For the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards, the R&B categories are heating up with a strong pool of contenders. Here’s a breakdown of the top predictions for Best R&B Performance, Best R&B Song, and Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Best R&B Performance
This category honors vocal performances that define the current sound of R&B. Coco Jones, the reigning champion with “ICU,” is once again in the spotlight with two tracks, though she’ll only be able to compete with one: either her solo single “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” or her feature on BJ the Chicago Kid’s “Spend the Night.” Usher, a Grammy veteran, also has multiple tracks in the running, including his duet with H.E.R. on “Risk It All” and Victoria Monét’s “SOS (Sex on Sight).” H.E.R. herself is another powerhouse, with a strong chance through her work on “Risk It All.” Other previous winners like Corinne Bailey Rae and Lalah Hathaway are in contention with their respective tracks “Fly Away” and “So in Love,” and Muni Long is looking for back-to-back wins with her live rendition of “Made for Me.”
Fearless Predictions:
“SOS (Sex On Sight)” (Victoria Monét & Usher)
“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” (Coco Jones)
“Risk It All” (H.E.R. & Usher)
“Made for Me (Live)” (Muni Long)
“Saturn” (SZA)
Best R&B Song
This category rewards songwriting, and the nominations often differ from those in the performance category. SZA, last year’s winner with “Snooze,” is back with “Saturn,” while Beyoncé might return with her co-written “Tyrant.” Muni Long’s “Ruined Me” and Tinashe’s “Nasty” are also strong contenders. Lucky Daye and Bruno Mars could enter with “That’s You,” which is both a chart success and a masterclass in songwriting.
Fearless Predictions:
“Saturn” (SZA)
“Because I Love You” (Halle)
“That’s You” (Lucky Daye)
“Nasty” (Tinashe)
“Tyrant” (Beyoncé & Dolly Parton)
Best Traditional R&B Performance
The traditional R&B performance category highlights songs that adhere to the classic sounds of the genre. Lalah Hathaway is vying for her fourth win with “No Lie,” a duet with Michael McDonald. Muni Long’s “Make Me Forget,” which topped the Adult R&B Airplay chart, is a strong contender. Meanwhile, collaborations like Eric Benét & Tamar Braxton’s “Something We Can Make Love To” and Chlöe & Ty Dolla $ign’s “Might As Well” keep the tradition alive.
Fearless Predictions:
“No Lie” (Lalah Hathaway & Michael McDonald)
“Something We Can Make Love To” (Eric Benét & Tamar Braxton)
“Make Me Forget” (Muni Long)
“Might As Well” (Chlöe & Ty Dolla $ign)
“I Found You” (PJ Morton)
With fierce competition, these Grammy categories will be exciting to watch, as veteran artists and rising stars alike compete for R&B’s top honors.
