By Abigail Mulonas
On Sunday night, the 64th annual Grammy Awards took place for the first time in Las Vegas. Hosted by Trevor Noah (who hosted last year), this year’s show tried to distinguish itself from the backlash the Oscars received last week, as the show started off on a light hearted note, amidst the controversy.
Noah led with his opening monologue: “We’re going to be dancing, we’re going to be singing, we’re going to be keeping people’s names out of our mouths.” This was a nod towards the Will Smith/Chris Rock situation.
Kicking off the live performances, Olivia Rodrigo sang her hit single “drivers license.” She later took home the award for best new artist as well as best pop vocal album for “Sour” and pop solo performance for “drivers license.”
John Batiste won album of the year for “We Are” with a moving acceptance speech, “I believe this to my core: There is no best musician, best artist, best dancer, best actor,” he said. Music is “more than entertainment for me, it’s a spiritual practice.” Silk Sonic walked away with the record and song of the year for “Leave the Door Open.”
The show dedicated a moment of silence to Ukraine, while a recorded message from President Zelensky pleaded for help for his country. Zelensky mentioned at one point, “Fill the silence with your music. Fill it today to tell our story.”
John Legend followed with a visual salute to Ukraine wearing a blue suit while performing “Free.”
To bring the fun back into the mix, Doja Cat and SZA won for best pop duo/group performance. Accepting their award was a lone SZA, who hobbled on stage with crutches (an accident that was credited to “falling out of bed” before the show) and a late Doja Cat running from the bathroom exclaiming, “I have never taken such a fast piss in my whole life.”
Other notable performances featured Lil Nas X performing “Industry Baby” with Jack Harlow in front of a giant stone statue of his face. In addition, H.E.R., Travis Barker and Lenny Kravitz performed a loud rock version of “Are You Gonna Go My Way” while Billie Eilish brought downpouring rain into her performance of “Happier Than Ever” and BTS performed a fast paced take on their song “Butter.”
Other stars who performed included Justin Bieber, Chris Stapleton, Silk Sonic, Brothers Osborne, and even Lady Gaga attempted to sing a duet alone.
Normally taking place in January, this marks the second year in a row in which the Grammys were delayed, due to rising health concerns over COVID.
Presenting most of the same scenarios as years past, this year’s Grammys called attention to the artists that took home a Grammy, the ones who performed, and the spectacle of outfits on the red carpet.
Some of the hit winners are below:
Record of the year – “Leave the Door Open” Silk Sonic
Album of the year – “We Are” – Jon Batiste
Song of the year – “Leave the Door Open” Silk Sonic
Best new artist – Olivia Rodrigo
Best pop solo performance – “drivers license” – Olivia Rodrigo
Best pop duo/group performance – “Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat featuring SZA
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album – “Love For Sale” – Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Best Pop Vocal Album – “Sour” – Olivia Rodrigo
(click here for the full list of winners)
