Did You Notice These Grammy Noms?

Monday morning marks one of the biggest days for music in 2015 — the official announcement of the 2016 Grammy nominations. It's a day where we can reflect back on all of the tunes that made us get up and dance, belt our hearts out, and maybe even shed a tear. But while stars like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and The Weeknd might come to mind, the Grammys consist of multiple genres in multiple categories — which you may have never even heard of before. Because, well, the music industry consists of a lot more than what you hear on the radio. So it's no wonder that you probably didn't notice these 2016 Grammy nominees.

Nevertheless, if you're nominated for a Grammy, odds are you've got to be pretty talented. And these unknown (or even completely unexpected) artists seem to be just as talented as the ones you're lining up to see in concert. Aside from Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist, the categories I'm talking about include: Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, Best Music Film (Yes, that's considered), Best Comedy Album, Best Historical Album, Best Spoken Word Album, and more. Because, yes. I know you probably just glazed over these categories (and many more) when counting just how many nominations Kendrick Lamar snagged. However, I'm here to help you take that much needed double-take. And prepare to be surprised.

Whether you knew these familiar faces could carry a tune, or you had no idea they were even a contributor in a Grammy category, it's always nice to see deserving faces and multi-talented individuals come out of the shadows. Now, let's just take a moment to go through some of the most shocking (yet totally deserving) ones.

1. Seth MacFarlane

No, he was not nominated in the Best Comedy Album category. Yes, this Family Guy creator and actor actually has quite the singing chops. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album may not be a completely shocking category, but seeing this famed comedian in the category sure is. While you may have recognized the names of his competition — including Tony Bennett & Bill Charlap, Bob Dylan, Josh Groban, and Barry Manilow — Seth was quite the shocker. So do you think he has a chance? Personally, I would love to see him go up on that stage to accept the award! (Not to put down any of the other nominees... But Stewie accepting a Grammy Award?! Um...Yes!) Seriously, you have got to hear this famous funny guy sing a song from his Grammy nominated album.

2. Craig Ferguson

OK, but aside from those talented folks we may have not known could carry a tune, what about those stars we didn't know were seriously in the running for a Grammy at all? While Seth MacFarlane may have not appeared in the Best Comedy Album category, popular former late night talk show host Craig Ferguson landed himself a spot on the nominees list for his album Just Being Honest.

3. Amy Poehler

But the Grammy nominees get even more absurd when we make our way over to the Best Spoken Word Album category. I'm talking really unexpected. And smile-worthy all the same! Because, that's right, Amy Poehler is nominated for a 2016 Grammy. Her first one ever as a result of her audiobook reading of her very own memoir Yes Please. Who knew?! But, of course, I'm not surprised that Grammy voters seemed to find her entertaining. Seriously, is there anything this girl can't do? Well, we'll have to just wait and see if she can beat out her fellow competition.

4. Jimmy Carter

Even Jimmy Carter received a nomination. Yes, as in the former POTUS Jimmy Carter. Who was nominated for his audiobook A Full Life: Reflections At Ninety. How cool would it be to see a U.S. President win a Grammy? Ah-mazing. Unless, of course that whole Kanye West for President thing actually follows through. Then I guess it wouldn't be that rare, right? Jimmy Carter will just have to beat him to it.

5. Paul McCartney

While Paul McCartney isn't exactly an unknown to the music industry, he is an unknown when it comes to one otherwise well-known category: Best Rap Performance. The Beatles singer may have been snubbed alongside Kanye West and Rihanna when it comes to their popular single "FourFiveSeconds," but McCartney's contributions to Kanye's song "All Day" have landed him his first spot in this all-new category. Anything is possible with that musical force!.

6. Joni Mitchell

It has been quite some time since Joni Mitchell has released any new music. However, this musical legend has surprisingly still managed to land herself a Grammy nomination in a category where you may not look to find her: Best Album Notes. She was nominated for an extensive collections of notes and musings that went along with her 2014 remastered takes on her classics titled, Love Has Many Faces: A Quartet, A Ballet, Waiting To Be Danced.

7. Patti Smith

And artists taking over various other categories seems to be a trend this year. Famed rock singer, Patti Smith, managed to claim herself her very own Best Spoken Word Album 2016 Grammy nomination with her narration in the audiobook version of Jo Nesbo's book, Blood on Snow. Because, apparently, this woman can read just as well as she can rock. So cool.

I, personally, can not wait to see who takes home the prize in these Grammy categories. These categories have actually got me biting my nails in suspense. You see? Sometimes it pays off to look at the "little" things.

Images: #SethMacFarlane/YouTube; Giphy