Overview of the 2018 Grammy Nominations
The 2018 Grammy nominations announced the contenders for the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, recognizing recordings released in the eligibility year. Administered by the Recording Academy, the nominations reflect peer voting across genre committees and field voting for general categories. This evergreen profile explains the key nominees, major categories, and how the process shapes the eventual winners without framing it as breaking news.
Eligibility Period and Submission Timeline
For the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, the eligibility period ran from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017. Record companies and members were required to submit entries by late August through early September 2017. The official nominations were unveiled in late November 2017, with the ceremony held in January 2018.
Major Categories and Nominees
Leading the field in major categories were Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran, and Bruno Mars. Lamar’s DAMN. album and its tracks received multiple nods, positioning him as a central figure in the narrative. Pop and R&B performers also featured prominently, reflecting the voting body’s broad tastes across contemporary music.
| Category | Notable Nominees | Record/Work |
|---|---|---|
| Record of the Year | Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar | Shape of You, That’s What I Like, Humble |
| Album of the Year | Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars | DAMN., ÷, 24K Magic |
| Song of the Year | Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, James Bay | Shape of You, That’s What I Like, Hold Back the River |
| Best New Artist | Khalid, Cardi B, Sam Hunt, Shy Glizzy | — |
Genre-Specific Recognition
Beyond the main categories, nominations spanned rock, country, jazz, classical, and Latin recordings. Committees evaluate genre-specific releases to ensure accurate representation of stylistic nuances, rewarding musicianship and production quality within each field.
How Nominations Are Determined
Nominations are decided by votes from Recording Academy members in relevant fields. Committees of industry professionals review submissions within each genre to propose nominees for their areas. General field categories, such as Record, Song, and Album of the Year, involve broader voting among all eligible members.
- Genre Committees: Review entries within assigned genres and submit nominations.
- Field Voting: Broader member participation for general categories.
- Final Ballots: All voting members may participate in selecting nominees across fields.
Impact of the 2018 Nominees on Careers
Being nominated for major categories often brings renewed exposure and commercial opportunities. For artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars, multiple nominations can amplify streaming and touring momentum. New Artist nominees may experience accelerated audience growth and label interest that extends beyond a single awards cycle.
Common Misconceptions About the Nomination Process
Not all chart-topping songs receive nominations; eligibility timing and committee evaluation matter. Additionally, nominations do not guarantee wins, as final voting rounds consider the same recordings. Recognizing the difference between nomination recognition and eventual awards helps interpret the true significance of the list.
Evergreen Takeaways
The 2018 Grammy nominations illustrate how peer-vetted recognition aligns with both critical acclaim and popular success. By reviewing the major categories and understanding the structured voting process, you can interpret how these nominations reflect industry priorities and how they may shape artists’ trajectories beyond the ceremony.