Ariana Grande, one of the industry’s brightest stars, is notably absent from several high-stakes categories in the 2025 GRAMMY nominations, which has left fans stunned and sparked widespread debate.
The GRAMMYs announced their nominations for the 67th season on November 8, attracting global attention as fans and artists eagerly awaited this year’s contenders. Despite being a leading artist with her album Eternal Sunshine, Grande missed out on three of the four top categories, failing to secure spots in Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
A Surprising Turn of Events for Eternal Sunshine
Grande’s Eternal Sunshine had been widely predicted to be a strong contender. The album has received critical acclaim and commercial success, often praised for its blend of pop appeal without feeling overly commercial. Critics and fans alike found it surprising that, aside from Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (for The Boy Is Mine remix), and Best Pop Dance Recording (for Yes, and?), Grande’s work was largely overlooked in the major categories.
Adding to the disappointment, her music video for We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love) also missed out on a nomination for Best Music Video, further cementing her near-total absence from this year’s GRAMMY race.
Industry and Fan Reactions: A Major Shock and Stirring Debate
The lack of top-category nominations for Eternal Sunshine sparked an outpouring of frustration among fans. Many music critics and online commenters feel Grande’s snub is surprising, especially given her album’s strong performance both commercially and critically. Major music review sites have praised Eternal Sunshine with high scores, underscoring its blend of listenability and artistic integrity, which critics have celebrated for steering away from formulaic commercialism.
The general reaction online has been one of disappointment and confusion. Grande’s work has made her a fixture in the music industry, and many fans believed that Eternal Sunshine was one of her best releases yet, warranting a position in the major categories.
Ariana’s Silent Response: An ‘Unfollow’ Gesture?
Shortly after the GRAMMY nominations were revealed, fans noticed that Ariana Grande had quietly unfollowed the GRAMMYs’ official Instagram account, fueling rumors that she might be expressing disappointment in the organization. It remains unclear if this was a recent decision or if she had never followed the account at all. Still, the act has been widely interpreted as a sign of her dissatisfaction, especially given the high expectations surrounding Eternal Sunshine.
Adding to the speculation, Grande has refrained from sharing any statements or posts about the GRAMMYs on her social media profiles. Typically, artists show enthusiasm or gratitude upon receiving nominations, so her silence has added weight to the rumors of discontent.
The GRAMMYs and Grande: A Complicated Relationship
Grande’s history with the GRAMMYs has been somewhat turbulent. In the past, she has voiced frustrations over GRAMMY snubs and controversies, and this year’s exclusions may have amplified that strain. Though she remains one of the most celebrated artists in pop, the latest GRAMMY snub may signify a deepening rift between her and the Recording Academy.
What’s Next for Ariana Grande?
Although missing out on major GRAMMY nominations can be disappointing, Grande’s fans and critics know that her influence and talent extend far beyond award seasons. Her continued success, dedicated fan base, and artistic achievements ensure that Eternal Sunshine will be remembered, regardless of award recognition.
As for the future, it remains to be seen whether Grande will address the situation publicly. For now, fans and music lovers are left to wonder if her quiet “breakup” with the GRAMMYs is temporary—or a sign of a longer-lasting rift with the prestigious awards institution.
In the music industry, awards are a celebrated achievement, but for artists like Grande, creating meaningful music that resonates with fans can often be the ultimate reward. And with or without GRAMMYs, Ariana Grande continues to prove her undeniable impact on the world of pop.
