Taylor Swift has publicly criticized the recent Grammy nominations she and Gracie Abrams received, especially after their song Us was nominated in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category at the 2025 Grammy Awards. During a concert in Toronto as part of her Eras Tour, Swift expressed her frustration and disappointment regarding how the nominations were handled.
Taylor Swift’s Emotional Reaction to Us Nomination
While interacting with the audience, Taylor opened up about her intense emotions upon hearing that Us, a song she co-wrote with Gracie Abrams, had been nominated. “We couldn’t even speak when we found out. It was just pure screaming. It wasn’t excitement; it was an emotional outburst,” Swift confessed. “Honestly, no one could have imagined what we felt. It was like a mental shock.”
While many artists might celebrate such a nomination, Swift couldn’t hide her irritation about the fierce competition from well-known names in the same category. “We don’t feel like this is a fair recognition. Competing against well-established names in this category is really a challenge, and it’s not something we can easily overcome,” she added, subtly criticizing the Grammy process and its treatment of newer artists like herself and Gracie.
Reflecting on the Creation of Us
Along with her critique of the Grammy nominations, Swift also recalled the memorable moments she and Gracie shared while writing Us. The two faced an unexpected mishap during their creative process when a candle in Taylor’s kitchen fell over and caused a fire. Despite the tense situation, Swift quickly put out the flames, and the incident only seemed to strengthen the bond between the two artists. “We’ve overcome many challenges, not just in music but in life. Looking back, though, I can say we’ve faced injustice even during moments that should’ve been joyous,” Swift said, her voice tinged with bitterness.
While Gracie Abrams, who also opened for Taylor during the Eras Tour and co-wrote Us, didn’t openly criticize the nominations like Swift, she did share her surprise and disbelief over how their work was being received. “When we heard about the nomination, it felt like we were in a movie. It was a very strange feeling—kind of unfair,” Gracie shared, echoing Taylor’s sentiment that their achievements weren’t being properly acknowledged.
Taylor Swift’s Upcoming Grammy Buzz
Despite the fierce competition and the controversy surrounding the Grammy nominations, Taylor Swift made sure to express her gratitude to the fans who made Us one of the most beloved hits of the year. Throughout the concert, Taylor and Gracie performed a reimagined version of Taylor’s 2014 hit Out of the Woods, emphasizing their connection with the audience and showing appreciation for their support.
In addition to the ongoing Grammy nominations controversy, Taylor Swift is drawing significant attention with her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department. Swift is considered a top contender for Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards, with several high-profile nominations. This album, along with the success of Us, has led to predictions that she could secure another Grammy victory. Despite her impressive track record, it’s clear that Taylor Swift remains unsatisfied with how the Grammy Awards assess her and her collaborators’ contributions to music.
