Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. The eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and is subject to change.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit THE EMMYS COLLECTIVEVisit each individual category, according to the awards show from THE EMMYS HUBLink to film awards hub THE OSCARS HUB
(DRAFT>>>PRE-SEASON>>>REGULAR SEASON>>>POST SEASON)
2021 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING COMPETITION SERIES
UPDATED: June 17, 2021
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: Audiences just can’t get enough of celebrities hidden inside absurd costumes and performing some of pop music’s biggest hits. “The Masked Singer” was nominated last year, and Nick Lachey triumphing in the fifth season was the talk of many tweets, which likely didn’t go unnoticed by voters. This show could steamroll its way to the front of the pack.
However, counting out “RuPaul’s Drag Race” at this point would be foolish. The incumbent winner in this category has taken the trophy for the past three years, and it continues to dominate awards competitions (also see the recent Critics Choice Real TV noms) and snatch headlines. This series is still a front-runner.
HBO Max’s “Legendary,” the voguing competition that features LGBTQIA+ competitors representing their ballroom houses, didn’t score a nom for its first season, but coming back for its second just ahead of the eligibility window closing puts it top of mind. It’s also a rare look at the ballroom scene on television, and that kind of representation should not go overlooked.
The last time “The Voice” won this category was in 2017, but it has been nominated every year since (and quite a few years before, beginning in 2012). The most recent season was extra special: a double anniversary of the 10th year and 20th season, more than enough to keep its consistent ballot spot once again.
“Nailed It,” the Netflix baking competition show made history when Nicole Byer was nominated for host, making her the first Black woman to be so recognized. The series itself has also scored nods in this category for the past two years. Wrapping its “Double Trouble” season, the show is eyeballing its first win from the Television Academy
ViacomCBS is putting serious muscle behind the 36th season of “The Challenge.” Subtitled “Double Agents” and taking place in Iceland, the season paired up its challengers for some of the biggest physical events in the franchise’s history, all produced amid the pandemic. Watching a rookie (Amber Borzotra) and a veteran (Chris “C.T.” Tamburello) be declared winners was exciting for many and could finally land the show an overdue nomination.
The last time “American Idol” was nominated in this category was a decade ago, marking the ninth consecutive nod for its original run. It has yet to be lauded since moving to the Alphabet network, but this could be its year after returning to the live format amid the COVID-19 pandemic with a strong crop of singers, including eventual winner country musician Chayce Beckham.
“The Amazing Race” has picked up this prize 10 times since it started its run in 2001, and there are no signs of slowing down. Last nominated in this category in 2019, it’s not as buzzy as it once was, but the double dose of host Phil Keoghan (also for “Tough as Nails”) on this ballot and in the reality host race should give it a bump.
“Top Chef” has been one of the non-“Housewives” staples for Bravo since 2006 and one of the mainstays on this ballot since 2007. Now ending its 18th season from Portland, Ore., let’s not forget it was this cooking competition that stopped the winning streak of “The Amazing Race” in 2010. Can it reclaim its crown?
The eligibility period ends on May 31 before nomination-round voting begins on June 17, concluding June 28. The Primetime Emmy nominations will be announced on July 13, 2021.
Yet, “The Masked Singer”
Courtesy of Fox
AND THE PREDICTED NOMINEES ARE:
"RuPaul's Drag Race"(VH1)
Season 13 (Jan. 1, 2021 release date)
–HOST: RuPaulSYNOPSIS: RuPaul searches for America's next drag superstar.WINNER(S): Symone
"The Masked Singer"(Fox)
Season four-five (Sept. 23, 2020 and March 10, 2021 release dates)
–HOST: Niecy Nash and Nick CannonSYNOPSIS: A singing competition guessing game based on Korean format King of Mask Singer. 12 celebrity performers wear costumes to conceal identities. One singer is eliminated each week and unmasked. Small hints are given for the viewer guess along.WINNER(S): Nick Lachey (Piglet)
"Nailed It!"(Netflix)
Season five (March 26, 2021)
–HOST: Nicole ByerSYNOPSIS: Home bakers with a terrible track record take a crack at re- creating edible masterpieces for a $10,000 prize. It's part reality contest, part hot mess.WINNER(S): Richard and Sarah, Selma Nilla and Lagoona Bloo, Harry and Heather, Joey and Hunter, Portia and Maurica, Susan and Chrissy
"The Voice"(NBC)
NBCUniversal
Season 20 (March 1, 2021)
–HOST: Carson DalySYNOPSIS: Four famous musicians search for the best voices in America and will mentor these singers to become artists. America will decide which singer will be worthy of the grand prize.WINNER(S): Cam Anthony (Blake Shelton's team)
"Legendary"(HBO Max)
Season two (May 6, 2021)
–HOST: MikeQ, Dashaun WesleySYNOPSIS: Divas will battle on voguing teams called "houses," with the chance to win a cash prize in ballsy fashion and dance challenges to ultimately achieve "Legendary" status.WINNER(S): House of Miyake-Mugler
AMERICAN IDOL – “419 (Grand Finale)” – “American Idol” is ready to crown its winner on a special three-hour live coast-to-coast season finale event airing SUNDAY, MAY 23 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
CHAYCE BECKHAM
ABC
NEXT IN LINE CONTENDERS:
"American Idol"(ABC)
Season 19 (Feb.14, 2021)
–HOST: Ryan SeacrestSYNOPSIS: Twelve American finalists (six men and six women) compete in a singing contest.WINNER(S): Chayce Beckham
"The Amazing Race"(CBS)
Season 32 (Oct. 14, 2020)
–HOST: Phil KeoghanSYNOPSIS: Multiple teams race around the globe for $1,000,000 to 'amazing' locations.WINNER(S): Will Jardell & James Wallington
"Top Chef"(Bravo)
Season 18 (April 1, 2021)
–HOST: Tom Colicchio and Padma LakshmiSYNOPSIS: A reality competition show in which chefs compete against one another in culinary challenges and are a judged by a panel of food and wine experts, with one or more contestants eliminated each episode.WINNER(S): Jamie Tran
"The Challenge: Double Agents"(MTV)
Season 36 (Dec. 9, 2020)
–HOST: T.J. LavinSYNOPSIS: Past members of "The Real World," "Road Rules," "Are You the One?," first time cast members called 'Fresh Meat,' relatives of these members, and past members from other shows compete against each other for the chance to win a cash prize.WINNER(S): Amber Borzotra, Chris "CT" Tamburello
"Tough as Nails"(CBS)
Season two (Feb. 10, 2021)
–HOST: Phil KeoghanSYNOPSIS: Tough As Nails is a competition series that celebrates everyday Americans who roll up their sleeves and don't think twice about working long hard hours and getting their hands dirty, in order to keep their country running.WINNER(S): Scott Henry
AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR — “Denver Qualifier” — Pictured: Dan Yager — (Photo by: Dustin Bradford/NBC)
Dustin Bradford/NBC
ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS (UNRANKED):
AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Competition Series)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known simply as the Emmys, is television’s most prestigious artistic award. There are many records held for both wins and nominations in the near eight decades.
For wins: Since the category’s creation in 2003, CBS’ “The Amazing Race” has won this prize 10 times, the most of any reality competition program. NBC’s “The Voice” has the second-most wins with four followed by VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” with three.
For nominations: CBS’ “The Amazing Race” has the most nominations in this category with 17 followed by “Project Runway” and “Top Chef” with 14 each. “American Idol” is the most nominated series in this category to never have won.
2021 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions
About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, is given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards recognize excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes – Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements) and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between June 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors and various artisans and executives.
- The 73rd Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 8:00 pm est on CBS and on-demand on sister streamer Paramount Plus.