Tate McRae’s First Grammy Nomination: A Breakthrough in Dance Pop

Tate McRae has earned her first Grammy nomination. The Canadian pop star is nominated for Best Dance Pop Recording. Her song “Just Keep Watching” from the F1 film soundtrack is the contender. The 2026 Grammy Awards will be held on February 1 in Los Angeles.

This marks a significant career milestone for the 21-year-old artist. According to The Alpena News, the nomination was officially announced on November 8. McRae’s track previously won Song of the Summer and Best Editing at the VMAs.

The Journey Behind ‘Just Keep Watching’

“Just Keep Watching” was crafted for the high-octane F1 movie. It blends McRae’s emotional vocals with an infectious dance beat. The song quickly gained traction on social media and charts.

McRae shared her excitement online after the nomination. She posted “Grammy nominated!!!!!! Thank u!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @recordingacademy”. Her genuine reaction resonated deeply with fans worldwide.

‘So Close to What’: Chart Success, Grammy Snub

McRae’s third studio album, “So Close to What”, was not nominated. This surprised many industry observers. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in February.

It spawned hit singles like “Revolving Door” and “It’s OK I’m OK”. Critics praised its lyrical vulnerability and energetic production. Despite commercial success, it received zero Grammy nods.

Touring Triumphs and Artistic Growth

McRae’s “So Close to What World Tour” kicked off in March. It featured sold-out venues across North America and Europe. The tour concludes on November 8 in Inglewood, California.

Her performances on SNL and late-night shows showcased her dynamic stage presence. New single “Tit for Tat” added personal depth to her sets. The tour celebrated her artistic evolution and fan connection.

Grammy Nomination: What It Means for McRae and Pop Music

This nomination places McRae alongside established icons and rising stars. She competes against Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and PinkPantheress. The category highlights dance pop’s vibrant current landscape.

McRae had been submitted for Best New Artist three times previously. Recording Academy rules now make her ineligible for that category. This nomination validates her persistence and growing influence in music.

Tate McRae’s Grammy nomination for “Just Keep Watching” caps a remarkable year of achievements. It proves that impactful artistry can emerge from unexpected projects. Her journey demonstrates that commercial success and critical recognition don’t always align, but authentic connection wins.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is Tate McRae nominated for at the Grammys?

She is nominated for Best Dance Pop Recording. The nominated song is “Just Keep Watching” from the F1 soundtrack. This is her first-ever Grammy nomination.

Why wasn’t her album ‘So Close to What’ nominated?

The album did not receive any Grammy nominations despite its commercial success. Industry analysts suggest fierce competition in pop categories played a role. Eligibility rules and voting trends may have also influenced the outcome.

When are the 2026 Grammy Awards?

The ceremony is scheduled for February 1, 2026. It will broadcast live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The event recognizes recordings released between September 2024 and August 2025.

Who is Tate McRae competing against?

She faces Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco (“Bluest Flame”), Lady Gaga (“Abracadabra”), Zara Larsson (“Midnight Sun”), and PinkPantheress (“Illegal”). The category features a mix of established and emerging artists. Each contender brings a distinct musical style.

Has Tate McRae been nominated for Grammys before?

No, this is her first Grammy nomination. She was previously submitted for Best New Artist multiple times. Those submissions did not result in nominations.