Stephen Thompson on the biggest surprises, trends and questions to be found in the Grammy nominations, plus the most interesting stories to be found beyond the major categories.

The Grammy nominations were announced last week. You might have missed it because, even though the Grammy television show is the only award show people care about anymore, the Recording Academy has never done a very good job of building up narratives leading into the program itself.

Nominations for the music industry’s Grammy Awards were announced Friday. Below is a list of nominees in select categories. RECORD OF THE YEAR “Now And Then” – The Beatles “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” – Beyoncé “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter “360” – Charli xcx “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar