The 67th Grammys were held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2. The music industry’s biggest night followed through with unforgettable moments, milestones for new and old artists, incredible performances, heartfelt tributes to music legends and immense support for the city of Los Angeles.
Beyoncé took home two Grammys – Album of the Year and Best Country Album, “They Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar brought in five Grammys, and a performance from The Weeknd took the audience by surprise, after his boycotting the Grammys in 2021.
During a commercial break, Lady Gaga debuted her new single “Abracadabra” which is to appear on her upcoming album titled Mayhem, scheduled for release in early March.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, it was clear the city was the star of the show and in everyone’s hearts, following the devastating wildfires that occurred last month.
Viewers could donate to the Recording Academy’s and MusiCares’ Los Angeles fire relief effort to support music professionals impacted by the fires. The award show also honored the firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department, including them in presenting Album of the Year, the most anticipated award of the night.
While Taylor Swift took home zero Grammys after being nominated in six different categories, she was still noticed for her leadership and support for other artists.
“She’s always standing up and dancing to people and supporting her friends,” said junior communication studies major Grace Pellegrino.
With AOTY being the most prestigious award of the night, Beyoncé’s win for her first country album left viewers – and Queen B herself – shocked. Not only is this the first time Beyoncé has won in this category after being nominated four other times, but she also made history being the first Black woman to win in the category Best Country Album.
Senior communication studies major Ally Cappas, reflected on when “Cowboy Carter” came out last year in March, explaining how there was a large amount of attention and backlash in the media regarding Beyoncé’s decision to release an album with a genre shift.
“Post Malone came out with a country album and everyone supported that.” said Cappas, “I think it’s overall really awesome that she won, she’s super unproblematic. She’s amazing.”
This year’s Grammys had an array of performances and notable tributes.
Janelle Monáe covered Michael Jackson’s hit song “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough,” honoring the legendary music producer and songwriter Quincy Jones who passed away in November of last year.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars sang “California Dreamin” as a tribute to Los Angeles. Billie Eilish also celebrated the city during her performance by incorporating a scenic nature backdrop while singing her double nominated hit “Birds of a Feather.”
Charli XCX brought a rave to the stage, performing her songs “Von dutch” and “Guess.” Sabrina Carpenter’s broadway-like performance of her hits “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” to Benson Boone, Chappell Roan, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Chris Martin, Cynthia Erivo, RAYE and others brought the stage to life through their musicality and talent.
“I think Charli XCX did the best.” said freshman Alex Gonzalez. “She just has this thing where you feel like you know her, to me she’s still like an underground artist.”
Overall, many professionals and people look at the Grammys as music’s most important night that brings all the biggest names together in one room.
Award Categories and Winners Recap
Best Rap Album: “Alligator Bites Never Heal” by Doechii
Best Pop Vocal Album: “Short n Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter
Best Country Album: “Cowboy Carter” by Beyoncé
Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
Record of the Year: “They Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
Song of the Year: “They Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
Best Pop Duo/Group performance: “Die with a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
Best Latin Pop Album: “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” by Shakira
Album of the Year: “Cowboy Carter” by Beyoncé