Tate McRae Earns First Grammy Nod for ‘Just Keep Watching’ as Album ‘So Close to What’ Misses Out

Quick Read

• Tate McRae received her first Grammy nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording with ‘Just Keep Watching’, a song from the upcoming F1 film.
• ‘So Close to What’, McRae’s most successful album and first Billboard No. 1, was not nominated in any Grammy category.
• McRae is competing against Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco, Lady Gaga, Zara Larsson, and PinkPantheress for the award.
• She has previously reached the eligibility limit for Best New Artist, having been submitted three times.
• McRae’s world tour for ‘So Close to What’ concludes on November 8 in Inglewood, California.

Tate McRae’s Milestone: First Grammy Nomination in 2026

Tate McRae, the Canadian singer-songwriter whose raw honesty and dance-driven pop have propelled her into the spotlight, has reached a pivotal moment in her career. On November 8th, the Recording Academy announced McRae’s first-ever Grammy nomination: Best Dance Pop Recording for “Just Keep Watching.” The track, featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming Brad Pitt film F1, has already made waves, nabbing Song of the Summer and Best Editing at the VMAs. Now, it’s set to compete at music’s most prestigious stage—the 2026 Grammy Awards, broadcast live on February 1 from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena (The Alpena News, el-balad, The News).

The Journey Behind ‘Just Keep Watching’

“Just Keep Watching” isn’t just another pop single. It’s a track rooted in cinematic energy, blending McRae’s signature emotional vocals with an infectious dance beat, crafted specifically for the high-octane universe of F1. The song’s success at the VMAs and its social media buzz—where McRae herself shared her elation, posting ‘Grammy nominated!!!!!! Thank u!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @recordingacademy’—reflect how the track resonates with both fans and critics.

For McRae, this recognition is more than a trophy; it’s validation of her evolution as an artist. She stands alongside formidable contenders in the category: Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco (“Bluest Flame”), Lady Gaga (“Abracadabra”), Zara Larsson (“Midnight Sun”), and PinkPantheress (“Illegal”). Each competitor brings a distinct style and following, making the race for Best Dance Pop Recording unpredictable and highly anticipated.

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

Ironically, while “Just Keep Watching” grabbed the spotlight, McRae’s third studio album, So Close to What, did not receive any Grammy nominations—despite being her most commercially successful release to date. Dropped on February 21, the album soared to No. 1 on the Billboard 200, powered by singles like “Revolving Door,” “It’s OK I’m OK,” and “Sports Car.” Critics praised its lyrical vulnerability and energetic production, and McRae’s performances on major shows like SNL, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and the VMAs showcased her dynamic presence.

The omission of So Close to What from the nominations puzzled fans and industry watchers alike. Many expected the album to earn nods in major categories, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. However, Grammy eligibility rules and fierce competition may have played a role. Still, the album’s chart-topping achievement stands as a testament to McRae’s growing influence in pop music.

Touring Triumphs and Artistic Growth

Throughout 2025, McRae has been on the road for her So Close to What World Tour, which kicked off in Mexico City on March 18 and wraps up in Inglewood, California on November 8. The tour, marked by sold-out venues and emotional performances, has been a celebration of her recent successes. Notably, fans have embraced her latest single “Tit for Tat,” rumored to be inspired by a recent breakup—a narrative thread that adds personal depth to her live shows.

At just 21 years old, McRae has navigated the complexities of fame, public scrutiny, and creative evolution. Her ability to connect with listeners through themes of heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery has set her apart in a crowded pop landscape.

Grammy Nomination: What It Means for McRae and Pop Music

McRae’s Grammy nod is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the changing tides in mainstream music. The Best Dance Pop Recording category features established icons like Lady Gaga and rising stars such as PinkPantheress, highlighting a broad and vibrant field. For McRae, the nomination comes after three previous submissions for Best New Artist—a category she’s now ineligible for due to the Recording Academy’s rules on repeat entries.

Her journey echoes the stories of many contemporary artists whose breakout hits overshadow even their most ambitious albums. In McRae’s case, “Just Keep Watching” represents both a reward and a challenge: a chance to be recognized by her peers, and a reminder of the unpredictability of industry accolades.

A Year Marked by Achievements—and Surprises

As the Grammy ceremony approaches, McRae closes out a year defined by both triumph and surprise. She has proven her ability to dominate charts, fill arenas, and, now, earn the respect of the Recording Academy. While the absence of nominations for So Close to What might sting, it also sets the stage for her next chapter—a space where commercial success and critical recognition don’t always align, but where perseverance and authenticity win the audience.

McRae’s story this Grammy season is about more than just a golden statuette. It’s about the journey: the late nights in the studio, the vulnerability on stage, and the ability to bounce back from disappointment. It’s about carving a unique place in pop music, one that’s still being written.

Tate McRae’s Grammy nomination for “Just Keep Watching” is a testament to her tenacity and versatility. In a year where her most successful album was overlooked, this single shines as proof that impactful artistry can come from unexpected places. Her trajectory suggests that while awards are meaningful, true success is measured in connection—between the music, the artist, and the audience.