Key Highlights
- Tate McRae receives her first Grammy nomination for “Just Keep Watching.”
- The album “So Close to What” was a commercial success but did not receive any other nominations.
- McRae’s most recent track, “Tit for Tat,” is part of her current tour setlist.
Tate McRae’s First Grammy Nomination: A Surprising Breakthrough
Canadian singer Tate McRae has received her first nomination from the Recording Academy, marking a significant milestone in her career. On Friday morning, she was nominated for best dance pop recording for “Just Keep Watching,” a song featured on the film F1, starring Brad Pitt.
The singer expressed immense joy through an Instagram post: “Grammy nominated!!!!!! Thank u!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @recordingacademy.” This nomination comes alongside other recent accolades, including VMAs for song of the summer and best editing in September. However, despite this success, McRae’s third studio album, So Close to What, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart, was notably shut out from additional Grammy nominations.
The Shuttered Album: “So Close to What”
Released on February 21, 2024, So Close to What marked a significant achievement for McRae. The album’s singles, including “Revolving Door,” “It’s OK I’m OK,” and “Sports Car,” garnered her substantial attention across various platforms such as Saturday Night Live (SNL), Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and the VMAs. Despite its commercial success and widespread recognition, So Close to What did not receive any other nominations from the Grammys.
A Nomination in the Making: “Just Keep Watching”
“Just Keep Watching” is part of a collection that also includes McRae’s recent breakup track, “Tit for Tat.” This nomination alongside artists like Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, Lady Gaga, Zara Larsson, and PinkPantheress highlights the competitive nature of the Grammy Awards this year. The 2026 Grammy nominations were announced in a landscape where some high-profile nominees faced unexpected snubs, such as The Weeknd.
McRae is currently wrapping up her “So Close to What” world tour, which has seen over 80 performances since its inception on March 18, 2024, in Mexico City. The tour is set to conclude on November 8, 2025, in Inglewood, California.
Tate McRae’s journey from being “so close to what” to finally securing a Grammy nomination underscores the unpredictable and often challenging nature of the music industry. As she prepares for the upcoming awards show, her fans can only hope that this recognition will pave the way for more success in the future.
