The Beatles received two Grammy nominations nearly 50 years after the band split up. Their final song, Now and Then, has been recognised for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, an unexpected return for the legendary group. The song, restored with the help of AI technology, is now competing alongside some of today’s biggest names, including BeyoncĂ©, Billie Eilish, Charlie XCX, and Taylor Swift.
Now and Then: The song that almost wasn’t
Released in November 2023, Now and Then had been a long time. The song was originally a demo recorded by John Lennon in the late 1970s, and it was one of several unfinished pieces he left behind. In the 1990s, Lennon’s surviving bandmates, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, received the demo as part of the Beatles Anthology project. The intention was to complete it, but the technology of the time could not properly separate Lennon’s vocals and piano, meaning they could not produce a clear recording.
However, Now and Then was given new life thanks to modern technological advancements. In 2021, filmmaker Peter Jackson and his team used machine learning to separate the original tracks. This process allowed McCartney and Starr to add new instrumentation and vocals, finally completing the track for release in 2023.
AI involvement and Grammy eligibility
Although Now and Then was finished using AI technology, it still meets the Grammy’s eligibility requirements. The Grammys have specific rules about AI involvement in music creation, stating that only human creators can be nominated for or win a Grammy. However, work that includes “elements” of AI material is still eligible in applicable categories. This means that while AI played a role in the song’s completion, it was still essentially the result of human effort and creativity.
The nomination of Now and Then has raised some eyebrows, especially as it now competes with contemporary artists like BeyoncĂ© and Taylor Swift. However, for many Beatles fans, the recognition of the song is a long-overdue acknowledgement of the band’s musical legacy. It’s a fitting tribute to a group that reshaped music forever.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Grammy Awards
The 2025 Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 2. It will be interesting to see how Now and Then fares against the competition, especially considering the technological advancements that made the song possible. While it’s strange to see The Beatles, who split up in 1970, competing in the same categories as modern artists, their influence on the music industry is undeniable. Regardless of the outcome, Now and Then is a powerful reminder of the band’s lasting impact.
