GRAMMYS: Taylor and Kanye Last-Minute Nominees

The Grammys made a last-minute switch to nominations that specifically benefited Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Doja Cat and Lil Nas X.

Rather than eight nominees in the four major categories, the Grammys voted last Monday to increase the competition to 10. Those ninth and 10th nominations for Album of the Year went to Taylor Swift (evermore) and Kanye West (Donda).

The chief executive of the Recording Academy denied the change is intended to draw a larger TV audience. Harvey Mason said, (quote) “A thousand percent no. That was not a consideration. We wanted to embrace the spirit of inclusion.”

Had the Recording Academy not voted this way, Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” would not be nominated for Record of the Year, nor would Doja Cat have a nomination for “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA in the songwriting category. (New York Times)