Do the Grammys still hold the same weight in the music world?
If you ask stan Twitter, the opinions are split—and fiery. Every winter, the Grammy Awards spark heated debates, stan wars, and celebrations. This year is no exception, as the nominations have ignited passionate reactions across social media.
Among the most talked-about categories is the prestigious Album of the Year, with nominees including Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Beyoncé, and Chappell Roan. Notably absent? Ariana Grande, whose omission has sent her fans into an uproar.
Ariana Grande Fans Slam Grammy Snub
Ariana Grande’s fanbase, the Arianators, dominated the discourse on X (formerly Twitter) after Eternal Sunshine was left out of the Album of the Year nominations. Many expressed their outrage at the Recording Academy for what they viewed as a glaring oversight.
“She was ROBBED!” one fan exclaimed. Another directly called out the Academy: “@RecordingAcad YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE JOKE.”
Some Arianators took aim at other nominees, criticizing their inclusion. Taylor Swift’s recent album was dismissed by one as “the tortured sht department,” while Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet was dubbed “short n’ sht.” Charli XCX wasn’t spared either, with accusations flying about her nomination being undeserved.
One fan alleged favoritism, accusing Swift of using “payola” to secure her nomination and insisting Grande’s album earned its place on merit. “It’s the only album to have multiple singles go #1 this year!” they argued.
Swifties Celebrate, Critics Roll Their Eyes
Taylor Swift’s fans, the Swifties, were thrilled with her six nominations, including a record-breaking seventh nod for Album of the Year. “She’s a legend, she’s an icon, and she’s the moment,” one fan tweeted.
But not everyone was as enthusiastic. “As a nation, we cannot handle another Album of the Year going to Miss Swift,” wrote one disgruntled user, capturing the fatigue some feel about her Grammy dominance.
Charli XCX Stans Rejoice
Meanwhile, Charli XCX fans celebrated her first-ever Album of the Year nomination for Brat. “Charli XCX going from marginalized gay niche icon to Grammy nominee is the pop story of the year,” one fan wrote.
Others praised the album’s cultural significance. “Brat achieved the rare trifecta: success, acclaim, AND cultural impact. This is the correct winner. Get it right for once,” another declared.
Beyoncé Fans Remain Skeptical
Beyoncé fans approached her nomination for Cowboy Carter with a mix of pride and skepticism. While the nod made her the most-nominated artist in Grammy history, many fans doubted she’d take home the award.
“We have to stop falling for this. They nominate her and then pay her dust,” one fan lamented. “This is not something to celebrate!”
Do the Grammys Still Matter?
The heated reactions reflect deeper questions about the Grammys’ purpose and credibility. Should an album win because of its chart success, cultural influence, or critical acclaim? While fans have their opinions, the Grammy voting process—shrouded in secrecy—has long been controversial.
Voting members often lack familiarity with all nominees, defaulting to popular choices. Moreover, the covert committee that reviews nominations and selects winners has faced accusations of bias and corruption.
Despite the recurring drama and criticism, the Grammys retain their pull. Fans want their favorite artists recognized, and the awards offer that validation—along with plenty of drama. For now, stan culture remains firmly entangled in the Grammy machine, even as the institution’s relevance continues to be debated.
4o
