Raye Shares Insight Into Her Career After Grammy Nominations
The thrill is not gone for Raye.
The “Born Again” singer (real name Rachel Keen) shared insight into where she sees her career headed after receiving three Grammy nominations last year and a 2026 nod for Best Music Film for her concert video Live At the Royal Albert Hall.
And for Raye, she’s most excited to introduce a new collection of songs to her fans with her still-untitled sophomore album, which will include her 2025 single “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”
“I’m hyper-fixated on that right now,” the 28-year-old told E! News in an exclusive interview. “I’m just focused on the album. I just want to do a great job.”
And Raye is already working through how she’ll perform her new songs on her accompanying tour, THIS TOUR MAY CONTAIN NEW MUSIC, which kicks off in Poland on Jan. 22.
“I don’t want this album to sound like a studio album,” she explained. “I don’t want it to sound like it was made in the studio.”
Indeed, the “Escapism” artist feels most herself when she’s performing her songs for an audience.
“The last two to three years of my life have been about live music,” Raye continued. “I feel so myself on stage and sharing that moment with talented musicians who all bring their own personality and character to the performance.”
Another aim for her next chapter? To create music that she wants to make and “be in control” of how she shares it.
“The goal is to be art—music I love,” Raye said. “Music that gives me butterflies inside of my stomach. The goals are that and that’s really beautiful.”
Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
That’s why saying yes to singing at the unveiling of Bloomingdale’s 2025 Holiday Campaign, Happy Together, in New York City Nov. 19 was a no-brainer.
“I was very happy to be invited to sing at this very fabulous moment,” Raye gushed, adding that she had a blast checking out the campaign’s immersive store windows and magical in-store experiences. “I know this is a big Christmas moment and it was very, very beautiful. It was a very iconic moment.”
And while she’s certainly got her goals mapped out over the next year when it comes to her music, the “Oscar Winning Tears” artist isn’t only prioritizing her career as of late. In fact, she’s also nailed down a few requirements for her future husband—who she hopes to find in “three and a half years.”
“I’m a words of affirmation person, that’s my love language, so I need a communicator,” Raye said. “Another thing I’m looking for—and I know they all say this on Love Island—but a sense of humor is very important. He’s got to be charming, charismatic.”
She added, “Discipline is also very important.”
For more stars’ reactions to their 2026 Grammy nominations, keep reading.
Francis Specker/CBS
Chappell Roan
The “Hot to Go” singer was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance and Record of the Year for “The Subway” and kept her reaction short and sweet, writing on her Nov. 7 Instagram Story, “Thank you @recordingacademy.”
Eugenia R. Washington/Getty Images
Leon Thomas
“Thank you God, my team, every collaborator, every producer, family, friends and most especially my fans I couldn’t have done it without you,” Leon Thomas wrote in a Nov. 7 Instagram post. “I got a show tonight and i’m gonna continue working harder on this next album.”
Marilla Sicilia/Archivio Marilla Sicilia/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
Timothée Chalamet
After receiving a nod in Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for his work on the A Complete Unknown soundtrack, Timothée reshared the news to his Instagram Story Nov. 7 adding, “Dream Big.”
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Sombr
“I am a Grammy nominated artist,” Sombr (real name Shane Michael Boose) in a Nov. 6 Instagram post. “I am in shock!! Thank you @recordingacademy and everyone who voted for me. I am so proud to be recognized among so many amazing artists that I love and respect.”
The 20-year-old went on to reflect on how the last year changed his life.
“Ever since I was a small kid, I have lived and breathed music. It has changed my life in so many ways,” he continued. “This time last year, I was 19, depressed and not knowing where to turn. I wrote all of these songs on my own in my bedroom. Looking back, I am so thankful to everyone who encouraged me to keep going.”
To top off his gratitude, the “Back to Friends” singer expressed love for his fanbase.
“You’re the reason I get up in the morning and keep doing this even when I’m at my lowest,” he shared. “Seeing how the music impacts you means everything to me. I love you so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Brendon Cook/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami
The K-Pop Demon Hunters singers couldn’t contain their joy upon “Golden” receiving a nomination for Song of the Year.
“I’m not able to digest this time,” Ejae told Variety in a statement. “I’m still in shock.”
Rei Ami added, “This feels out of this world.”
Meanwhile, Audrey Nuna was floored by the representation that came with their nomination.
You’re going to see three Korean faces,” she explained. “To think about the kids who are going to see that, and hopefully for that to shape their understanding of what they can do in this world, is the stuff that is giving me chills up my spine.”
Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Kelsea Ballerini
“Oh my goodness,” Kelsea wrote in a Nov. 6 Instagram Story, upon her album receiving a nod in the Best Contemporary Country Album category. “Patterns is nominated for a Grammy!”
Addison Rae/Instagram
Addison Rae
Upon hearing her nomination news, Addison Rae proved a picture is worth a thousand words and posted four selfies of her reacting to her Best New Artist nod.
Doug Peters/PA Images via Getty Images
Rosé
The BlackPink member shared her unfiltered reaction to scoring a Song of the Year and Record of the Year nomination for “APT.” alongside Bruno Mars. In a video shared to her Instagram Story, the K-pop star shared her anxiety asking her team, “Are we not gonna get it?” before her song was finally announced, to which she shrieked with joy.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images
Alex Warren
Upon earning his first ever Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, the “Ordinary” singer shared a video of his live reaction, which saw him amazed and then grow teary eyed alongside wife Kouvr Annon as his friends blasted confetti. “Mom and Dad I know you’re watching down,” he wrote in the caption. “I miss you.”
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Pusha T
After receiving a nomination for Best Rap Album and Album of the Year for alongside brother Malice for their group Clipse’s album Let God Sort Em Out, he shared his reaction on his Instagram Story, reposting several prayer hand emojis.
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