The Grammy Awards, known as the pinnacle of musical achievement, have always been highly coveted in the music industry. They represent not just recognition but also the celebration of artistic excellence. This year, there’s a buzz among EXO fans regarding Baekhyun‘s potential to snag a GRAMMY nomination.
The question arises: Why are fans so hopeful about Baekhyun’s chances, especially when he hasn’t made a solo comeback recently? The answer lies in his debut with the “League of Legends” boy group HEARTSTEEL and their hit single “Paranoia.”
HEARTSTEEL’s “Paranoia” is being eyed for a nomination in the category of “Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media” at the next Grammy Awards. This category, though relatively new, has gained significant attention, with last year’s award going to the soundtrack of “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok.”
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok and its composer Stephanie Economou have won the first Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media. https://t.co/jYX0llltvS pic.twitter.com/DWK3aH17OT
— IGN (@IGN) February 6, 2023
Although the track was released outside the qualifying period for this year’s Grammys, it stands as a potential nominee for the next cycle. The track has garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim, fitting perfectly into the unique niche of video game music, which the Grammys have started to acknowledge more in recent years.
However, there’s a technicality that could impede “Paranoia’s” path to a GRAMMY nomination. According to the Grammys’ website, the award for “Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games” is specifically for albums that are “comprised predominantly of original scores and created specifically for, or as a companion, to a current video game or other interactive media released within the qualification period.”
| SM Entertainment
Since “Paranoia” is a single and not an album, it might not meet this criterion if Riot Games Music released it just as a single and not as part of a “single album.”
| Riot Games Music
There remains a glimmer of hope, though. HEARTSTEEL might still release an album within the year, mirroring the strategy of the previous “League of Legends” girl group KDA — which released a mini-album. Such a move could place “Paranoia” within the eligibility criteria for the Grammy nomination, keeping the dream alive for Baekhyun’s fans.
| Riot Games Music
A nomination would not only be a milestone for Baekhyun and HEARTSTEEL but also a recognition of the burgeoning influence of K-Pop and video game soundtracks in the global music scene. Fans are holding their breath, hopeful for a history-making announcement at the next Grammy Awards.
