Anoushka Shankar’s journey with the Grammy awards spans two decades, marked by significant milestones and achievements. She first gained attention in 2002 when she became the youngest nominee and the first Indian woman to be nominated in the World Music category for her album ‘Live At Carnegie Hall.’ In 2005, Anoushka made history by becoming the first Indian musician to perform at the Grammy’s. In 2016, she took on the role of presenter, and during the lockdown Grammy broadcast in 2021, she performed again.
Anoushka continued to break barriers in 2023 when she performed for the third time at the Grammy’s. This performance was particularly significant as it highlighted the collaboration between Indian and Pakistani artists, with her co-nomination for Best Global Performance alongside Arooj Aftab for their song ‘Udhero Na.’
Her latest album, ‘Ch II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn,’ has been nominated for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album. Additionally, she is recognized for her contribution to Jacob Collier’s song ‘A Rock Somewhere,’ which is nominated in the Best Global Performance category. With these nominations, Anoushka has reached an impressive total of 11 nominations throughout her career. This adds to her previous nominations in the Best Global Music Album category for her solo works including ‘Rise,’ ‘Traveller,’ ‘Traces Of You,’ ‘Home,’ ‘Land Of Gold,’ ‘Love Letters PS,’ and ‘Between Us…’
Reflecting on her nominations, she expressed her feelings about being recognized again, “It’s a wonderful feeling to be Grammy-nominated again this year, and twice! I’m especially grateful that my latest album ‘Ch II: How Dark it is Before Dawn’ has been nominated, not least as it means the music I sent out into the world in hopes for peace and healing reaches even more people. I can’t help but hold my breath a little though, as I’ve been through this process before, and although I’m very fortunate to have been nominated so many times I’ve never won.”
She further added, “I’m wary of how the nomination that initially feels so elating can later feel less-than when it doesn’t manifest a win. I’ve learned to try to stay focused on gratitude for the initial nomination and just enjoy the ride. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was hoping for a different outcome! I hope people are with me and I’m grateful to once again be representing India on the global stage.”
The upcoming 67th Grammy awards will take place on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Anoushka Shankar gives a riveting performance at a music fest in Mumbai