Tate McRae has received her first Grammy nomination, but not for her latest album as fans might have expected.
The 21-year-old Canadian singer earned a nod for Best Dance Pop Recording with her song “Just Keep Watching,” featured in the movie F1, starring Brad Pitt. McRae shared her excitement on Instagram Stories, writing, “Grammy nominated!!!!!! Thank u!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @recordingacademy.”
The track has already brought McRae multiple awards this year, including VMAs for Song of the Summer and Best Editing. She will compete in the 2026 Grammys against Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco for “Bluest Flame,” Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Zara Larsson’s “Midnight Sun,” and PinkPantheress’s “Illegal.”
Fans were surprised by the nomination, given that her third studio album, So Close to What, received no recognition from the Recording Academy this year. The album, released on February 21, marked McRae’s first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart. It includes hit singles such as “Revolving Door,” “It’s OK I’m OK,” and “Sports Car.” McRae promoted the album with appearances on SNL, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and the VMAs.
Some also wondered why McRae wasn’t nominated for Best New Artist, but she was ineligible due to reaching the submission limit of three previous entries.
Currently, McRae is wrapping up her So Close to What world tour, which began on March 18 in Mexico City. The tour includes 81 shows and is set to conclude on Saturday, November 8, in Inglewood, California. Fans have also noted that her recent performances featured the rumored breakup track, “Tit for Tat.”
Despite the album being overlooked, the nomination underscores McRae’s rising prominence in the music industry and her ability to deliver hits outside traditional album releases. Her career trajectory continues to attract both commercial success and critical attention.
“Just Keep Watching” is seen as a breakout for McRae in the dance-pop category, highlighting her versatility as an artist. Music critics note that while her album was critically acclaimed, sometimes single tracks tied to major media projects gain more recognition in awards circuits.
With the Grammys set for early 2026, fans are eager to see whether McRae can translate her growing popularity into a major award win. The nomination also positions her alongside well-established artists like Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez, signaling her expanding influence in pop music.
McRae’s journey from viral sensation to Grammy nominee demonstrates the changing landscape of the music industry, where streaming hits and soundtrack features can be just as impactful as album sales. The Canadian artist continues to build a strong international fanbase while experimenting with her sound and live performances.
As the tour wraps and the Grammy ceremony approaches, McRae’s nomination has sparked renewed discussion among fans and critics alike. It marks a significant milestone for the young artist, showing that recognition can come in unexpected ways—even when major album projects are overlooked.
