“A concert where we give out awards,” said Trevor Noah, is how he refers to the Grammys, as it’s the most anticipated music award show across the United States. Once again, the Grammys came for the 66th time, and Trevor Noah hosted the show, marking his fourth consecutive year as host.
It started with the surprise appearance of Celine Dion to present the album of the year. Dion was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, which is a rare and incurable neurological disease that can cause debilitating muscle spasms and affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. The audience gave her a standing ovation when she finished presenting the award.
“Those who have been blessed enough here at the Grammy Awards must never take for granted the tremendous love and joy that music brings to our lives and people all around the world,” said Dion.
For the fourth time, Taylor Swift has been awarded Album of the Year for Midnights. Swift also announced her next upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department.
Miley Cyrus received her flowers for her record Flowers, and she went on to win a second award for Record of the Year. Miley was nominated six times this year, including Album of the Year for Endless Summer Vacation. Her performance and speeches reflected her personality, “I just won my first Grammy,” said Cyrus during her performance of Flowers.
Victoria Monét won the Grammy for Best New Artist, beating Noah Kahan, Ice Spice, and Gracie Abrams. The Atlanta native has worked in the industry for many years, assisting in successful songs for musicians such as Ariana Grande and Chris Brown.
Joni Mitchell made her Grammy debut at the age of 80, performing “Both Sides, Now,” from her 1969 album “Clouds.” The audience responded with a standing ovation.
Jay-Z didn’t hide from the truth in his acceptance speech for Dr. Dre’s Global Impact Award, an honor for Black music creators who’ve elevated the art form. He broke the protocol by calling out the Recording Academy itself for continuously snubbing Black performers.
“The most Grammys. Never won album of the year. That doesn’t work. Some of you are going to go home and feel like you’ve been robbed. Some of you may get robbed. Some of you don’t belong in the category,” said Jay-Z, speaking about his wife Beyonce, and the Recording Academy.
Stevie Wonder paid tribute to Tony Bennett with a “duet,” including a recorded Bennett on Wonder’s “For Once in My Life,” followed by Bennett’s “The Best is Yet to Come.” Annie Lennox sang “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a tribute to Sinead O’Connor, with two of the late songwriter Prince’s musicians. Fantasia Barrino performed “Proud Mary” in honor of Tina Turner.
Lastly, Tracy Chapman performed for the first time in years at this award show. Tracy Chapman’s 1988 song “Fast Car” has undergone a rebirth in popularity over the last year, thanks to a version by country singer Luke Combs. Combs grew up enjoying and singing the song with his father. Following its performance, the song quickly rose to number one on the iTunes chart.
