On Feb. 2 the Grammy’s premiered on CBS, many people tuned in to see which artists won coveted awards such as Album Of The Year, Best Rap Album, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Country Album, Best Pop Album/Best Pop Vocal Album and so many more. With all of these categories and nominees the popular songs and albums have better chances of winning awards, but for American singer Billie Eilish, that did not seem to be the case. Her 2024 album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT did not receive any awards for the seven categories she was nominated in. This caused viewers to question The Recording Academy’s decisions in regard to Eilish’s album due to it being well received by the public. Freshman and Eilish fan since 2018, Gianna Pacheco, talks about the categories that Eilish was nominated for and what the public was disappointed with.
“Although the album [HMHAS] had positive reviews from the general public, the categories that certain songs off the album lost to made sense because of the competitive categories where the other nominees are more condensed in (eg. pop vocal album, duo performance),” Pacheco said. “[But] where the public was mostly disappointed in the loss of AOTY [Album Of The Year] because [compared to] the other albums, they were not streamed as long and consistently [as hers].”
Pacheco enjoys listening to Eilish’s music due to her ability to fit into the mainstream side and the edgier side of pop as well. Eilish’s ability to think outside of the box in her craft is an aspect that draws people’s interest. Pacheco touches on how she thinks Eilish has influenced the pop genre.
“I think she has influenced the pop industry by stepping into her artistry—as what at the time could be considered more unconventional in terms of vocally relying on tone,” Pacheco said. “[Having her] range from both “edgier” and mainstream music, but also expanding her talent in ways that show her emotionally vulnerable side.”
Pacheco’s fondness of Eilish’s music career is due to Elish’s attention to detail in her beats, sound and chords that help her songs stand out from general pop music, which is carried on in HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. Eilish’s new album showcased her talent and ability as an artist even more, while also getting mass recognition from the public. Pacheco shares her first impression of the album.
“I knew [the album] was going to be nominated for a Grammy, and although I prefer it the most out of her entire discography, I found myself listening to it mostly when it was being played on the radio rather than voluntarily. However, I was also humming it when I did not have access to music,” Pacheco said.
Pacheco believes that Eilish makes music that can be played at any environment such as: a party, in a car with your friends, while also giving young people the ability to feel represented with their emotions in everyday life. Much like Pacheco, a junior and Billie Eilish fan since 2016, Sam O’Loughlin, enjoys the representation that Eilish has provided for young people. They shared their opinion on Eilish’s representation as a public figure.
“I really enjoy the representation [of the human experience] and [also] how emotionally [packed] and meaningful her songs are. She is very varied in her sound but it is consistently beautiful” O’Loughlin said. “[And] I loved [HIT ME HARD AND SOFT] because I think that it is some of Billie’s best work. [Plus, her] vocals are ethereal.”
O’Loughlin truly feels that Eilish’s songs create an ineffable experience for the listener, while incorporating her personal feelings that are relatable to her audience. Eilish’s influence on her audience allows them to express themselves and grow with her as well. O’Loughlin talks about why they think Eilish continues to be influential.
“I feel like she has definitely grown as a singer as well as in her own identity. [This is] especially [true] since she was exposed to stardom at such an early age,” O’Loughlin said. “I feel that throughout her music career we have been able to see her actually grow and mature both as a person and an artist.”
O’Loughlin appreciates Eilish as an artist and public figure. Eilish’s overall presence in the public eye is captivating due to her emotional vulnerability and fresh sound that she brings. Senior and occasional Eilish listener, Renata Herbst, shares her thoughts on HIT ME HARD AND SOFT and the influence of it on mainstream music.
“I thought [her album] was surprising, because it seemed like one of her most successful albums yet,” Herbst said. “[So] yes, I think her album was much more popular than Beyoncé’s [Cowboy Carter] and honestly just better.”
Herbst recognizes Eilish’s talents and public image as a positive thing. Celebrities receiving a lot of public attention and not getting officially appreciated for their craft, can have people questioning the opinions of the entertainment industry. Just like at this year’s Grammys where Eilish didn’t get the recognition she deserved for her hard work, as seen in previous award seasons, this is not the first time they have snubbed an artist from an award. “Let’s be honest, Billie losing was the least surprising thing that night. Last year, when Jay-Z complained to The Recording Academy, regarding Beyoncé receiving The Global Impact Award, but not ever winning AOTY [Album Of The Year], it pretty much confirmed who was gonna win this year,” Pacheco said. “The award shows are controlled and corrupt, and they’ve been known to snub artists, such as Ariana Grande who lost AOTY at the 62nd Grammys to Billie Eilish.”
