If the Recording Academy is listening, Bill Maher has some ideas for new Grammy categories.
With the 67th annual Grammy Awards just days away, the comedian took a moment during the latest episode of HBO’s Real Time to suggest some new creative categories for music’s biggest night.
While the Grammys typically only air a handful of top categories during the televised ceremony, such as album, record and song of the year, dozens of more awards are handed out during a premiere ceremony earlier in the day.
“We’re very excited because we are the award kings out here and it is Grammys weekend,” the host quipped at the beginning of the segment. “And it’s going to be a great weekend.”
After sharing the actual names of some of the non-televised categories, Maher decided he would propose some new music categories that he brainstormed. Although, in all honesty, the Recording Academy probably won’t be taking Maher up on any of his ideas. Keep reading to see why…
- Most regrettable facial tattoo.
- Best Christian gospel album by a singer obviously in the closet.
- Delta blues artist of the year, non-blind.
- Best song that [Donald] Trump got sued for playing at his rallies.
- Best rap song featuring a siren that makes you think there’s a cop behind you.
- Best song that celebrates “losing control” by a singer who was actually eventually institutionalized.
- Least awful a cappella album.
- Best new age artist whose voice makes your dog tilt his head in confusion.
- Best hip-hop track calling out the haters, even though the haters have a point.
- Best song with fucked up lyrics that people still sing along to.
Though Maher may be disappointed his categories won’t make the cut, several real ones will be awarded on Sunday, including album of the year (André 3000, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Jacob Collier, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift are all nominated in the top category.)
The 2025 Grammys will air live on Sunday at 5 p.m. PT from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Trevor Noah will host for the fifth consecutive time. The Grammys premiere ceremony will stream live at 12:30 p.m. PT on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.
This week’s guests featured on Real Time were Peggy Noonan, Max Brooks and Dan Jones.
English (US) ·