Female artists dominated the Grammys this year as Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, SZA, and Miley Cyrus all claimed major awards during the event.
Swift made a monumental achievement by becoming the first artist to win album of the year for the fourth time. She was awarded for her album, Midnights, and joined fellow nominee Lana Del Rey on stage. During her acceptance speech, she expressed that although this is a joyous moment, she also feels immense joy when completing a song. She also shared her desire to continue creating music.
Before, during the award ceremony for best pop vocal album, she playfully said: “I’ve won my 13th Grammy tonight, which is my lucky number. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned that before.” Swift also took the moment to reveal that her 11th studio album, titled The Tortured Poets Department, will be released on April 19th.
The honor for best album of the year was given by Celine Dion, who had recently retired from performing due to suffering from stiff person syndrome. She was met with a standing ovation. “I truly mean it from the bottom of my heart when I say I am grateful to be here,” she expressed.
Cyrus was awarded the record of the year and best pop solo performance for Flowers, marking her first-ever Grammy wins. During her acceptance speech, she expressed her hope that this achievement would not alter her life too much. She concluded by jokingly saying she may have forgotten to wear underwear.
Eilish’s track “What Was I Made For?” from the film Barbie was recognized as the top song of the year and the best original song for a visual medium. In her acceptance speech, she exclaimed, “Wow, that’s unbelievable, guys!” and expressed her surprise at being included among such talented individuals. This marks the first time a movie soundtrack has won the award since Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” Additionally, the Barbie soundtrack was awarded for best compilation for a visual medium.
SZA was the standout of the night, earning nine nominations and taking home three awards. Host Trevor Noah described it as a “memorable year”. She wowed the audience with a medley of her popular songs and paid homage to the influence of Kill Bill with an exciting performance. In a heartfelt acceptance speech for best R&B song, she expressed her disbelief at how far she has come. She also playfully remarked, “I may not look pretty when I cry.”
Victoria Monét received the award for Best New Artist and also won for Best R&B Album. In her acceptance speech, she encouraged those with dreams to see her as an inspiration.
Rapper Killer Mike, who earned three Grammys, including Best Rap Album, during the non-televised part of the event, was taken out of the venue by LAPD officers in handcuffs. As reported by the Hollywood Reporter, this was due to a misdemeanor charge from that night, although specific information has yet to be verified. “The only thing that restricts your age is not being honest about it or what you’re pursuing,” Mike stated backstage before his detainment.
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Jay-Z received the global impact award from Dr Dre this year for his accomplishments in both his personal and professional life. During his acceptance speech, he criticized the Grammys for their inconsistent treatment of Black artists. “We just want you to do better,” he stated. He then brought up his wife Beyoncé’s experience with the recording academy, saying “I don’t mean to embarrass her, but she has the most Grammys out of everyone and has never won album of the year. Even by your own standards, that doesn’t make sense. Think about it: the most Grammys, but no album of the year. That just doesn’t add up.”
The night began in Los Angeles with a show by Dua Lipa, who sang a combination of songs while being accompanied by male dancers in revealing attire. Noah praised her as one of the top performers of her era and joked about the Grammys being the only event that starts on schedule. During his introduction, Swift and Meryl Streep made a tardy entrance, sitting alongside Streep’s son-in-law and nominee, Mark Ronson.
In 2023, Tracy Chapman made her first public performance since 2009, joining Luke Combs on stage. Combs gained popularity for his cover of Chapman’s hit song, Fast Car. He expressed his admiration for the song, stating it was his favorite even before he knew what a favorite song was. Combs described the experience as a “cool, full-circle moment.” However, he did not win the award for best country solo performance, which went to Chris Stapleton.
At 80 years old, Joni Mitchell made her debut performance at the Grammys. During her introduction, Brandi Carlile referred to her as “one of the most impactful and compassionate artists in human history”. Mitchell was also recognized with the award for top folk album.
Noah described U2 as “one of the most revolutionary and adored bands in history” while they performed from the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Stevie Wonder paid tribute to the late Tony Bennett, expressing his admiration for the legendary musician and their collaboration on the song For Once in My Life. He praised Bennett for his love of art, peace, unity, and civil rights, and shared his deep sorrow at losing such a beloved figure. The In Memoriam section of the event featured moving performances from Annie Lennox, Fantasia Barrino, and Jon Batiste, honoring other influential figures in the music industry such as Sinead O’Connor, Clarence Avant, Wayne Kramer, and Burt Bacharach. Oprah Winfrey also fondly remembered her friend Tina Turner, acknowledging her as a unique and inspiring role model.
Following her performance, Lennox expressed her desire for “Artists for ceasefire, peace in the world.” This sentiment was also echoed by boygenius, who adorned their suits with pins advocating for a ceasefire. The trio was successful in winning three awards, including best rock song.
Kylie Minogue received her second Grammy, taking home the first ever award for best pop dance recording for her song Padam Padam. She beat out Bebe Rexha and her fellow Australian artist Troye Sivan. The singer expressed her excitement in a video posted on Instagram.
Some other women who won awards that night were Lainey Wilson for the top country album, Karol G for the best urban music album, Laufey for the best traditional pop vocal album, and Coco Jones for the top R&B performance.
Source: theguardian.com
