By Jared Murray

This year’s Best Pop Solo Performance category is more of a dumping ground for the most popular songs of the year rather than a heated race between the actual best pop songs of the year. Songs nominated in the category include: “Someone Like You” by Adele, “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga, “Grenade” by Bruno Mars, “Firework” by Katy Perry and “F***in’ Perfect” by P!nk.

British singer Adele has had a record breaking year, both in album sales and chart performance. Her plaintive second single “Someone Like You” garnered her much critical acclaim and commercial success thanks to her large fan base of forlorn teenage girls. Her simple yet emotive performance definitely makes her a contender for the award.

Lady Gaga’s “Yoü And I” finds the pop star in her natural habitat: heartbroken and playing the piano. While that combination may boring to some, the result is truly a genuine sounding pop song from a woman known for being anything but. Featuring some top-notch belting from Gaga, and honky-tonk vibe along with an impressive guitar solo from Queen’s Brian May, “Yoü And I” is not a song to underestimate or sing along with quietly.

Another song about love, “Grenade” by the smooth singing Bruno Mars is the only song sung by a male to be nominated in this category this year. The synth-driven song finds Bruno trying to make his lover feel bad for their lack of dedication in the relationship. Despite the excellent vocals and an irresistible chorus, “Grenade” is unlikely to be a serious contender for the coveted gramophone.

Whether you like it or not, Katy Perry had a stellar year. Her self-empowerment single “Firework” is a delectable slice of dancepop that had everyone singing their heads off. Sadly, even the song’s catchy beat could not save itself from some questionable lyrics (plastic bags, really?) and Katy’s near-yelling vocals in the chorus. Hopefully her nomination was not meant to be serious, especially when looking at many better pop songs having come out last year.

Following the trend of self-love anthems seen this year, P!nk’s “F***kin’ Perfect” is a fun and energetic song from one of pop music’s veterans. Clearly written for her fans, the sometimes electropop song doesn’t have many distinct characteristics to set itself apart from everything else on the radio today, making it an extremely unlikely winner.

My predictions:

Who Will Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Who Should Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Dark Horse: “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga