In the ethereal realm of rising stars, Gracie Abrams found herself amidst the luminaries vying for the coveted title of best new artist at the 2024 Grammys. With an acclaimed debut album and the prestigious company of Taylor Swift on tour, her presence on the figurative contenders' list was almost inevitable.
Yet, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter humbly attests to the sheer disbelief that enveloped her when her name emerged as a nominee during the Recording Academy's live broadcast. In the comfort of her bedroom, clad in pajamas and surrounded by the warmth of a heating pad, Abrams, who had been anticipating nothing more than supporting her friends, found herself at the forefront of the nominations. "My name was the first that they listed, and it was like I couldn't feel my body."
As the news rippled through her family, and celebratory french toast and mimosas marked the joyous occasion with her best friend, Abrams found camaraderie in the elation of her fellow nominee, Noah Kahan. His immediate FaceTime call initiated a virtual celebration that echoed with excitement and plans for a memorable night at the awards. "Let's pregame and sit with our moms at the awards!" they exclaimed in unison.
For the "I Miss You, I'm Sorry" singer, the Grammy nod is the crowning jewel of a monumental year. Kicked off with the release of "Good Riddance" in February, Abrams seamlessly wove her presence into the fabric of Swift's Eras Tour, followed by a triumphant sold-out solo tour across North America. Topping the Billboard Emerging Artists chart in June was another feather in her cap. The collaboration with Dessner on intimate acoustic shows in September showcased her musical prowess.
The Grammys nod, she describes, is the "cherry on top" of a remarkable journey that set the stage for her next era. Without divulging specific details, Abrams hints at her return to the studio, collaborating once again with Dessner, whom she credits as "the only reason" she found herself in the Grammy running this year.
As she looks ahead to the future, Abrams acknowledges that this phase of her career is merely the inception. Immersed in the creation of her next album, she expresses a profound connection to the forthcoming songs. The honor of the Grammy nomination at this juncture feels surreal, and she admits, "I just think I really do not believe it."
With heroes and friends like Taylor Swift garnering multiple nominations, Abrams' journey aligns with a constellation of talent, creating a harmonious symphony in the vast landscape of the music industry. The mutual celebration with Swift, marked by enthusiastic text exchanges, exemplifies the camaraderie that transcends career highs and personal moments of crisis.
As Gracie Abrams stands on the precipice of a promising future, the Grammy nomination becomes not just a punctuation mark but a prelude to the next chapter, where her music continues to weave its enchanting spell.
