Inside the Grammy Awards- Do Featured Artists Deserve to Win Album of the Year-
Do featured artists get Grammys for Album of the Year?
In the world of music, collaborations between artists have become increasingly common, leading to a rise in featured artists on albums. However, the question of whether featured artists should receive Grammys for Album of the Year has sparked a heated debate. This article delves into the topic, exploring the criteria for eligibility and the implications of recognizing featured artists in this prestigious category.
Eligibility Criteria for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year
The Grammy Award for Album of the Year is one of the most coveted honors in the music industry. To be eligible for this award, an album must meet specific criteria. According to the Recording Academy, the album must consist of at least 51% newly recorded music. This means that if a featured artist contributes significantly to the album, their contributions should be considered in the eligibility process.
Should Featured Artists Be Recognized for Album of the Year?
The argument for recognizing featured artists in the Album of the Year category is that their contributions are crucial to the overall success of the album. In many cases, featured artists bring a unique perspective or skill set that enhances the overall sound of the album. By acknowledging their contributions, the Grammy Awards can highlight the importance of collaboration in music.
On the other hand, some argue that the Album of the Year category should only recognize the primary artist or artists responsible for the album’s creation. They believe that featuring another artist on a track does not necessarily warrant inclusion in the Album of the Year category, as the primary artist’s vision and direction should be the focal point.
Case Studies and Examples
To better understand the debate, let’s look at some case studies and examples. For instance, in the 2018 Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar’s album “DAMN.” won Album of the Year. The album featured several guest artists, including SZA, Travis Scott, and others. Despite the contributions of these featured artists, the award went to Kendrick Lamar, as he was considered the primary artist.
Another example is the 2016 Grammy Awards, where Beyoncé’s self-titled album won Album of the Year. The album featured artists like Jack White and The-Dream, but the award was given to Beyoncé, as she was the primary artist and creative force behind the project.
Conclusion
The question of whether featured artists should get Grammys for Album of the Year is a complex one. While there are arguments on both sides, it ultimately comes down to the Recording Academy’s criteria and the vision of the primary artist. Recognizing featured artists can highlight the importance of collaboration in music, but it is crucial to maintain the focus on the primary artist’s creative direction. Only time will tell if the Grammy Awards will continue to evolve their criteria to accommodate the changing landscape of music collaborations.
