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LGBTQ+ artists dazzle with Grammy nominations

Sam Smith, Kim Petras, Steve Lacy, Omar Apollo and Brandi Carlile are making it a big year for LGBTQ+ Grammy nominations.

By Emily Maskell

Steve Lacy, Sam Smith and Kim Petras
Steve Lacy, Sam Smith and Kim Petras pick up Grammy nominations (Image: WikiCommons and Instagram/@kimpetras)

The GRAMMY nominations are in and LGBTQ artists and allies are making strides at the 2023 awards show.

Kim Petras has received her first GRAMMY nomination and Sam Smith picks up their seventh nomination for their collaboration on ‘Unholy’ in the best pop duo or group performance category.

Celebrating the news, Petras tweeted “omg maybe i’ll b a tr*nny with a grammy”.

This nomination comes after the pair became the first openly transgender solo artist and the first openly non-binary solo artist to hit number one on Billboard’s Hot 100

Lesbian singer Brandi Carlile banked seven nominations, bringing her career total to a mind-blowing twenty-five.

‘The Story’ hitmaker shared she was “barely functioning” following the announcement: “I watched these honors roll out this morning one by one holding Evangeline’s hand and screaming!”

Bisexual artist Steve Lacy nabbed nominations for Record and Song of the Year for ‘Bad Habits’ he’s also up for the Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Progressive R&B Album categories.

The 24-year-old has previously been nominated twice, including nods for his debut studio album, Apollo XXI.

Omar Apollo has picked up his first Grammy nomination, though he’s earned two Latin Grammy nominations previously this time he’s up for the Best New Artist category.

Lizzo picked up an impressive five nominations this year (Record and Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance for ‘About Damn Time,’ and Album of the Year and Pop Vocal Album for Special).

Of course, Lady Gaga is also in the running, scoring two nominations. She’s up for the Best Song Written for Visual Media category with her song ‘Hold My Hand’ from the Top Gun: Maverick soundtrack.

Also for the soundtrack, she’s been nominated in the Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media category.

Mother Monster tweeted: “I am so honored to be nominated for 2 Grammys for “Hold My Hand” and the Top Gun: Maverick Soundtrack with my fellow composers.”

“It’s a real dream to be included in this celebration of music with a song and musical theme so close to my heart thank you,” she added.

Elsewhere, LGBTQ+ artists including Randy Rainbow (Best Comedy Album), Perfume Genius (brand new category Best Alternative Music Performance), Kaytranada (Best Dance/Electronic Recording), and Brothers Osborne (Best Country Duo/Group Performance) received nominations.

Beyoncé (who has nine nominations) and Adele are leading the big categories, both have been nominated for album of the year, Adele with her heartwrenching album 30, and Beyoncé with the incredible Renaissance.

Harry Styles and Coldplay are also in the running for best album, alongside ABBA.

The 2023 GRAMMYs will air on 5 February 2023.