(Original Caption) Singer Madonna with her awards. (Photo by Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images)
Madonna solidified her status as a trailblazing icon long ago, as she has already left an undeniable mark on the world of pop culture. With seven Grammy wins and a staggering 28 nominations under her belt, her artistic talent and influence have been codified in gold.
That said, there has been a rather surprising and, to her fans, disappointing hiatus when it comes to her Grammy nominations. Madonna earned her last nod back in 2010. Despite her prolific output over the years, the Grammy spotlight has eluded her for more than a decade.
While Madonna’s legacy is firmly entrenched, the allure of awards cannot be denied, and even if she has plenty, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve more recognition. Could 2023 be the year that marks her triumphant return to the Grammy nominations?
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Madonna’s latest musical offerings have the potential to return her to the Grammys as a potential winner once again. Among her recent releases, two standout singles have emerged as potential contenders for the coveted accolade.
“Popular,” a collaboration with The Weeknd and Playboi Carti, presents a promising opportunity for Madonna’s Grammy revival. Penned and released alongside The Weeknd’s first television show The Idol, “Popular” made a notable mark on the charts, settling in just below the Hot 40 on the Hot 100. Its consistent presence on the chart—it has now spent nearly two months on that list—suggests a resilience that could translate to Grammy voters looking upon it favorably.
Depending on its submission and category selection, “Popular” could secure a place in the competitive fields of pop or R&B. It might be up for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, or perhaps Best R&B Performance.
Madonna’s single “Vulgar” with singer Sam Smith is another contender. While this track might not possess the same immediate Grammy allure as “Popular,” it shouldn’t be disregarded. Collaborations between two powerhouse artists have historically caught the attention of Grammy voters, and this one could do the same.
“Vulgar” could compete for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Dance/Electronic Recording or even the Grammy’s newest field, Best Pop Dance Recording, which will be introduced this year.
Madonna’s potential Grammy return is helped not only by her musical legacy but also on by past Grammy triumphs in the pop and dance verticals. A return to these fields could serve as a heartwarming nod to her storied career, demonstrating the Grammys’ appreciation for her enduring impact. She’s already been a favorite in those areas, so they seem like a good fit once again.
As the Grammy eligibility period for 2024 draws to a close on September 15, the music industry eagerly awaits the revelation of nominees in November. That moment could become one for celebration for Madonna and countless other artists, as they discover whether their recent artistic endeavors have garnered the coveted Grammy recognition.
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