This year’s Grammys was a magical night for all artists, producers, engineers, etc. The telecast showed the biggest stars to date in Hollywood, either performing or showcasing many different genres and generations. Sunday night had many takeaways:
Taylor Swift dominates the cultural conversation: Taylor Swift dominated Sunday night, having been nominated with 6 Grammys, but walking out with 1, which was AOTY (Album of The Year) for Swift’s album ‘Midnights.’ But besides her big win, she announced the arrival of her new record she had been working on since 2022, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’, arriving April 9th, 2024. Taylor will only be busier with the Super Bowl also coming its way.
Saying “Women did well” is undermining the degree of how Sunday went: The 2018 Grammys was the year men dominated almost all categories. It’s been six years since and Sunday was a representation of women getting their wins including Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Victoria Monét, Billie Eilish, Sza, Lainey Wilson, Karol G, and Coco Jones. Women-led bands represented at the ceremony were boygenius and Paramore for the rock and alternative music style. The performances were also women-dominated by Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Eilish, Cyrus, Sza, and Joni Mitchell. This was a great night for women, finally being recognized for their abilities and talent in the music industry.
Jay-Z speech about the Recording Academy: Jay-Z gave one of the most impactful speeches at the Grammys after winning his award for the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, bringing Blue Ivy onstage to accept it. He called the academy’s missteps, calling out voters for not voting for Beyoncé for album of the year, stating, “Some of y’all don’t belong in the category”) and doubled down with a line that’ll get quoted for years to come: “When I get nervous, I tell the truth.”
The memoriam: The tributes that took the stage Sunday night were to honor and pay tribute to performers who died last year. Stevie Wonder’s tribute to Tony Bennett, Annie Lennox performed “Nothing Compares 2 U” for Sinead O’Connor, in which she called for a ceasefire that would’ve made Sinead proud. Ann Nesby played a medley for the music-industry executive Clarence Avant, and Fantasia Barrino and Adam Blackstone served up a rollicking cover of “Proud Mary” for Tina Turner. Overall, every single tribute was a beautifully spectacular section of the show that had tear-jerking moments that brought the night close.
Killer Mike won three Grammys and was arrested: The rapper Killer Mike had most rap categories (Best Rap Album), (Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance). After getting his awards, an altercation occurred which then led to him being handcuffed. The arrest details are still being developed.
Billy Joel makes a comeback after 17 years with an encore: Joel recently teased new music, which shocked the world after 17 years of no music. The singer performed a new song and some 80’s hits of his. This had to be one of the top highlights of the show by far.
In closing, the Grammys night was a night of fun for many and was one of the best shows. It highlighted women and also many black female artists who have never received an award or nomination. Let’s hope the next one is even better!
