As the lights begin hum to life, music's biggest night of the year takes the stage and students wait eagerly to see if Belmont brings home the gold.
Belmont University, which has prided itself on its artistic excellence and connections to the music industry in Nashville, gets to flex its success this weekend as the award show quickly approaches. From best Musical Theatre Album to Best Contemporary Christan Song, six Belmont alumni will attend the Grammys on Sunday evening with 12 nominations between them.
Ashley Gorley & John Byron: Best Country Song (“Last Night”)
Alysa Vanderheym: Best Country Album, (co-writer and producer, “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat”)
Brothers Osborne: Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Nobody’s Nobody”), Best Country Album (Brothers Osborne) | John Osborne is the alumnus.
Blessing Offor: Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (“Believe”), Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (“My Tribe”)
Brandy Clark: Best Musical Theater Album (“Shucked”), Best Country Solo Performance (“Buried”), Best Country Song (“Buried”), Best Americana Performance (“Dear Insecurity”), Best American Roots Song (“Dear Insecurity”) and Best Americana Album (“Brandy Clark”)
Brandy Clark, the writer and creative force behind the music of the new musical “Shucked!” that has taken over Broadway, sits atop her six nominations not only for her contributions to the musical but also for her solo country career. This number of nominations puts her next to Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and, yes, Taylor Swift, who all are also nominated for six awards.
“I am not shocked. It is a testament to the talent and work ethic that Belmont cultivates throughout the school. It makes me want to work hard knowing that not only my peers but alumni as well can get to these amazing places,” said sophomore Musical Theatre major Destiny McIntosh.
The success of these graduates not only affects their career but also boosts the morale and hopes of current students who look toward the future with newfound reassurance that they made the right choice for school.
“I definitely feel my education thus far has been worthwhile knowing that my peers have had so much success,” says senior music business major Ginger Hardwick.
While the success of these past students gives much consolation, the reality of how prestigious this award is keeping many hopes at bay.
“It's comforting to know that this school and this city has such a concentration of talent. Still, nothing is guaranteed in this world, so I'm not writing acceptance speeches quite yet,” said sophomore commercial voice major Avery Calvert.
To celebrate, the well-known makers Gibson gifted each of the nominees a Gibson guitar to show appreciation for the art that has inspired thousands.
The Grammys will be airing Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. CST.
Tune in to see if Belmont will take home that shining Recording Academy Award!
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This article was written by Zach Watkins