Thinking Weekly

With the announcement of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ collab Die With a Smile, it’s impossible not to notice the surge in duets lately. While duets are always a staple, this year’s pairings are making way more noise than usual.

From Taylor Swift and Post Malone’s Fortnight to Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus teaming up on II Most Wanted, these duets aren’t just chart-toppers, they’re becoming cultural moments. Artists are collaborating in unique and unexpected ways, creating tracks that feel way bigger than just the songs themselves.

But with the return of the duet we’re also seeing some artists drop remixes just because it’s becoming the norm. Take Ariana Grande’s 7th studio album Eternal Sunshine, she’s released the Yes, And? remix with Mariah Carey, the Supernatural remix with Troye Sivan, and a group performance with Brandy and Monica on The Boy Is Mine. It’s starting to feel like some of these collabs are more about boosting sales than adding a verse that truly enhances the song.

That said, not every remix is just a cash grab. The Girl, So Confusing remix with Lorde and Charli XCX, for example, it not only ended any rumors about their supposed feud but also gave us one of the most culturally significant songs of the year (at least in the gay world).

With all these collabs, there are tons of tracks eligible for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at this year’s Grammys. Here are my predictions for who’s going to bag a nomination.

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (Early) Predictions:

Fortnight – Taylor Swift & Post Malone (Likely Winner)

II Most Wanted – Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus (Runner-Up)

Guess – Charli XCX & Billie Eilish

Die With a Smile – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars

Everybody – Nicki Minaj & Lil Uzi Vert

Supernatural – Ariana Grande & Troye Sivan

Not My Fault – Reneé Rapp & Megan Thee Stallion

Girl, So Confusing – Charli XCX & Lorde