Record of the Year and Best New Artist — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 18, 2025)
Word Tips cites the music industry awards that give out both titles. That points straight to the GRAMMYS. We add a pop culture refresher so you think of bold red carpet moments the second you see the clue. All apostrophes appear as ' and quotation marks as " for valid HTML.
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Record of the Year and Best New Artist
The clue name drops two Grammy Award categories, so the plural answer GRAMMYS locks in quickly. Word Tips reinforces that with the definition and a friendly reminder that the word refers to the award ceremony itself.
Crossing Safety Net
- 9-Across MOI keeps every consonant in place, eliminating missteps like Grammies or Grammys spelled with an IE.
- 10-Across DAN keeps every consonant in place, eliminating missteps like Grammies or Grammys spelled with an IE.
- 11-Across BTSARMY keeps every consonant in place, eliminating missteps like Grammies or Grammys spelled with an IE.
- 14-Across PUFFY keeps every consonant in place, eliminating missteps like Grammies or Grammys spelled with an IE.
Solver Cheat Sheet
Meaning Hint
Word Tips calls the Grammys the awards handed out by the Recording Academy. That definition matches the clue exactly.
Alternate Cue
Watch for "Adele's shelf filler" or "Music awards with gramophones." They always lead to GRAMMYS.
Letter Pattern
The double M followed by YS is distinctive. Seeing that pattern in a music clue points you to GRAMMYS immediately.
Solve Smart
Because this clue is plural, always use the S ending. Cross check with BTSARMY and PUFFY to prevent typos.