The 2027 Grammy Awards are still months away, but the race is already beginning to take shape. From established superstars to major Canadian artists, several performers could find themselves competing for Grammy gold.
The Grammy Awards have always been about more than the biggest names in music. Every year, the Recording Academy recognizes recordings, songs, performances and artists that have made an impact during the eligibility period.
While the official 2027 Grammy nominations have not yet been announced, music fans and industry observers are already watching the artists and recordings that could become serious contenders.
For Canadian music fans, there are also several homegrown artists worth watching.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift remains one of the most powerful forces in recorded music.
Her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, and her continuing chart success make her an obvious name to watch as the 2027 Grammy season approaches.
Her song “I Knew It, I Knew You,” written for Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, has also become a major Billboard success, reaching No. 1 before settling at No. 3 on the current Billboard Hot 100.
Swift’s combination of songwriting, recording, production and commercial success could put her in contention in several Grammy categories.
Her continuing evolution as an artist also makes her one of the most closely watched performers heading into the 2027 awards.
Sarah McLachlan
Canada’s Sarah McLachlan is another important artist to watch.
Her latest album, Better Broken, has already received major recognition in Canada, winning the Juno Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year in 2026.
McLachlan is currently touring in support of the album, bringing her new music to audiences across the United States.
With a career that has produced three Grammy Awards and 12 Juno Awards, she already has a long relationship with the Recording Academy.
Better Broken could put McLachlan back into the Grammy conversation, particularly in categories recognizing adult contemporary, pop or singer-songwriter recordings.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga remains another major Grammy contender to watch.
Few contemporary artists have demonstrated Gaga’s ability to move between pop, jazz, film and theatrical music while maintaining a powerful presence on the charts.
Her recent work has continued to expand her musical range, and her combination of songwriting, vocals, performance and visual artistry makes her a perennial Grammy favourite.
A new Gaga project or standout recording during the eligibility period could quickly move her into the centre of the 2027 awards conversation.
Paul McCartney
Few artists have a stronger Grammy history than Paul McCartney.
As a former Beatle and one of the world’s most influential songwriters, McCartney’s continued recording career attracts attention whenever he releases new music.
His recent work and ongoing performances demonstrate that he remains creatively active decades after The Beatles changed popular music forever.
Any new McCartney recording released within the Grammy eligibility period could become a significant contender, particularly in categories recognizing rock, traditional pop or songwriting.
For Grammy voters, his name carries extraordinary historical significance — but his strongest argument will always be the quality of the music itself.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is another artist whose influence extends across generations.
Parton is being honoured with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in September 2026, recognizing an extraordinary career as a songwriter, recording artist and cultural icon.
Although a lifetime achievement honour is different from a competitive Grammy nomination, Parton’s continuing musical activity means she should not be overlooked when considering potential Grammy contenders.
Her songwriting catalogue remains one of the most influential in American music, and her continuing creative projects could put her back into Grammy consideration.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish has established herself as one of the defining artists of her generation.
Her distinctive approach to pop music, intimate vocal style and close creative partnership with her brother Finneas have resulted in some of the most critically acclaimed recordings of the past decade.
Any major new recording released during the eligibility period would immediately make Eilish one of the artists to watch.
Given her Grammy history, she is also one of the artists most capable of turning a successful release into multiple nominations.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé remains a permanent presence in any Grammy conversation.
With more Grammy wins than any other artist in history, she has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to reinvent herself while maintaining an enormous cultural and commercial impact.
Her continuing influence across R&B, pop, country and other genres makes any new project potentially significant during awards season.
A major new release during the eligibility period would immediately make Beyoncé one of the leading names to watch.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter has emerged as one of pop music’s most visible young stars.
Her rapid rise has been driven by major streaming numbers, successful singles and a growing international audience.
Her ability to combine contemporary pop with elements of retro songwriting and performance has helped distinguish her from many of her peers.
If she releases additional eligible material during the Grammy period, Carpenter could become an increasingly serious contender in major pop categories.
The Weeknd
Canada’s The Weeknd remains another artist to watch.
Born Abel Tesfaye in Toronto, he has built one of the most successful international careers in contemporary music.
His distinctive combination of R&B, pop and electronic influences has produced some of the biggest global hits of the past decade.
Any major new recording released during the eligibility period could put him back into the Grammy conversation.
His Canadian roots also make him an important artist for Canadian music fans following the awards.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan’s rapid rise has made her one of the most interesting young artists in pop music.
Her theatrical approach, distinctive visual identity and unapologetically expressive songwriting have helped her develop a passionate audience.
As the Grammy voting period approaches, any new music from Roan will be closely watched.
Canadian Artists to Watch
Canadian music has a strong history at the Grammy Awards, and 2027 could once again bring significant attention to artists from north of the border.
In addition to Sarah McLachlan and The Weeknd, Canadian artists working in pop, country, rock, R&B and alternative music will be competing for attention during the Grammy eligibility period.
Canada has produced some of the biggest Grammy-winning artists in modern music, including Céline Dion, Alanis Morissette, Shania Twain, Drake, Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Michael Bublé and Joni Mitchell.
The country’s continuing influence on international music means Canadian artists will be among those worth watching as nominations approach.
What Will Determine the 2027 Grammy Race?
Commercial success is only part of the Grammy equation.
The Recording Academy considers recordings, songwriting, performances and production, meaning a song does not necessarily have to be the biggest commercial hit to receive a nomination.
Critical reception, artistic achievement, songwriting quality and the strength of a recording can all contribute to an artist’s chances.
That makes the months leading up to the nominations particularly interesting.
A song that appears to be a modest success today could become a major awards contender later in the year.
The Grammy Watch Begins
The 2027 Grammy race is still developing, and predicting the nominees this far ahead is always risky.
But the potential field already includes some of the biggest names in music.
Taylor Swift, Sarah McLachlan, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, The Weeknd and Chappell Roan are among the artists whose current or upcoming work could make the Grammy conversation particularly interesting.
For Canadian music fans, Sarah McLachlan and The Weeknd will be especially important names to watch.
And as the eligibility period continues, new releases could dramatically change the picture.
The nominations are still ahead, but the race for Grammy gold has already begun.
