2019 Grammy Watch: Best R&B Performance

CMN’s team of music writers is previewing the 2019 Grammy Awards. The 61st annual ceremony will take place Sunday, February 10 in Los Angeles. You can see all of our Grammy coverage here. 

Toni Braxton: “Long As I Live” – It has been nine years since Braxton released her last single. This powerful and sultry ballad recalls 90s R&B, where music just made people feel good. This time around, Braxton is revealing a more sensual, sexier side, and this record fits perfectly into the mix.

The Carters: “Summer” – They have shown no signs of slowing down, in fact they have created a household name for themselves. It seems like everything The Carters touch these days turns gold (literally) and when they create music together, it is just pure magic.

Lalah Hathaway: “YOY” – With five Grammys already under her belt, Lalah Hathaway is likely hoping to win another. On “YOY” (better known as Why Oh Why), Hathaway’s smooth and effortless vocals are just perfect and certainly strong enough to earn her a 6th Grammy. 

H.E.R and Daniel Caesar: “Best Part” – H.E.R and Daniel Caesar’s voices seem to blend so perfectly on this record. They both deliver such raw emotion that there is no doubt that their collaboration will go down in Grammy history as one the most soulful, yet vulnerable ballads ever nominated.

PJ Morton: “First Began”  – Some might recognize PJ as Maroon 5’s keyboardist, but he is more than a talented musician. Recently, Morton has decided to step into the forefront and release his own music. “First Began” is one of Morton’s best and personal projects, where he talks about love, relationships, marriage, and more. If chosen, this will be Morton’s first Grammy win.   

Most Likely to Win:

Either Braxton or Hathaway will take home a Grammy this year. Although, both singers are considered legendary, people will most likely vote Braxton as a classic comeback story.

Who Should Win:

H.E.R. The uniqueness and artistry of this performance speaks for itself.