Rosé and Bruno Mars “APT” Emerges as Top Contender in Unpredictable Grammy Record of the Year Race

Key Points

• Rosé and Bruno Mars’ collaboration “APT.” is a leading contender for Record of the Year.
• Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” is also a major favorite, praised for its timeless production.
• Other nominees include Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” and Chappell Roan’s “The Subway.”
• Spotify executive J.J. Italiano says Grammy voters often reward songs that become “time capsules” of the year.
• The winner will be announced at next month’s ceremony in Los Angeles.

A High‑Stakes Grammy Race Takes Shape

The competition for the Grammy Award for Record of the Year is intensifying as the music industry prepares for next month’s ceremony in Los Angeles. This year’s lineup features a dynamic mix of global pop stars, hip‑hop innovators, and streaming powerhouses — but two tracks in particular are commanding industry attention.

Record of the Year honors the full scope of a single recording, celebrating the artists, producers, engineers, and mixers behind the sound. According to Spotify’s head of global music curation J.J. Italiano, this year’s field is one of the strongest in recent memory.

Rosé & Bruno Mars Lead With “APT.”

Among the frontrunners is “APT.”, the infectious collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars. Inspired by a Korean drinking game, the track has been widely praised for its meticulous engineering and polished production.

Italiano called it one of the best‑crafted recordings he has heard in years — high praise in a category defined by technical excellence.

Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” Brings Timeless Soul

Another heavyweight contender is Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther,” featuring SZA. Built around a sample of soul icon Luther Vandross, the track has been hailed as a standout from Lamar’s latest album. Producers behind the song have spoken about the collaborative energy that shaped its sound, describing the process as deeply inspiring.

Given Lamar’s recent Grammy momentum — including last year’s win for “Not Like Us” — “Luther” enters the race with significant buzz.

Other Major Nominees Shape a Competitive Field

The category also includes several commercial and critical successes:

• Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”: A triumphant return to the dancefloor and a massive streaming hit.
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”: A ubiquitous pop anthem that dominated charts and social platforms.
• Chappell Roan – “The Subway”: A fan‑favorite praised for its emotional depth and recording quality.

Italiano noted that timing, cultural impact, and sonic innovation all play crucial roles in determining the winner.

What Industry Experts Predict

Grammy voters often gravitate toward songs that capture the spirit of a particular year — tracks that become cultural markers. With that in mind, both “APT.” and “Luther” stand out as defining moments in 2024’s musical landscape.

Bruno Mars’ long history of Grammy success gives “APT.” a strong advantage, but Kendrick Lamar’s artistic streak and the craftsmanship behind “Luther” could easily tip the scales.

This year’s Record of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the ceremony’s most unpredictable — and most closely watched.

What Happens Next?

The Recording Academy will reveal the winner at the Grammy Awards next month in Los Angeles. Until then, industry insiders and fans alike will continue debating whether voters will reward technical brilliance, cultural resonance, or a blend of both.