Grammy Nominees: Ayra Starr, ASTROPICAL, Reba McEntire, Amy Allen

What’s your all-time-favorite Grammy moment, either as a participant or a viewer?

Angélique Kidjo winning in 2008 was so important for me to see. I don’t know if it was televised but I remember hearing the news and checking on my mum’s phone online to see if it was true. She’s from Benin Republic, which is where I was born, so it made me believe I could do the same thing one day.

What stands out most about the recording of ASTROPICAL?

How much fun I had! The connection between Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana, between me and Beto [Montenegro], the musical connection, the energetic connection. How beautifully two neighboring countries can complement each other, and realizing that music has no limits.—Li Samuet

Grammys aside, name an award or honor you’ve won that means the most to you.

I think your first is always the most special. My first was CMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 1984. It was a dream come true for me. I remember when Merle Haggard won for "Okie From Muskogee." After watching the awards show that night, I lay in bed practicing my acceptance speech because I wanted to win that award so badly one day.

Besides yourself, of course, who will you be rooting for on Grammy night?

Every songwriter in the category, because it just still feels like such a win for us collectively that Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, is finally a category. And of course my collaborators and friends Sabrina, ROSÉ and Olivia Dean!