Tate McRae has officially earned her first Grammy nomination, though not for her chart-topping album So Close to What. The 21-year-old Canadian singer received a nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording for her single “Just Keep Watching,” featured on the soundtrack of the upcoming film F1 starring Brad Pitt.

McRae reacted to the news with excitement on Instagram, writing, “Grammy nominated!!!!!! Thank u!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @recordingacademy.” The song, already a commercial success, recently earned her two MTV Video Music Awards for Song of the Summer and Best Editing.

A Surprising Grammy Nod

The recognition comes as somewhat of a surprise to fans and critics alike, not because of the track’s quality but because McRae’s full-length album So Close to What—which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 earlier this year—was completely overlooked by the Recording Academy. The record, released on February 21, includes hits like “Revolving Door,” “It’s OK I’m OK,” and “Sports Car,” and marked a defining moment in McRae’s career.

Despite the album’s strong reception and sold-out tour performances, it did not receive nominations in any major Grammy categories. McRae’s name appears only in the Best Dance Pop Recording field, competing against Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s “Bluest Flame,” Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Zara Larsson’s “Midnight Sun,” and PinkPantheress’ “Illegal.”

Many fans also expected McRae to appear in the Best New Artist category, but she was not eligible, having already been submitted three times in previous years — the maximum number allowed under Grammy rules.

Touring Success and Ongoing Momentum

McRae’s So Close to What world tour, which began on March 18 in Mexico City, has drawn rave reviews and large audiences across North America, Europe, and Asia. The 81-show run concludes on November 8 in Inglewood, California, where McRae is expected to perform a mix of fan favorites and her latest single, “Tit for Tat,” rumored to be inspired by a recent breakup.

The singer’s recent television appearances on Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon helped propel her into the mainstream spotlight, solidifying her status as one of pop’s most dynamic young artists. While the Grammy snub for So Close to What left some surprised, McRae’s growing recognition in the dance pop genre suggests her career trajectory is only gaining momentum.