case.

Sia's This Is Acting in Album of the Year: Considering singles from this album appeared pretty much everywhere, it's surprising to see that Sia's work didn't make the cut in what now appears to be a cutthroat category. She did, however, manage to score a nomination for her album in the Best Pop Vocal Album Category, so she wasn't totally snubbed.

CYVR / AKM-GSI

Lukas Graham for Best New Artist: Even though his megahit "7 Years" scored seven nominations, Graham was completely snubbed in this category.

Alessia Cara for Best New Artist: The 20-year-old pop star stole the show with her first single "Here" and even earned critical praise for her debut album Know-It-All, but it just wasn't enough to catch the Recording Academy's eye, apparently.

Drake's "One Dance" in Record/Song of the Year: This track was one of the songs of the summer, but it didn't make the cut in this category. Drake did manage to earn an Album of the Year nomination, so it's not all bad.

read
2017 Grammy Awards: Complete List of Nominations
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Citi

Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling!" in Record/Song of the Year: JT's catchy tune for the Trolls soundtrack earned a nomination in the Best Song Written for Visual Media category but was overlooked in this major category.

Justin Bieber's "Sorry" for Record/Song of the Year: The Biebs did earn four nominations, including Album of the Year for Purpose, but his chart-topping dance song was overlooked in both categories. "Love Yourself," however, did earn a nomination, so it's not a complete snub.

Shawn Mendes for Best New Artist: Despite a plethora of hits in 2016, the 18-year-old crooner didn't make the cut.

Radiohead's A Moon Shaped Pool for Album of the Year: Critical acclaim wasn't enough for the band's first album in five years to earn a nomination. The album did earn nods in the Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Song categories.

Surprises

Anderson .Paak for Best New Artist: The rapper and R&B musician already has released several albums, so is he really new?

Sturgill Simpson's A Sailor's Guide to Earth for Album of the Year: The country crooner beat out Bowie's Blackstar in this category, but his latest album never placed higher than No. 3 on Billboard's chart.

Mike Posner's "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" for Song of the Year: Although it was a solid radio hit, many fans will be surprised to see this beat out other tracks in the coveted category. It's Posner's first Grammy nomination.

read
5 Reasons James Corden Will Make the Best Grammys Host Ever
Courtesy Gallery Books

Amy Schumer for Best Spoken Word: The 2017 Grammys will bring Schumer one step closer to an EGOT should she win in this category for her audiobook reading of Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo. She's also nominated in the Best Comedy Album Category for her Live at the Apollo special.

Beyoncé for Best Rock Performance: While her nominations are never a surprise, it is different to see her appear in this category for "Don't Hurt Yourself" with Jack White. They'll be up against artists such as Twenty One Pilots and Disturbed.

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani in Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Their hit song "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" surprisingly didn't make it into this category, despite its high ranking on charts—and fans' shipping of the couple.

What do you think of this year's snubs and surprises? Sound off in the comments!