How Well Do You Know the 2020 Grammy Nominees?

By: Alex Wittman
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
How Well Do You Know the 2020 Grammy Nominees?
Image: CBS

About This Quiz

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and no, we're not talking about Christmas! In November, the complete list of 2020 Grammy nominees dropped. Since then, we've been counting down the days until the 62nd Grammy Awards (all while listening to our fave bops of the past year). Seriously though, Jan. 26 can't come fast enough!

With a whopping 84 categories, to say there are A LOT of talented musicians nominated would be an understatement. Which performer will take home Song of the Year? Who will be crowned Best New Artist? Oof, do we for real have to wait until the end of January to find out? The suspense is killing us!

To help pass the time until the Grammy Awards, we've put together this quiz to test your knowledge about all the 2020 nominees. You may know all the lyrics to "Truth Hurts," but what do you know about Lizzo herself? Can you name all the dudes in Bon Iver? Who is featured on "Old Town Road"? Music fans, it's time to put all those hours you spent listening to Spotify to good use.

From Lil Nas X to Lana Del Rey, take our quiz to find out how well you know the 2020 Grammy nominees.

1-Taylor-Swift
Republic
Which Song of the Year nominee starts out with the lyrics "We could leave the Christmas lights up 'til January"?
"Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish
"Lover" by Taylor Swift
"Truth Hurts" by Lizzo
"Hard Place" by H.E.R.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You know, there's just something about those lyrics that screams Taylor Swift. "Lover" is one of the songs on her latest studio album, which dropped in August of this year. It's her seventh studio album!

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grammy awards
CBS
Do you know who received the most nominations this year?
Post Malone
Billie Eilish
Ariana Grande
Lizzo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lizzo is absolutely killing the Grammy game, with eight nominations to her name! But, the singer-rapper is followed closely by Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X — they have six nominations each.

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2-Lana-DelRay
Interscope / Polydor
Can you name the famous painter Lana Del Rey mentions in her Song of the Year potential winner?
Vincent van Gogh
Pablo Picasso
Norman Rockwell
Salvador Dali
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

All right, we're going to go ahead and say it's a pretty safe bet American painter Norman Rockwell's middle name wasn't an expletive. However, singer Lana Del Rey made it so in her song "Norman F***ing Rockwell."

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3-Lady-Gaga
Interscope Records
Which song from the "A Star is Born" soundtrack is nominated for Song of the Year this year?
"Black Eyes"
"Always Remember Us This Way"
"Shallow"
"Music to My Eyes"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though it dropped in 2018, Lady Gaga's "Always Remember Us This Way" is up for Song of the Year at the 2020 Grammys. This tune took a bit of a back seat to the soundtrack's most popular song, "Shallow." In 2019, it won a slew of awards, including a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

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4-Ariana
Republic
Can you name the Ariana Grande album that is up for Album of the Year at the 2020 Grammys?
"Dangerous Woman"
"Norman F***ing Rockwell"
"Cuz I Love You"
"thank u, next"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ariana Grande's "thank u, next" is her fifth studio album. Based on all of her Grammy nominations this year, we're guessing that she has some dedicated fans on the selection committee!

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first ladies
Wiki Commons by White House/Lawrence Jackson
Which former first lady is nominated for Best Spoken Word Album?
Michelle Obama
Hillary Clinton
Laura Bush
Rosalynn Carter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama scored a Grammy nomination for the narration of her memoir "Becoming." The book talks about more than her time in the White House, including insight about how she found her voice. Hillary Clinton won a Grammy in this category back in 1997.

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5-Ariana
Republic
How many ex-boyfriends does Ariana Grande mention in her song "thank u, next"?
Two
Three
Four
10
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Ariana Grande's now-iconic song, "thank u, next," she mentions exes Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson and Mac Miller. Ariana was engaged to Davidson for a hot second back in 2018 but is now, according to the song, spending time dating herself.

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7-Lil-Nas
Columbia
Can you name the country music singer featured on Lil Nas X's song "Old Town Road"?
Luke Bryan
Billy Ray Cyrus
Willie Nelson
Blake Shelton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To say Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, took the world by storm would be an understatement! The song, which was recorded at the end of 2018, is nominated for Record of the Year.

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9-Senorita
Island / Republic
Nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, who sings "Señorita"?
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani
Ariana Grande and Social House
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello
Jonas Brothers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We're pretty sure a huge part of us loving the song "Señorita" is the fact that the artists behind it are a couple! Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello officially confirmed their relationship in September of this year.

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10-Bad-Guy
Finneas O'Connell / Billie Eilish O'Connell
Who sings "Bad Guy," a Song of the Year nominee?
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo
Bon Iver
Billie Eilish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Bad Guy" singer Billie Eilish marches to the beat of her own drum, and we are so here for it! This year, she's made a splash on both the music and fashion scene. Can we please get some Gucci sweats?

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14-Lizzo
Atlantic / Nice Life
What NFL team does Lizzo mention in "Truth Hurts"?
Miami Dolphins
San Diego Chargers
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lizzo has a new man, and he's on the Minnesota Vikings! That may or may not be true, but one thing is for certain — "Truth Hurts" has a real shot at taking home Song of the Year at the Grammys.

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11-7Rings
Republic
Which Ariana Grande song is nominated for Record of the Year?
"thank u, next"
"7 rings"
"break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored"
"needy"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ariana Grande put her own twist on Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1959 song "My Favorite Things." The original song appeared in "The Sound of Music." It's tough to decide if we like Julie Andrews' or Ariana's version better!

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31-Old-Town-Road
Columbia
According to the lyrics for the song "Old Town Road," where is the cowboy hat from?
Gucci
Target
Versace
Feed and Farm Supply
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the remix of the song "Old Town Road," Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, tells listeners his matte black cowboy hat is from Gucci. Country has never sounded so cool!

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30-Lizzo
Atlantic / Nice Life
Which of the following songs is NOT on Lizzo's "Cuz I Love You"?
"Juice"
"Good as Hell"
"Soulmate"
"Tempo"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lizzo's "Good as Hell" might be all over the radio right now, but it's not on her Grammy-nominated album "Cuz I Love You." It's one of the tracks on her 2016 EP "Coconut Oil." Just proof Lizzo has been making quality music for years!

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grammy awards kacey musgraves
CBS
Where will the 2020 Grammy Awards take place?
Los Angeles
New York City
Nashville
Miami
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We're headed to Cali, baby! The 62nd Annual Grammy Awards will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Don't forget to tune in on January 26, 2020, to see which of your favorite artists take home an award!

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13-Lovely
Finneas O'Connell / Billie Eilish O'Connell
How old was Best New Artist nominee Billie Eilish on the day she got her 2020 Grammy nominations?
15
17
24
29
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As if Billie Eilish wasn't impressive enough, consider for a moment that she made her mark on the music industry at just 17 years old. She was 17 when she was nominated for Best New Artist, but she will be 18 when the 2020 Grammys take place.

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12-7-Rings
Republic
Can you complete these "7 rings" lyrics: "You like my hair? Gee, thanks, ______"?
"You gawkin'"
"Just bought it"
"It's flossy"
"I'm saucy"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ariana Grande's "7 rings," in all its bougie glory, is nominated for Record of the Year. The chorus of the song makes it clear that anything the singer wants, she gets. You like her hair? She just bought it!

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15-Grammy
The Recording Academy
Which of the following artists was NOT nominated for Best New Artist?
Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
Lewis Capaldi
Lizzo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sorry, Lewis Capaldi! While Capaldi didn't make the cut for Best New Artist, the singer did score a nomination in another highly coveted category for his hit song "Someone You Loved."

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16-Lizzo
Atlantic / Nice Life
How many weeks did Lizzo's "Truth Hurts" spend at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100?
Two
Three
Seven
12
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Yas, kween! Lizzo's song "Truth Hurts" spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was originally released in 2017 and re-released as a radio single in 2019. "Truth Hurts" is the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 by a solo female rapper.

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18-Bon_Iver_3
Wiki Commons by Simon.Appelblad
Can you name Bon Iver's Album of the Year nominee?
"i,i"
"Father of the Bride"
"For Emma, Forever Ago"
"When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

American indie folk band Bon Iver received an Album of the Year nomination for their album "i,i." The band takes their name from a French phrase which translates to "good winter."

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19-Dan-Shay
Wiki Commons by Jana Beamer
Can you name the Dan + Shay tune that's up for Best Country Song?
"Speechless"
"Some of It"
"Tequila"
"It All Comes Out in the Wash"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are five nominees for Best Country Song, including big names like Miranda Lambert and Eric Church. But, we're pulling for Dan + Shay's song "Speechless." The tune has become a popular wedding song!

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20-Sunflower
Republic / Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures Animation / Marvel Entertainment / Arad Productions /Lord Miller Productions
Who sings "Sunflower" with Post Malone?
Swae Lee
Social House
Camila Cabello
Billy Ray Cyrus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the five songs up for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance is "Sunflower" by Post Malone and Swae Lee. Swae Lee is an American rapper from California. He's also done songs with Chris Brown, Drake and French Montana.

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21-Childish-Gambino
mcDJ / RCA
Which of the following songs was NOT nominated for Song of the Year this year?
"Bring My Flowers Now" by Tanya Tucker
"Hard Place" by H.E.R.
"Truth Hurts" by Lizzo
"This Is America" by Childish Gambino
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Childish Gambino's "This Is America" wasn't nominated for Song of the Year at the 2020 Grammys because the artist took home the prestigious award for that particular tune at the 2019 Grammys. He also won Record of the Year.

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22-Jonas-Bros
Republic
Can you name the song that earned the Jonas Brothers a Best Pop Duo/Group Performance nomination?
"Cool"
"Sucker"
"Lonely"
"Boyfriend"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Jonas Brothers are back, and, in our humble opinion, better than ever! The song "Sucker" earned Kevin, Joe and Nick a Best Pop Duo/Group Performance nomination. Will they take home the award?

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23-Truth-Hurts
Atlantic / Nice Life
Let's talk music videos. In which Song of the Year nominee does the artist wear a wedding dress?
"Truth Hurts"
"Bad Guy"
"Someone You Loved"
"Lover"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A song as good as Lizzo's "Truth Hurts" requires an epic music video. The singer-rapper sports a wedding dress and accompanying veil while she wonders aloud, "Why men great 'til they gotta be great?"

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24-Billie-Eilish
Finneas O'Connell / Billie Eilish O'Connell
Which artist does the nominated album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" belong to?
Bon Iver
Billie Eilish
Lewis Capaldi
Lana Del Rey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There's been a lot of buzz about Billie Eilish's album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" In addition to Song of the Year nominee "Bad Guy," the album features the hit songs "All the Good Girls Go to Hell," "When the Party's Over" and "Bury a Friend."

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25-Khalid
RCA
Can you name the Khalid song nominated for Record of the Year?
"Beautiful People"
"Hey, Ma"
"Talk"
"Hard Place"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Khalid's smooth and soulful "Talk" is nominated for Record of the Year at the 2020 Grammys. In 2016, Khalid made a splash on the music scene with his debut single "Location." Can we just talk ... about how good Khalid is?

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26-Bon-Iver
Wiki Commons by Nikko Russano
In what U.S. state did the band Bon Iver get its start?
Michigan
California
Vermont
Wisconsin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you sensed strong Midwest vibes from Bon Iver, then you were right. The band hails from Wisconsin, and back in 2012, the group received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. We hope they ate some cheese to celebrate!

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27-Lana-Del-Ray-2
Stranger / Interscope / Polydor
What's Lana Del Rey's real name?
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant
Melissa Viviane Jefferson
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta
Montero Lamar Hill
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We always find performers' actual names so very fascinating, and Lana Del Rey is no exception. In July 1985, she was born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant. The singer is a New York City native.

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28-Billie
Finneas O'Connell / Billie Eilish O'Connell
Which pop star has Billie Eilish been in love with since she was 12 years old?
Justin Timberlake
Justin Bieber
Rihanna
Bruno Mars
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Like so many of us, Billie Eilish has a crush on Justin Bieber. But, unlike so many of us, she actually got to meet him! The two were introduced at Coachella, and if Billie is anything like us, she was totally freaking out.

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29-Cat-Valentine
Nickelodeon
What was the name of Ariana Grande's Nickelodeon character?
Angelica Pickles
Sam Puckett
Zoey Brooks
Cat Valentine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oh, yes, we're throwing it way back to Ariana's days on Nickelodeon. Before she was a mega pop star, Ariana played Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon's "Victorious." Prior to that show, she was in a Broadway musical called "13."

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32-Vampire-Weekend
Spring Snow / Columbia
What band has a nomination for Album of the Year for "Father of the Bride"?
Arctic Monkeys
Vampire Weekend
Imagine Dragons
Fall Out Boy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vampire Weekend has been around since 2006, and we were so happy to see the indie rock band receive an Album of the Year nomination for "Father of the Bride." Lead singer Ezra Koenig's voice is WOW.

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33-HER
RCA / MBK Entertainment
H.E.R. is the artist behind "Hard Place." What does the acronym stand for?
Happy Earth Remembers
Having Everything Revealed
How Elvis Rocked
Hello Even Rhymes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While some singers live to bask in the spotlight, H.E.R., who is nominated for Best R&B Album, prefers to keep her identity a secret. In an interview, she said she is "a voice for women who feel like they're alone."

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34-Tanya-Tucker
Fantasy
What genre does Tanya Tucker's "Bring My Flowers Now" belong to?
Rock
Hip hop
Country
R&B
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Country music artist Tanya Tucker's "Bring My Flowers Now" is nominated for Song of the Year. The 61-year-old singer had her first hit when she was just 13 years old, with the song "Delta Dawn."

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35-Lewis-Capaldi
Vertigo / Universal
Where is "Someone You Loved" singer Lewis Capaldi from?
England
United States of America
Scotland
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Perhaps you haven't picked up much of his accent while listening to "Someone You Loved," but 23-year-old Lewis Capaldi is from Scotland. He was born in Glasgow. Maybe whoever used to love him still lives there.

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You Got:
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CBS