The Grammys Album Of The Year Race Is Apparently Just 'Olivia vs. Olivia' — And Taylor, Harry And Bruno Are Not Invited

Grammy season is revving up, and the plot twist is SERIOUS: the big-name juggernauts might not be the main characters this year.

According to The Hollywood Reporter's latest predictions, the album of the year race "may come down to the two Olivias": Rodrigo and Dean. Yes, really.

Quick note: these are one critic's predictions, not official nominations. The real finalists haven't been announced yet, so grab your salt shaker.

The Tea ☕

• THR's Alan Light says Olivia Rodrigo and Olivia Dean are "in pole position" for the top prizes.
• Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Bruno Mars all released albums this year, but THR says none feels like a frontrunner.
• Country is dominating the charts, but the Grammys have historically side-eyed it for the big awards.

Olivia vs. Olivia

Both are previous best new artist winners, and both are beloved across genres. THR calls them the acts to beat in a year when no single artist is likely to sweep.

Rodrigo's You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love is the New Wave-flavored, younger-skewing pick. It tracks a relationship from beginning to middle to end, and THR gives it a slight edge for being a true start-to-finish "album." It came out in June, so recency could help.

Dean's The Art of Loving leans R&B and a more mature audience. Her case is longevity: it's still in the top 10 after a full year. Her breezy "Man I Need" is flagged as a favorite for record of the year.

So What Happened To Taylor, Harry And Bruno?

Here's where it gets spicy. THR points out these are three past album of the year winners, yet none is carrying big awards-season momentum.

• Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl was the fastest-selling album of all time, per THR, but it didn't land the same way critically. The smart money says she splits her bets: "The Fate of Ophelia" for record, "I Knew It, I Knew You" (from the Toy Story 5 soundtrack) for song. THR also notes her focus seems set on an Oscar for that one.
• Harry Styles: THR calls him the "odd man out." His bold Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. was tougher for fans, and the album sank quickly on the charts, even as he plays a 30-night Madison Square Garden run.
• Bruno Mars: The Romantic and "I Just Might" did well, but THR says the sin was being "too predictable." Still likely to get nominated, though.

The Country Question

For the first time ever, the top five spots on the singles chart were all country songs in September. Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" even set the record for longest stay at No. 1.

THR calls Langley a lock for best new artist, but notes the Academy has rarely handed country the big album prize. Only Swift's Fearless and Glen Campbell's 1968 album count as "mainstream" country winners.

Who's Missing

The boycott corner is getting crowded. THR says Morgan Wallen and Drake are still sitting out the Grammys, and BTS didn't submit their album Arirang to protest a new K-pop category.

Other names THR tips for nominations:

• Raye, whose "Where Is My Husband!" is a record of the year contender
• Noah Kahan
• Rosalía, whose Lux is a critical favorite
• Phoebe Bridgers
• Madonna, whose Confessions II was praised as her strongest in 20 years

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter

Okay, vote time: Team Olivia Rodrigo or Team Olivia Dean for album of the year? And should Taylor and Harry be worried? Sound off below.