RAYE Breaks Down in Tears Over Unexpected Grammy Nominations

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — British singer-songwriter RAYE, born Rachel Agatha Keen, was brought to tears after learning she had earned three nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards. The 27-year-old artist received nods for Best New Artist, Best Engineered Album for her work on Lucky Daye’s ‘Algorithm,’ and Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical.

RAYE revealed she was not expecting the nominations, as her debut album, ‘My 21st Century Blues,’ was released in February 2023, before the eligibility period began. Speaking to People, she described the emotional moment she learned of her nominations. “You know those days where you’re just so mean to yourself? I was overthinking everything,” she said. “I was like, ‘What if that’s it now? What if my career’s over?’”

One of her team members tuned into the nominations announcement live stream and shared the news with her. “I started crying, and I feel like my entire career flashed before my eyes,” RAYE recalled.

Her debut album, ‘My 21st Century Blues,’ has already garnered widespread critical acclaim and a global hit with its single ‘Escapism.’ The album earned her six BRIT Awards and a spot on the Mercury Prize shortlist. However, the Grammys hold a special place in her heart. “When I was little, the first image I saw was that gorgeous golden gramophone,” she said. “For a British girl, you watch the Grammys at home, like, ‘Wow, one day maybe I’ll make it there.’ Now I’m actually going to attend. It’s real!”

RAYE’s nomination for Songwriter of the Year resonated deeply with her. “That one hit differently. At 14, I was like, ‘I want to be a great songwriter.’ That is my goal,” she said. She has written for major artists such as Beyoncé and Ellie Goulding, and she reflected on her growth in the craft. “It’s such a beautiful thing to have grown in that skill.”

The singer has been an advocate for fair treatment of songwriters and hinted at addressing the issue if she wins. “It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t, because I’ve just seen the other side,” she said.

The 2025 Grammy Awards will take place on February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.