February 21, 2023 - Music Observer

Ozzy Osbourne Calls it Quits: Heavy Metal Icon Announces Retirement from Touring

Music Observer Staff on February 21, 2023

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Ozzy Osbourne, the prince of darkness – one of the most famous faces in the genre of heavy metal, has announced that he is ending his concerts.

This news shocked many fans who had been waiting for the No More Tours II tour, which was scheduled to begin in May of this year.

Numerous health issues, including a spinal injury that the venerable frontman aggravated in 2019, have been plaguing him recently.

Despite his efforts to fully recover, injuries have affected his physical health, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the level he is known for.

In a statement posted on social media, Osbourne wrote, “This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans. As you all may know, four years ago, this month, I had a major accident, where I damaged my spine.”

He continued to express his disappointment with the decision, but stressed that it was for his health and well-being.

Osbourne, who has been a mainstay in the music business for more than 50 years, is receiving support from fans all over the world.

Despite the news that he is retiring from touring, the rock icon has vowed to keep making music and keeping his legacy alive through his extensive discography.

Surgeries and Treatment

In 2003, he was in a serious ATV accident, sustaining multiple fractures, including a broken cervical spine. Although he recovered, his condition worsened after a severe fall in 2019 further damaged his cervical spine.

But Osbourne remains determined to perform for his fans. He has been through three surgeries, stem cell treatments, physical therapy, and lately, groundbreaking Cybernics (HAL) Treatment. Despite all of these efforts, Osbourne’s body remains physically weak.

In a recent statement, Osbourne acknowledged that his one and only purpose is to perform on stage for his fans, and he is confident that his singing voice is still strong.

However, the physical demands of traveling for his upcoming European and UK tour dates have proven too much for his weakened body to handle.

“However, after three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and most recently groundbreaking Cybernics (HAL) Treatment, my body is still physically weak,” he said. “I have now come to the realization that I’m not physically capable of doing my upcoming European/UK tour dates, as I know I couldn’t deal with the travel required.”

Osbourne realized that he is not physically capable of performing the tour, and has had to cancel the dates to focus on his health. He hopes that with continued treatment and rehabilitation, he will be able to come back to the stage in the future.

“Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really F—- ME UP, more than you will ever know,” he added.

“Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way. My team is currently coming up with ideas for where I will be able to perform without having to travel from city to city and country to country.”

Osbourne Tour

Despite the challenges he has faced in recent years, Ozzy Osbourne remains grateful for the support of his fans, family, band, and fellow metal legends Judas Priest. In his recent statement, he thanked them for their “endless dedication, loyalty, and support.”

No More Tours II, Osbourne’s farewell tour, was initially announced in 2017 but has been postponed multiple times due to his health and the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, his passion for music remains undiminished. He continues to make music and his latest album, Patient Number 9, was revealed in September and has received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album.

The “Crazy Train” singer may not be performing live for the time being, but his music continues to rock the world. He closed his statement by expressing his love for his fans, saying “I love you all.”

Fans can be assured that the Prince of Darkness will return to the stage when the time is right, and in the meantime, they can enjoy his music and continue to show their support for one of heavy metal’s biggest legends.

Success in the Making

He was born on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England. He is named one of the greatest and most influential heavy metal singers of all time.

Ozzy’s music career began in the late 1960s when he formed the band Black Sabbath. The band’s self-titled debut album was dropped in 1970 and was a huge success, establishing Black Sabbath as one of the bands pinoeering heavy metal music.

His distinctive voice, combined with the band’s dark and heavy sound, quickly made him a popular figure in the world of rock music. He went on to drop several more albums with Black Sabbath before leaving the band in 1979 to pursue a solo career.

Osbourne’s solo career started in 1980 with the release of his debut album “Blizzard of Ozz”. The album was a commercial success, earning a spot in the top 20 in several countries.

Over the next few years, Osbourne continued to release hit albums, including “Diary of a Madman” and “Bark at the Moon”. He also went on several world tours, playing to sold-out crowds across the globe.

In 2002, he and his family starred in the reality TV show “The Osbournes”, which aired on MTV. The show was a huge hit, and it helped to introduce Osbourne to a new generation of fans. The show ran for four seasons and won several awards, including an Emmy.

Osbourne has influenced countless musicians and has been a major force in the world of rock music for over five decades.

“Love Again” by The Kid Laroi: A Unique and Entertaining Addition to His Body of Work

Music Observer Staff on February 21, 2023

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The Kid Laroi doesn’t shy away from experimentation, and his latest music video for “Love Again” is a prime example of that.

The music video features a life-sized puppet as the lead actress, and the rapper interacts with the puppet throughout the video, demonstrating various emotions ranging from affection to anger.

The doll has a unique personality and online presence. She has a TikTok account where she presents herself as a 20-year-old LA influencer and an Instagram account with the handle LondonD0ll where she shares photos with The Kid Laroi.

This music video is the latest in a pop culture trend featuring life-size dolls that continues to grow in popularity. It’s a unique approach to the music video format that’s sure to keep fans talking.

Kid Laroi’s “Love Again” music video adds a whimsical and funny twist to his work. It showcases his creativity and willingness to push boundaries, and fans of his music will love it.

A life-sized doll is the main character in the song “Love Again,” which has already garnered a lot of attention for its original music video and plot. The music video has drawn a lot of attention for its visually stunning concept and original storytelling.

Born Charlton Kenneth Howard, The Kid Laroi is a rising star in the rap and hip-hop scene, with a devoted fan base already waiting for the release of The First Time.

The Lead Single

The album features the lead single “Love Again” and the intro track “I Can’t Go Back to the Way It Was”. These two tracks showcase Laroi’s versatility as an artist and his ability to create a wide range of sounds and styles.

In addition to the release of the album, Laroi is also set to launch a Fortnite experience on Friday night. This will provide fans with a unique and immersive way to experience the music and connect with the artist.

Laroi has been praised for his musical talent, songwriting skills, and relatable lyrics, which often explore themes of heartbreak and love. With the release of The First Time, fans can expect an even deeper dive into the mind and experiences of the young rapper.

Overall, “Love Again” is just a taste of what’s to come from Laroi, who is already established as one of the most exciting and dynamic new voices in the music industry.

“Last week I went on a small vacation for the first time in a while,” he wrote in a note to fans at the time.

“During that time I started thinking, and I made the decision that I need to take some time away from everything and focus on the next project; my debut album. I’m going to miss you all beyond words can describe, but I do believe that this is what I need to do to give you all the best music possible.”

The First Time represents the comeback of Charlton Howard, better known as The Kid Laroi, as it is his first full-length studio album. The exact release date for the album has yet to be disclosed.

The Kid Laroi

The Kid LAROI, born Charlton Kenneth Howard, is an Australian rapper, singer, and songwriter who has quickly risen to fame in the music industry. At just 19 years old, he has already made a name for himself with his unique sound and impressive lyrics.

The Kid LAROI first gained attention in 2019 with the release of his song “Still”. He continued to gain popularity with the release of his debut mixtape, “F*CK LOVE”, which received critical acclaim for its raw and emotional lyrics.

He quickly gained a large following on social media and has since worked with artists such as Lil Tecca, Juice WRLD, and Eminem.

The Kid LAROI’s music is known for its emotional depth and raw honesty. He often draws inspiration from his personal life and struggles, giving his music a relatable quality that has connected with listeners around the world.

He has a unique style that blends together elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, creating a sound that is all his own.

The young rapper has been praised for his vocal range and ability to switch between singing and rapping seamlessly. He has received recognition for his versatility and creative lyricism, which has set him apart from other artists in the genre.

Artist

In 2021, The Kid LAROI released his debut studio album, “NORTHERN SOUL”. The album received positive reviews from fans and critics alike and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured collaborations with artists such as Justin Bieber and Muddy Waters, showcasing The Kid LAROI’s ability to work with a wide range of musicians.

Despite his young age, The Kid LAROI has already made a significant impact on the music industry.

With his unique sound and emotional lyrics, he has quickly become one of the most promising young artists in the rap and R&B genres. He continues to release new music and tour, solidifying his position as a rising star in the music world.

In conclusion, The Kid LAROI is an artist to keep an eye on in the coming years. With his talent and passion for music, he is sure to continue to make waves in the industry and connect with fans around the world.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards: A Night of Surprises and Triumphs

Music Observer Staff on February 21, 2023

Image commercially licensed from DepositPhotos

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards will highlight a mix of live and pre-recorded performances from some of the most prominent names in music, including Beyoncé, Adele, Bad Bunny, ABBA, Mary J. Blige, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Brandi Carlile, and Coldplay, among others.

Furthermore, the show will also feature some special tributes to legendary musicians who have passed away over the past year, including Prince, David Bowie, and Freddie Mercury.

The Grammy Awards have been a staple of the music industry for over six decades, recognizing the best and brightest in the business.

This year’s awards are sure to be filled with surprises, triumphs, and memorable moments, as the biggest names in music come together to celebrate the power of music. So grab some snacks, sit back, and get ready for the show of the year.

The Grammy Awards, one of the biggest events in the music industry, will take place for the 65th time. This event recognizes the achievements of the best and brightest in the music world, from album of the year to best new artist.

With a mix of live and pre-recorded performances from a few of the biggest names in music, the Grammy Awards are sure to be a night to remember.

Therefore, the Grammy Awards are more than just an awards show. They are a celebration of the best in music, a recognition of the hard work and talent of the musicians who have created it, and a testament to the influence of music to bring people together.

Noah Returns in the Awards Show

Trevor Noah, the South African comedian, has been a familiar face in the entertainment industry for many years. He first gained widespread recognition as the host of The Daily Show, where he spent several years making audiences laugh with his sharp wit and insightful commentary.

However, he left his day job in late 2021 to focus on other opportunities, including hosting the Grammy Awards.

Noah has now returned as the host of the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, marking his third year in the role. As a seasoned Grammy host, Noah has learned a great deal about what it takes to make a successful awards show.

He understands that the role of a host goes beyond just making jokes and being funny. He knows that he must also connect with the audience and the performers, and make the show feel like a celebration of all the amazing music that has been created over the past year.

In a recent interview, Noah said, “Sometimes when you’re doing a live award show you can focus so much on the production of it that you forget what’s happening right in front of your eyes. And that is, some of the greatest talents of a generation are performing live in front of you.”

“And so if anything, it taught me to be present in the moment, to focus on what’s happening so I could sort of be the conduit to the audience … It’s just this live volcano that’s erupting in front of our eyes, and it’s beautiful to be a part of,” he added.

Here are the list of winners this year:

Record of the Year

“Don’t Shut Me Down” — ABBA

“Easy on Me” — Adele

“Break My Soul” — Beyoncé

“Good Morning Gorgeous” — Mary J. Blige

“You and Me on the Rock” — Brandi Carlile feat. Lucius

“Woman” — Doja Cat

“Bad Habit” — Steve Lacy

“The Heart Part 5” — Kendrick Lamar

“About Damn Time” — Lizzo

“As It Was” — Harry Styles

Album of the Year

Voyage — ABBA

30 — Adele

Un Verano Sin Ti — Bad Bunny

Renaissance — Beyoncé

Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe) — Mary J. Blige

In These Silent Days — Brandi Carlile

Music of the Spheres — Coldplay

Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers — Kendrick Lamar

Special — Lizzo

Harry’s House — Harry Styles

Song of the Year

“abcdefu” — Gayle

“About Damn Time” — Lizzo

“All Too Well (10-Minute Version) (The Short Film)” — Taylor Swift

“As It Was” — Harry Styles

“Bad Habit” — Steve Lacy

“Break My Soul” — Beyoncé

“Easy on Me” — Adele

“God Did” — DJ Khaled feat. Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend, and Fridayy

“The Heart Part 5” — Kendrick Lamar

“Just Like That” — Bonnie Raitt

Best New Artist

Anitta

Omar Apollo

Domi & JD Beck

Samara Joy

Latto

Måneskin

Muni Long

Tobe Nwigwe

Molly Tuttle

Wet Leg

Best Music Video

Easy on Me — Adele

Yet To Come — BTS

Woman — Doja Cat

The Heart Part 5 — Kendrick Lamar

As It Was — Harry Styles

All Too Well: The Short Film — Taylor Swift

Best Pop Solo Performance

“Easy on Me” — Adele

“Moscow Mule” — Bad Bunny

“Woman” — Doja Cat

“Bad Habit” — Steve Lacy

“About Damn Time” — Lizzo

“As It Was” — Harry Styles

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

“Don’t Shut Me Down” — ABBA

“Bam Bam” — Camila Cabello feat. Ed Sheeran

“My Universe” — Coldplay & BTS

“I Like You (A Happier Song)” — Post Malone & Doja Cat

“Unholy” — Sam Smith & Kim Petras

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Higher — Michael Bublé

Best Pop Vocal Album

Voyage — ABBA

30 — Adele

Music of the Spheres — Coldplay

Special — Lizzo

Harry’s House — Harry Styles

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

“Break My Soul” — Beyoncé

Best Dance/Electronic Music Album

Renaissance — Beyoncé

Fragments — Bonobo

Diplo — Diplo

The Last Goodbye — Odesza

Surrender — Rüfüs Du Sol

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album

Between Dreaming and Joy — Jeff Coffin

Not Tight — Domi & JD Beck

Blooz — Grant Geissman

Jacob’s Ladder — Brad Mehldau

Empire Central — Snarky Puppy

Best Rock Performance

“Broken Horses” — Brandi Carlile

Best Metal Performance

“Degradation Rules” — Ozzy Osbourne feat. Tony Iommi

Best Instrumental Composition

“Refuge” — Geoffrey Keezer

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella

“Scrapple from the Apple” — John Beasley

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals

“Songbird (Orchestral Version)” — Vince Mendoza

Best Rap Performance

“The Heart Part 5” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Melodic Rap Performance

“Wait For U” — Future feat. Drake & Tems

Best Rap Song

“The Heart Part 5” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Rap Album

God Did — DJ Khaled

I Never Liked You — Future

Come Home the Kids Miss You — Jack Harlow

Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers — Kendrick Lamar

It’s Almost Dry — Pusha T

Best Latin Pop Album

Pasieros — Rubén Blades & Boca Livre

Best Música Urbana Album

Trap Cake, Vol. 2 — Rauw Alejandro

Un Verano Sin Ti — Bad Bunny

Legendaddy — Daddy Yankee

La 167 — Farruko

The Love & Sex Tape — Maluma

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

Motomami — Rosalía

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)

Un Canto Por México – El Musical — Natalia Lafourcade

Best Tropical Latin Album

Pa’lla Voy — Marc Anthony

Quiero Verte Feliz — La Santa Cecilia

Lado A Lado B — Víctor Manuelle

Legendario — Tito Nieves

Imágenes Latinas — Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Cumbiana II — Carlos Vives

Best American Roots Performance

“Someday It’ll All Make Sense” (Bluegrass Version) — Bill Anderson feat. Dolly Parton

“Life According to Raechel” — Madison Cunningham

“Oh Betty” — Fantastic Negrito

“Stompin’ Ground” — Aaron Neville with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band

“Prodigal Daughter” — Aoife O’Donovan & Allison Russell

Best Americana Performance

“Silver Moon” [A Tribute to Michael Nesmith] — Eric Alexandrakis

“There You Go Again” — Asleep at the Wheel feat. Lyle Lovett

“The Message” — Blind Boys of Alabama feat. Black Violin

“You and Me on the Rock” — Brandi Carlile feat. Lucius

“Made Up Mind” — Bonnie Raitt

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

Encanto

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television)

Encanto — Germaine Franco

Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök — Stephanie Economou

Best Song Written for Visual Media

“Be Alive (From King Richard)” — Beyoncé & Darius Scott Dixon

“Carolina (From Where the Crawdads Sing)” — Taylor Swift

“Hold My Hand (From Top Gun: Maverick)” — Lady Gaga & Bloodpop

“Keep Rising (The Woman King) (From The Woman King)” — Jessy Wilson, Angélique Kidjo, & Jeremy Lutito

“Nobody Like U (From Turning Red)” — Billie Eilish & Finneas O’Connell

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno (From Encanto)” — Lin-Manuel Miranda

Best Comedy Album

The Closer — Dave Chappelle

Comedy Monster — Jim Gaffigan

A Little Brains, A Little Talent — Randy Rainbow

Sorry — Louis CK

We All Scream — Patton Oswalt

Best Musical Theater Album

Caroline, or Change — John Cariani, Sharon D Clarke, Caissie Levy, & Samantha Williams, principal vocalists; Van Dean, Nigel Lilley, Lawrence Manchester, Elliot Scheiner, & Jeanine Tesori, producers; Jeanine Tesori, composer; Tony Kushner, lyricist (New Broadway Cast)

Into the Woods (2022 Broadway Cast Recording) — Sara Bareilles, Brian d’Arcy James, Patina Miller & Phillipa Soo, principal vocalists; Rob Berman & Sean Patrick Flahaven, producers (Stephen Sondheim, composer & lyricist) (2022 Broadway Cast)

MJ the Musical — Myles Frost & Tavon Olds-Sample, principal vocalists; David Holcenberg, Derik Lee, & Jason Michael Webb, producers (Original Broadway Cast)

Mr. Saturday Night — Shoshana Bean, Billy Crystal, Randy Graff, & David Paymer, principal vocalists; Jason Robert Brown, Sean Patrick Flahaven, & Jeffrey Lesser, producers; Jason Robert Brown, composer; Amanda Green, lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)

Six: Live on Opening Night — Joe Beighton, Tom Curran, Sam Featherstone, Paul Gatehouse, Toby Marlow, & Lucy Moss, producers; Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)

A Strange Loop — Jaquel Spivey, principal vocalist; Michael Croiter, Michael R. Jackson, Charlie Rosen, & Rona Siddiqui, producers; Michael R. Jackson, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)

Best R&B Performance

“Hrs & Hrs” — Muni Long

Best Traditional R&B Performance

“Plastic Off the Sofa” — Beyoncé

Best R&B Song

“Cuff It” — Beyoncé

“Good Morning Gorgeous” — Mary J. Blige

“Hrs & Hrs” — Muni Long

“Hurt Me So Good” — Jazmine Sullivan

“Please Don’t Walk Away” — PJ Morton

Best Progressive R&B Album

Gemini Rights — Steve Lacy

Best R&B Album

Black Radio III — Robert Glasper

Best Music Film

Adele One Night Only — Adele

Our World — Justin Bieber

Billie Eilish Live at the O2 — Billie Eilish

Motomami (Rosalía TikTok Live Performance) — Rosalía

Jazz Fest: a New Orleans Story — Various Artists

A Band, A Brotherhood, A Barn — Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Best Alternative Music Performance

“Chaise Longue” — Wet Leg

Best Alternative Music Album

WE — Arcade Fire

Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You — Big Thief

Fossora — Björk

WINNER: Wet Leg — Wet Leg

Cool It Down — Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Best Rock Song

“Black Summer” — Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Blackout” — Turnstile

WINNER: “Broken Horses” — Brandi Carlile

“Harmonia’s Dream” — The War on Drugs

“Patient Number 9” — Ozzy Osbourne feat. Jeff Beck

Best Country Solo Performance

“Heartfirst” — Kelsea Ballerini

“Something in the Orange” — Zach Bryan

“In His Arms” — Miranda Lambert

“Circles Around This Town” — Maren Morris

WINNER: “Live Forever” — Willie Nelson

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

“Wishful Drinking” — Ingrid Andress & Sam Hunt

“Midnight Rider’s Prayer” — Brothers Osborne

“Outrunnin’ Your Memory” — Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert

“Does He Love You – Revisited” — Reba McEntire & Dolly Parton

WINNER: “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” — Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde

“Going Where the Lonely Go” — Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Best Country Song

“Circles Around This Town” — Ryan Hurd, Julia Michaels, Maren Morris, & Jimmy Robbins, songwriters (Maren Morris)

“Doin’ This” — Luke Combs, Drew Parker, & Robert Williford, songwriters (Luke Combs)

“I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” — Lori McKenna & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

“If I Was A Cowboy” — Jesse Frasure & Miranda Lambert, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)

“I’ll Love You Till The Day I Die” — Rodney Crowell & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Willie Nelson)

WINNER: “‘Til You Can’t” — Matt Rogers & Ben Stennis, songwriters (Cody Johnson)

Best Country Album

Growin’ Up — Luke Combs

Palomino — Miranda Lambert

Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville — Ashley McBryde

Humble Quest — Maren Morris

A Beautiful Time — Willie Nelson

Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album

Positano Songs — Will Ackerman

Joy — Paul Avgerinos

Mantra Americana — Madi Das & Dave Stringer with Bhakti Without Borders

The Passenger — Cheryl B. Engelhardt

WINNER: Mystic Mirror — White Sun

Best Improvised Jazz Solo

“Rounds (Live)” — Ambrose Akinmusire, soloist

“Keep Holding On” — Gerald Albright, soloist

“Falling” — Melissa Aldana, soloist

“Call of the Drum” — Marcus Baylor, soloist

“Cherokee/Koko” — John Beasley, soloist

WINNER: “Endangered Species” — Wayne Shorter & Leo Genovese, soloist

Best Jazz Vocal Album

The Evening : Live at APPARATUS — The Baylor Project

WINNER: Linger Awhile — Samara Joy

Fade to Black — Carmen Lundy

Fifty — The Manhattan Transfer with the WDR Funkhausorchester

Ghost Song — Cécile McLorin Salvant

Best Jazz Instrumental Album

WINNER: New Standards Vol. 1 — Terri Lyne Carrington, Kris Davis, Linda May Han Oh, Nicholas Payton, & Matthew Stevens

Live In Italy — Peter Erskine Trio

LongGone — Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Brian Blade

Live at the Detroit Jazz Festival — Wayne Shorter, Terri Lyne Carrington, Leo Genovese & Esperanza Spalding

Parallel Motion — Yellowjackets

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

Bird Lives — John Beasley, Magnus Lindgren & SWR Big Band

Remembering Bob Freedman — Ron Carter & the Jazzaar Festival Big Band Directed by Christian Jacob

WINNER: Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra — Steven Feifke, Bijon Watson, Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra

Center Stage — Steve Gadd, Eddie Gomez, Ronnie Cuber, & WDR Big Band Conducted by Michael Abene

Architecture of Storms — Remy Le Boeuf’s Assembly of Shadows

Best Latin Jazz Album

Fandango at the Wall in New York — Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra feat. the Congra Patria Son Jarocho Collective

Crisálida — Danilo Pérez feat. the Global Messengers

If You Will — Flora Purim

Rhythm & Soul — Arturo Sandoval

Música De Las Américas — Miguel Zenón

Best Gospel Performance/Song

“Positive” — Erica Campbell; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, & Juan Winans, songwriters

“When I Pray” — Doe; Dominique Jones & Dewitt Jones, songwriters

“Kingdom” — Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore, & Jacob Poole, songwriters

“The Better Benediction” — PJ Morton featuring Zacardi Cortez, Gene Moore, Samoht, Tim Rogers, & Darrel Walls; PJ Morton, songwriter

“Get Up” — Tye Tribbett; Brandon Jones, Christopher Michael Stevens, Thaddaeus Tribbett, & Tye Tribbett, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“God Really Loves Us (Radio Version)” — Crowder feat. Dante Bowe and Maverick City Music; Dante Bowe, David Crowder, Ben Glover, & Jeff Sojka, songwriter

“So Good” — Doe; Chuck Butler, Dominique Jones, & Ethan Hulse, songwriters

“For God Is With Us” — For King & Country & Hillary Scott; Josh Kerr, Jordan Reynolds, Joel Smallbone, & Luke Smallbone, songwriters

“Fear Is Not My Future” — Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, Nicole Hannel, Jonathan Jay, Brandon Lake, & Hannah Shackelford, songwriters

“Holy Forever” — Chris Tomlin; Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Chris Tomlin, & Phil Wickham, songwriters

“Hymn of Heaven (Radio Version)” — Phil Wickham; Chris Davenport, Bill Johnson, Brian Johnson, & Phil Wickham, songwriters

Best Gospel Album

Die to Live — Maranda Curtis

Breakthrough: The Exodus (Live) — Ricky Dillard

Clarity — Doe

One Deluxe — Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin

All Things New — Tye Tribbett

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Lion — Elevation Worship

Breathe — Maverick City Music

Life After Death — TobyMac

Always — Chris Tomlin

My Jesus — Anne Wilson

Best Roots Gospel Album

Let’s Just Praise the Lord — Gaither Vocal Band

Confessio – Irish American Roots — Keith & Kristyn Getty

The Willie Nelson Family — Willie Nelson

2:22 — Karen Peck & New River

The Urban Hymnal — Tennessee State University Marching Band

Best American Roots Song

“Bright Star” — Anaïs Mitchell

“Forever” — Sheryl Crow

“High and Lonesome” — Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

“Just Like That” — Bonnie Raitt

“Prodigal Daughter” — Aoife O’Donovan & Allison Russell

“You and Me on the Rock” — Brandi Carlile feat. Lucius

Best Americana Album

In These Silent Days — Brandi Carlile

Things Happen That Way — Dr. John

Good to Be… — Keb’ Mo’

Raise the Roof — Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Just Like That… — Bonnie Raitt

Best Bluegrass Album

Toward the Fray — The Infamous Stringdusters

Almost Proud — The Del McCoury Band

Calling You From My Mountain — Peter Rowan

Crooked Tree — Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Get Yourself Outside — Yonder Mountain String Band

Best Traditional Blues Album

Heavy Load Blues — Gov’t Mule

The Blues Don’t Lie — Buddy Guy

Get on Board — Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder

The Sun Is Shining Down — John Mayall

Mississippi Son — Charlie Musselwhite

Best Contemporary Blues Album

Done Come Too Far — Shemekia Copeland

Crown — Eric Gales

Bloodline Maintenance — Ben Harper

Set Sail — North Mississippi Allstars

Brother Johnny — Edgar Winter

Best Folk Album

Spellbound — Judy Collins

Revealer — Madison Cunningham

The Light at the End of the Line — Janis Ian

Age of Apathy — Aoife O’Donovan

Hell on Church Street — Punch Brothers

Best Regional Roots Music Album

Full Circle — Sean Ardoin and Kreole Rock and Soul feat. LSU Golden Band from Tigerland

Natalie Noelani — Natalie Ai Kamauu

Halau Hula Keali’i O Nalani (Live at the Getty Center) — Halau Hula Keali’i O Nalani

Lucky Man — Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas

Live at the 2022 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — Ranky Tanky

Best Reggae Album

WINNER: The Kalling — Kabaka Pyramid

Gifted — Koffee

Scorcha — Sean Paul

Third Time’s the Charm — Protoje

Com Fly Wid Mi — Shaggy

Best Global Music Performance

“Udhero Na” — Arooj Aftab & Anoushka Shankar

“Gimme Love” — Matt B & Eddy Kenzo

“Last Last” — Burna Boy

“Neva Bow Down” — Rocky Dawuni feat. Blvk H3ro

WINNER: “Bayethe” — Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini, & Nomcebo Zikode

Best Global Music Album

Shuruaat — Berklee Indian Ensemble

Love, Damini — Burna Boy

Queen of Sheba — Angélique Kidjo & Ibrahim Maalouf

Between Us… (Live) — Anoushka Shankar, Metropole Orkest, & Jules Buckley feat. Manu Delago

WINNER: Sakura — Masa Takumi

Best Children’s Music Album

Into the Little Blue House — Wendy and DB

Los Fabulosos — Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

WINNER: The Movement — Alphabet Rockers

Ready Set Go! — Divinity Roxx

Space Cadet — Justin Roberts

Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

Black Men Are Precious — Ethelbert Miller

Call Us What We Carry: Poems — Amanda Gorman

Hiding in Plain View — Malcolm-Jamal Warner

The Poet Who Sat by the Door — J. Ivy

You Will Be Someone’s Ancestor. Act Accordingly. — Amir Sulaiman

Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording

Act Like You Got Some Sense — Jamie Foxx

All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks — Mel Brooks

Aristotle and Dante Dive Into The Waters of the World — Lin-Manuel Miranda

WINNER: Finding Me — Viola Davis

Music Is History — Questlove

Best Recording Package

WINNER: Beginningless Beginning — Chun-Tien Hsia & Qing-Yang Xiao, art directors (Tamsui-Kavalan Chinese Orchestra)

Divers — William Stichter, art director (Soporus)

Everything Was Beautiful — Mark Farrow, art director (Spiritualized)

Telos — Ming Liu, art director (Fann)

Voyeurist — Tnsn Dvsn, art director (Underoath)

Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package

Artists Inspired by Music: Interscope Reimagined — Josh Abraham, Steve Berman, Jimmy Iovine, John Janick, & Jason Sangerman, art directors (Various Artists)

Big Mess — Berit Gwendolyn Gilma, art director (Danny Elfman)

Black Pumas (Collector’s Edition Box Set) — Jenna Krackenberger, Anna McCaleb, & Preacher, art directors (Black Pumas)

Book — Paul Sahre, art director (They Might Be Giants)

WINNER: In and Out of the Garden: Madison Square Garden ’81 ’82 ’83 — Lisa Glines, Doran Tyson. & Dave Van Patten, art directors (The Grateful Dead)

Best Album Notes

The American Clavé Recordings — Fernando González, album notes writer (Astor Piazzolla)

Andy Irvine & Paul Brady — Gareth Murphy, album notes writer (Andy Irvine & Paul Brady)

Harry Partch, 1942 — John Schneider, album notes writer (Harry Partch)

Life’s Work: A Retrospective — Ted Olson, album notes writer (Doc Watson)

WINNER: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition) — Bob Mehr, album notes writer (Wilco)

Best Historical Album

Against the Odds: 1974-1982 — Tommy Manzi, Steve Rosenthal, & Ken Shipley, compilation producers; Michael Graves, mastering engineer; Tom Camuso, restoration engineer (Blondie)

The Goldberg Variations – The Complete Unreleased 1981 Studio Sessions — Robert Russ, compilation producer; Martin Kistner, mastering engineer (Glenn Gould)

Life’s Work: A Retrospective — Scott Billington, Ted Olson, & Mason Williams, compilation producers; Paul Blakemore, mastering engineer (Doc Watson)

To Whom It May Concern… — Jonathan Sklute, compilation producer; Kevin Marques Moo, mastering engineer (Freestyle Fellowship)

WINNER: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition) — Cheryl Pawelski & Jeff Tweedy, compilation producers; Bob Ludwig, mastering engineer (Wilco)

Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical

Amy Allen

Nija Charles

Tobias Jesso Jr.

The-Dream

Laura Veltz

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

Adolescence — George Nicholas & Ryan Schwabe, engineers; Ryan Schwabe, mastering engineer (Baynk)

Black Radio III — Daniel Farris, Tiffany Gouché, Keith Lewis, Musiq Soulchild, Reginald Nicholas, Q-Tip, Amir Sulaiman, Michael Law Thomas, & Jon Zacks, engineers; Chris Athens, mastering engineer (Robert Glasper)

Chloë and the Next 20th Century — Dave Cerminara & Jonathan Wilson, engineers; Adam Ayan, mastering engineer (Father John Misty

WINNER: Harry’s House — Jeremy Hatcher, Oli Jacobs, Nick Lobel, Mark “Spike” Stent & Sammy Witte, engineers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer (Harry Styles)

Wet Leg — Jon McMullen, Joshua Mobaraki, Alan Moulder, & Alexis Smith, engineers; Matt Colton, mastering engineer (Wet Leg)

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

Jack Antonoff

Dan Auerbach

Boi-1da

Dahi

Dernst “D’mile” Emile II

Best Remixed Recording

WINNER: “About Damn Time (Purple Disco Machine Remix)” — Purple Disco Machine, remixer (Lizzo)

“Break My Soul (Terry Hunter Remix)” — Terry Hunter, remixer (Beyoncé)

Easy Lover (Four Tet Remix)” — Four Tet, remixer (Ellie Goulding)

“Slow Song (Paul Woolford Remix)” — Paul Woolford, remixer (The Knocks & Dragonette)

“Too Late Now (Soulwax Remix)” — Soulwax, remixers (Wet Leg)

Best Immersive Audio Album

Aguilera — Jaycen Joshua, immersive mix engineer; Jaycen Joshua, immersive mastering engineer (Christina Aguilera)

WINNER: Divine Tides — Eric Schilling, immersive mix engineer; Stewart Copeland, Ricky Kej, & Herbert Waltl, immersive producers (Stewart Copeland & Ricky Kej)

Memories…Do Not Open — Mike Piacentini, immersive mix engineer; Mike Piacentini, immersive mastering engineer; Adam Alpert, Alex Pall, Jordan Stilwell, & Andrew Taggart, immersive producers (The Chainsmokers)

Picturing the Invisible – Focus 1 — Jim Anderson, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, & Ulrike Schwarz, immersive mastering engineers; Jane Ira Bloom & Ulrike Schwarz, immersive producers (Jane Ira Bloom)

Tuvayhun – Beatitudes for a Wounded World — Morten Lindberg, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive mastering engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive producer (Nidarosdomens Jentekor & Trondheimsolistene)

Best Engineered Album, Classical

Bates: Philharmonia Fantastique – The Making of the Orchestra — Shawn Murphy, Charlie Post, & Gary Rydstrom, engineers; Michael Romanowski, mastering engineer (Edwin Outwater & Chicago Symphony Orchestra)

Beethoven: Symphony No. 6; Stucky: Silent Spring — Mark Donahue, engineer; Mark Donahue, mastering engineer (Manfred Honeck & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

Perspectives — Jonathan Lackey, Bill Maylone, & Dan Nichols, engineers; Joe Lambert, mastering engineer (Third Coast Percussion)

Tuvayhun – Beatitudes for a Wounded World — Morten Lindberg, engineer; Morten Lindberg, mastering engineer (Anita Brevik, Nidarosdomens Jentekor & Trondheimsolistene)

Williams: Violin Concerto No. 2 & Selected Film Themes — Bernhard Güttler, Shawn Murphy, & Nick Squire, engineers; Christoph Stickel, mastering engineer (Anne-Sophie Mutter, John Williams & Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Producer of the Year, Classical

Jonathan Allen

Christoph Franke

James Ginsburg

Elaine Martone

Judith Sherman

Best Orchestral Performance

“Adams, John Luther: Sila – The Breath of the World” — Doug Perkins, conductor (Musicians of the University of Michigan Department of Chamber Music & University of Michigan Percussion Ensemble)

“Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 7-9” — Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Los Angeles Philharmonic)

“Eastman: Stay on It” — Christopher Rountree, conductor (Wild Up)

“John Williams – The Berlin Concert” — John Williams, conductor (Berliner Philharmoniker)

“Works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman” — Michael Repper, conductor (New York Youth Symphony)

Best Opera Recording

Aucoin: “Eurydice” — Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Barry Banks, Nathan Berg, Joshua Hopkins, Erin Morley & Jakub Józef Orliński; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus)

Blanchard: “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” — Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Angel Blue, Will Liverman, Latonia Moore, & Walter Russell III; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus)

“Davis: X – The Life and Times f Malcolm X” — Gil Rose, conductor; Ronnita Miller, Whitney Morrison, Victor Robertson, & Davóne Tines; Gil Rose, producer (Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Odyssey Opera Chorus)

Best Choral Performance

Bach: “St. John Passion”— John Eliot Gardiner, conductor (English Baroque Soloists; Monteverdi Choir)

“Born” — Donald Nally, conductor (Dominic German, Maren Montalbano, Rebecca Myers, & James Reese; The Crossing)

Verdi: “Requiem – The Met Remembers 9/11” — Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Donald Palumbo, chorus master (Michelle DeYoung, Eric Owens, Ailyn Pérez, & Matthew Polenzani; The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus)

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance

Beethoven: “Complete String Quartets, Volume 2 – The Middle Quartets” — Dover Quartet

“Musical Remembrances” — Neave Trio

“Perspectives” — Third Coast Percussion

Shaw: :Evergreen” — Attacca Quartet

“What Is American” — PUBLIQuartet

Best Classical Instrumental Solo

Abels: “Isolation Variation” — Hilary Hahn

Bach: “The Art of Life” — Daniil Trifonov

Beethoven: “Diabelli Variations” — Mitsuko Uchida

“Letters for the Future” — Time for Three; Xian Zhang, conductor (The Philadelphia Orchestra)

“A Night in Upper Town – The Music of Zoran Krajacic” — Mak Grgić

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album

Eden — Joyce DiDonato, soloist; Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor (Il Pomo D’Oro)

How Do I Find You — Sasha Cooke, soloist; Kirill Kuzmin, pianist

Okpebholo: Lord, How Come Me Here? — Will Liverman, soloist; Paul Sánchez, pianist (J’Nai Bridges & Caen Thomason-Redus)

Stranger – Works for Tenor by Nico Muhly — Nicholas Phan, soloist (Eric Jacobson; Brooklyn Rider & the Knights; Reginald Mobley)

Voice of Nature – The Anthropocene — Renée Fleming, soloist; Yannick Nézet-Séguin, pianist

Best Classical Compendium

An Adoption Story — Starr Parodi & Kitt Wakeley; Jeff Fair, Starr Parodi & Kitt Wakeley, producers

Aspire —JP Jofre & Seunghee Lee; Enrico Fagone, conductor; Jonathan Allen, producer

A Concert for Ukraine — Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; David Frost, producer

The Lost Birds — Voces8; Barnaby Smith & Christopher Tin, conductors; Sean Patrick Flahaven & Christopher Tin, producers

Best Contemporary Classical Composition

Akiho: “Ligneous Suite” — Andy Akiho, composer (Ian Rosenbaum & Dover Quartet)

Bermel: “Intonations” — Derek Bermel, composer (Jack Quartet)

Gubaidulina: “The Wrath of God” — Sofia Gubaidulina, composer (Andris Nelsons & Gewandhausorchester

Puts: “Contact” — Kevin Puts, composer (Xian Zhang, Time for Three & the Philadelphia Orchestra)

Simon: “Requiem for the Enslaved” — Carlos Simon, composer (Carlos Simon, MK Zulu, Marco Pavé, & Hub New Music)

Best Rock Album

Dropout Boogie by The Black Keys

The Boy Named If by Elvis Costello and the Impersonators

Crawler by Idles

Mainstream Sellout by Machine Gun Kelly

WINNER: Patient Number 9 by Ozzy Osbourne

Lucifer on the Sofa by Spoon