Tate McRae Earns First Grammy Nomination, Despite ‘So Close to What’ Being Shut Out
Singer and dancer Tate McRae has received her first Grammy nomination, but not for the reason most expected. On Friday morning, she earned a nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording for the song “Just Keep Watching,” featured in the film F1 starring Brad Pitt.
“Grammy nominated!!!!!! @recordingacademy” — Tate McRae, via Instagram Stories
The track previously brought McRae VMA awards in September for Song of the Summer and Best Editing. At the 2026 Grammy Awards, she competes alongside Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco for “Bluest Flame,” Lady Gaga for “Abracadabra,” Zara Larsson for “Midnight Sun,” and PinkPantheress for “Illegal.”
Unexpected Album Snub
The nomination surprised many, not because of the single’s success, but because her third studio album, So Close to What, was completely overlooked by the Recording Academy this year. The album, nevertheless, became her most successful to date, claiming her first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It features the singles “Revolving Door,” “It’s OK I’m OK,” and “Sports Car.”
McRae’s year also included standout performances on Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and the VMAs, solidifying her as one of pop’s leading young artists.
End of the “So Close to What” Tour
The singer concluded her world tour in support of the album on Saturday in Inglewood, California, marking the end of an intensely successful era.
Although McRae seemed a strong contender for Best New Artist, she was not eligible, having already been submitted three times previously — the maximum allowed by the Grammys.
Author’s summary: Despite her acclaimed album being snubbed, Tate McRae celebrates a first Grammy nod for her dance-pop single from the F1 film, reinforcing her growing pop stardom.