by Nicole Pipp, staff writer

It’s music fans’ favorite time of year.

It’s the time when all the greatest songs are finally acknowledged and the best artists get to perform our favorite songs.

Yes, it’s Grammy season.This year, the 54th Grammy Awards are on Feb. 12 on CBS.

Record of the Year

“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

“Holocene” by Bon Iver

“Grenade” by Bruno Mars

“The Cave” by Mumford and Sons

“Firework” by Katy Perry

Winner: “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

Hands down, this category will go to Adele for “Rolling in the Deep.”  Adele received six Grammy nominations this year and I am positive she will come out on top in most of those categories.  Adele has some of the most unique and raw talent in current music and she will be more than acknowledged.

Album of the Year

“21” by Adele

“Wasting Light” by Foo Fighters

“Born this Way” by Lady Gaga

“Doo Wops and Hooligans” by Bruno Mars

“Loud” by Rihanna

Winner: “21” by Adele

Album of the Year is the most prestigious award presented at the Grammys and it is not going to come easy this year.  All nominees are great, well-known artists and deserve to win this title.  While I am more than astounded to have not seen Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now” nominated, I do believe that this category will come down to “Doo Wops and Hooligans” and “21.”

We will definitely see another Adele win in this category.

Best New Artist

The Band Perry

Bon Iver

J. Cole

Nicki Minaj

Skrillex

Winner: The Band Perry

Usually, when it’s a big category, like this one, the academy picks the most, or near most mainstream artist.

In this case, the Grammy will go to The Band Perry who is especially known for their triple- platinum hit, “If I Die Young.”

The Band Perry won three CMA’s this year, so not only do we know they are a top contender, but we can assume they are going to win this award as well.

Best Country Song

“Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” by Thompson Square

“God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton

“Just Fishin’” by Trace Adkins

“Mean” by Taylor Swift

“Threaten Me With Heaven” by Vince Gill

“You and Tequila” by Kenny Chesney (feat. Grace Potter)

Winner: “Mean” by Taylor Swift

This category awards the songwriter in each of the above stated songs, so lyrics are more than necessary to take into account.  It is going to be almost impossible to beat Swift’s hit song, “Mean” but “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” is going to come close.

Thompson Square’s song takes all the necessary “-ables,” it is remarkable, notable, and more than adorable, but no one can take this award away from the country princess, Taylor Swift.

Best Pop Vocal Album

“21” by Adele

“The Lady Killer” by Cee Lo Green

“Born this Way” by Lady Gaga

“Doo Wops and Hooligans” by Bruno Mars

“Loud” by Rihanna

Winner: “21” by Adele

Obviously pop is very prevalent in today’s culture because four out of the five albums in this category were also nominated for Album of the Year.  Most likely, whoever wins Album of the Year, is going to win this category as well.

There’s no way the academy can overlook Adele’s huge success with “21,”  which won Favorite Pop/Rock Album at the American Music Awards. There is no doubt that Adele will also take this category.

Best Rap Song

“All of the Lights” by Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi, Fergie, John Legend, The- Dream, Elly Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Elton John

“Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa

“I Need a Doctor” by Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Skylar Grey

“Look at Me Now” by Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and Busta Rhymes

“Otis” by Jay- Z and Kanye West

“The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco

Winner: “Look at Me Now” by Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and Busta Rhymes

While I wish I could say that I think “Black and Yellow” is going to win this category because I am a die-hard Pittsburgh fan, I think this one’s going to go to “Look at Me Now.”  The song is astonishing and I think blows everyone’s mind.

It seems impossible for someone to even be able to rap that fast!  “Look at Me Now” is definitely going to sweep this category.