A week ago, the Recording Academy released a YouTube video featuring Taylor Swift holding court at an intimate “Icon Sessions” event. After an interview exploring her songwriting process, Swift performed a medley featuring her latest hit, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” along with “August” and “All Too Well” to a roomful of Grammy voters at the Academy’s Los Angeles museum. While the purpose of evening was to kick off Swift’s overall campaign for the 2027 awards, it also had a specific goal: to help the 14-time Grammy winner score the one statuette that has eluded her — Song of the Year.
Swift is considered one of the most important songwriters of her generation. This year, she became the youngest inductee ever at the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She is also the all-time most-nominated artist for Song of Year. However, she’s 0-for-8 in the category. While her career doesn’t need any further validation at this point, receiving the highest recognition for her music and lyrics from her peers would be the ultimate feather in her cap.
The Icon Sessions were produced by by the Recording Academy’s Songwriters and Composers wing, and Swift’s showcase was only attended by members of that branch. These are the voters who play a fundamental role in deciding the next winner of the category. Getting an opportunity to speak to her fellow songwriters in person gives her an edge that most of her competitors likely won’t have.
One tune that could potentially give Taylor her overdue Song of the Year is her latest single, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which was written for Toy Story 5 and is also expected to be a leading contender in the Best Original Song category at the Oscars. Swift will likely engage in cross-promotion throughout the awards season. Given that Academy Award campaigns are longer, higher-profile, and usually better funded, it should have a residual effect and boost her Grammy bona fides. Billie Eilish used a similar playbook for “What Was I Made For” from Barbie, which ultimately won both awards, becoming the first song of the 21st century to achieve the feat. Swift is hoping for No. 2.
First, she needs to secure a nomination, and right now, she is solid position. According to the Gold Derby odds, her “Fate of Ophelia” ranks No. 5 in the Song of the Year nomination predictions, while “I Knew It, I Knew You,” sits at No. 14.
Song of the Year
1.
2.
3.
Ella Langley
Choosin’ Texas
4.
5.
Taylor Swift
The Fate of Ophelia
6.
7.
Noah Kahan
The Great Divide
8.
PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson
Stateside
9.
Sienna Spiro
Die on This Hill
10.
Bruce Springsteen
Streets of Minneapolis
11.
12.
13.
Phoebe Bridgers
Lost Boys
14.
Taylor Swift
I Knew It, I Knew You
15.
Rosalia, Bjork, Yves Tumor
Berghain
