Zayn Might Earn A 2017 Grammy Nom

Zayn Malik came out of One Direction guns blazing with his solo career, but will the pop singer's efforts score him the Grammy gold? Whether or not Zayn is eligible for a 2017 Grammy is debatable for a number of reasons. Nominations for the 2017 Grammy Awards will be revealed on December 6, which has the internet buzzing about who will score — especially in the Best New Artist category. The good news for Zayn fans is that the singer was right on time. Only music released from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016 will be considered this go around. Zayn's solo album Mind of Mine dropped on March 25, 2016, so he's in the clear there. There's an issue standing in the way of Zayn winning a 2017 Grammy, and it's something you probably wouldn't have expected.

There's no denying Zayn's solo career took off immediately. His first solo album Mind of Mine debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 as did his hit "PILLOWTALK," so his song and album have a chance of being nominated — and possibly winning, depending on who you're talking to. For example, while Forbes says Zayn has potential of scoring, "chances are he might find himself in at least one category, though it’s anybody’s guess if he’ll actually come out on top."

That said, his chances of getting a nomination and even a win for his album or single are probably higher than one for Best New Artist. As Forbes explains, Zayn's boy band past may hinder consideration for him in this category. "Because of his success as a member of One Direction, he has been deemed by the Recording Academy to no longer be 'new,' which it seems is a phrase that can be flexible," according to the publication.

He did, however, score the American Music Award for New Artist of the Year (and the Teen Choice Breakout Artist Award, just saying). So only time will tell with this one. If Zayn is nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy, outlets such as Billboard are predicting new artists including Chance the Rapper, Alessia Cara, and Marren Morris will also be in that category.

Regardless of what happens on December 6, and the show on February 12, fans will always have his amazing music to listen to. Don't give up hope.

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