The Midnights Win

The Midnights Win! Did Grammy just push Taylor Swift to (Her)story?

As a devoted fan of Taylor Swift, being a Swiftie is not just about enjoying her music. It's about understanding her journey, artistry, and impact on the music industry which has paved the way for new and upcoming artists such as Olivia Rodrigo. However, even as a loyal Swiftie, there are moments when the glitz and glamour of award ceremonies like the Grammys can leave us questioning their validity.

Recent controversy surrounds the Grammy Awards, notably the Album of the Year win for "Midnight." Although the win has crowned her the artist with the most Grammy for Album of the Year, it has also sparked heated discussions among Swifties and watchers alike. While the Grammys are touted as the summit of recognition in the music world, there's a persisting sense of unease when an album like "Midnight" takes home the highest honour. Although the album gave us some great hits like “Anti-Hero”; it did not stand out when compared to some of her previous albums or the night’s other nominations, like SZA’s SOS and Lana Del Rey’s Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under the Ocean Blvd.

Who Decides the Winners at the Grammys? 

For those who do not know, the Grammy Awards are decided by a panel of industry insiders, the Recording Academy. They are tasked with recognising excellence in music. But are they truly representative of the diverse landscape of music? Many argue that the voting process is skewed towards mainstream genres like pop and rock, often overlooking the nuances and innovations found in other genres.

In recent years, artists like Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift have dominated the Grammy stage, raising questions about whether their success truly reflects the quality of their music. While both artists have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the industry, there's a debate about whether their wins are primarily driven by commercial success rather than artistic merit.

Taylor Swift at the Grammys

Taylor Swift, however, stands out as a beacon of artistic integrity amidst the Grammy controversy. With 11 Grammy wins, including three Album of the Year awards, Swift's impact on the music industry is undeniable. From her early country roots to her evolution into a pop powerhouse, Swift has consistently pushed the boundaries of her craft, delivering albums that resonate with fans on a profound level. A few of my absolute favourites would be "Red" and "Folklore", with soulful lyrics and folk and chamber pop experimental.

Yet, despite her accolades and unwavering fanbase, Swifties feel dissatisfied when her previous albums like "Folklore" or "Evermore"  were seemingly overshadowed in the past years by more commercially driven projects at award ceremonies. "Folklore," in particular, departed from Swift's signature pop sound, showcasing her song writing prowess in a more reflective and stripped-down manner.  

As Swifties, we believe in celebrating our queen's achievements. Still, we strive for a more equitable recognition of artistic merit within the music industry. While the Grammys serve as a platform for honouring excellence, there is no denying a better panel system is necessary to ensure that all genres and artists are considered equally.

An Undying Legacy

So, while the Grammy Awards may have flaws, Taylor Swift's legacy as the undisputed pop queen remains untarnished. Surpassing legends like Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon, Taylor Swift has made history with her 2024 Grammy win. But does that win feel right? As Swifties, though we stand by her side, championing her artistry, we also advocate for a more inclusive and transparent music industry. Therefore, while we may have reservations about certain Grammy decisions, our love for Taylor Swift and her music stands.