A look at the nominations’ unexpected and intriguing story lines, including the role of an absent Drake, the validation of André 3000’s flute music and overlooked gems.

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Artists, albums and songs competing for trophies at the 67th annual ceremony were announced on Friday. The show will take place on Feb. 2 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

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Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter will compete in the biggest categories, along with Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar.

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Frank Bruni, Kristen Soltis Anderson and Nate Silver take stock of where the race is as Election Day looms.

Critics have come a long way since “Maple Leaf Rag.” Just consider how “Cowboy Carter” rode into town.