2013 Grammy Awards: Song of the Year Prediction & Analysis

Last Updated on January 30, 2013 by

2013 Grammy prediction: Song of the Year nominees (awarded to the songwriter)
Carly Rae Jepsen Grammy• “The A Team,” Ed Sheeran
• “Adorn,” Miguel
• “We Are Young,” Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Dost & Nate Ruess (Fun.)
• “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” Jorgen Elofsson, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin & Ali Tamposi (Kelly Clarkson)
• “Call Me Maybe,” Carly Rae Jepsen, Tavish Crowe & Josh Ramsay

With six nominations, Fun. could be the big winners at the 2013 Grammy Awards. Will they walk away with Song of the Year for “We Are Young?” It looks that way, but it’s not a slam dunk.

We would consider Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” a co-favorite with “We Are Young,” except that Clarkson didn’t write the song. These days, Grammy voters tend to give Song of the Year to a track that was written by its performer rather than a faceless group of professional songwriters, even if one of them is popular producer Greg Kurstin, so that will most likely keep “Stronger” from prevailing here.

Though “Call Me Maybe” came from a hilariously lightweight, immature album (especially considering Carly Rae Jepsen is older than Adele, for crying out loud), the song itself was as catchy as they come. Jepsen will snag some votes, but probably not enough to win.

The inclusion of Ed Sheeran and Miguel was a welcome surprise, as both were overlooked for the other big categories. Sheeran was stiffed entirely outside of Song of the Year, even though his album + and song “The A Team,” were excellent. “The A Team” was an insightful song about a troubled young woman. He’ll probably get some votes from the rock community, and his close relationship with Taylor Swift won’t hurt either. Sheeran is a legitimate dark horse, but it would be a big upset if he knocks off Fun.

Miguel’s “Adorn” was a sultry R&B jam that deserved more attention than it got. It was also a blatant re-write of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” which could actually help it, since Grammy voters loved Gaye. But Miguel is the bottom man on the totem pole in this category.

Ultimately, Fun. should beat out Jepsen and the Clarkson track to win Song of the Year. We predict Nate Ruess and company capture the award.

2013 Grammy Awards: Song of the Year prediction
Deserves to win: The A Team, Ed Sheeran
Will win: We Are Young, Fun.
Should have also been nominated: Merry Go Round, Kacey Musgraves