Alicia Keys Hosts First Grammys of New Decade

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

15-time Grammy winner singer-songwriter Alicia Keys helped the Recording Academy launch the legendary award show into a new decade.

But before Alicia Keys took the Grammys stage, countless headline drama shadowed the ceremony. At the center of this drama, ousted CEO Deborah Dugan revealed her grievances toward the Recording Academy on Good Morning America. Also, Variety reported that Taylor Swift bowed out of a potential surprise performance at the Grammys.  

Also, Aerosmith awkwardly reunited with drummer Joey Kramer at the MusiCares Person of the Year event. Yahoo! Entertainment reported that his bandmates ousted the Aerosmith co-founder. (Looks like musicians should never trust artists named “Stevie,” and that means you, Stevie Nicks!)

On top of everything, a few hours before the ceremony, the world lost a sports legend. Multiple media outlets reported that legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, passed away after a helicopter crash. Jake’s Take sends its condolences, light, and prayers to his wife, Vanessa Bryant, the Bryant family, his friends, fans, and former colleagues. 

Here are tonight’s big questions: Who won the most Grammys? Which performance stood out? Who presented? Read on to find out!

Lizzo kicked off the 2020 Grammys. She dedicated her performance to the late basketball player. She performed “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts,” and Lizzo won me over! As Lizzo exited the stage, Alicia Keys made her entrance and started the night off on the somber tone as she was in the “house that Kobe Bryant built.” She immediately launched an A cappella cover of “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday” with Boyz II Men. 

She introduced her fellow Voice colleagues, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, who performed their duet: “Nobody but You.” While I love the song, I felt that the performance was average. It was a poor showing by two of my favorites. 

Alicia Keys returned to the Grammys language and played the piano and serenaded the audience. Alicia talked about the new decade ahead. She shouted out Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Ariana Grande and remembered how much Kobe Bryant loved music. Alicia sang a tribute to the 2019 Grammy nominees in a moving cover of Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved.” She also encouraged rapper Cardi B to run for Congress.

Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning performer Billy Porter introduced the world to the Jonas Brothers. The trio took the Grammys stage to perform a medley of their hits: “6 Minutes” and “What a Man Gotta Do.” I have to be honest, the trio rocked the Staples Center. As the brothers exited the stage, Keith Urban (who shouted out Australia) and Cynthia Erivo awarded the Best Pop Solo Performance award to an emotional Lizzo for “Truth Hurts.”

Daily Show host Trevor Noah introduced Tyler the Creator, Boyz II Men, and R&B legend Charlie Wilson to the Grammys stage. This quintet started by performing “Earfquake,” while the rapper turned the Staples Center into a runway as a dozen dancers dressed like him entered the stage. In all honesty, I did not get the performance at all.

Alicia Keys checked in with the Grammys audience. She introduced Blake and Gwen to Kennedy Center Honors host LL Cool J and introduced Bebe Rexha and Shania Twain. The singer-songwriters presented the Best Country Duo/Group Performance Grammy to Dan + Shay for “Speechless.”

As the duo left the stage, Alicia Keys paid homage to her hero, the legendary singer-songwriter Prince, by introducing an all-star performance. Usher, Sheila E, and Fka Twigs came together for the ultimate tribute as they performed “Little Red Corvette,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Kiss.”

Five-time Grammy nominee Jim Gaffigan introduced one of his children’s favorite artists, Camila Cabello, to the Grammys audience. The “Havana” singer-songwriter sang “First Man” in honor of her father: Alejandro. As the father and daughter duo hugged, country music legend, Tanya Tucker performed with Brandi Carlile and accepted Best Comedy Album for the absent Dave Chappelle.

Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning actor Ben Platt introduced his friend Ariana Grande. The “The Way” singer performed “Imagine,” “7 Rings,” and “Thank u, Next.” The performance reminded me of watching Grease’s “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee” (especially during the middle segment). However, I was shocked by how much swearing was in her Grammys performance.

Grammys host Alicia Keys praised music education and introduced 18-year-old phenom Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas. The duo performed the haunting “Bury A Friend,” and it was a dominant performance. Oscar-winning rapper Common praised Alicia for her hosting duties and introduced MusiCares Person of the Year honorees Aerosmith. The legendary rock group reunited with Run DMC for a rousing version of “Walk This Way.” However, I genuinely believe that the rock band’s estranged drummer’s presence would have elevated the performance.

Issa Rae presented Best Rap Album to Tyler, the Creator for Igor. I loved that he brought his mother up to the Grammys stage to accept his award. Former Grammys host Ellen DeGeneres praised Lil Nas X for being “courageous” and a game-changer. She introduced the rapper who performed “Old Town Road” with his remix partners, Billy Ray Cyrus, BTS, Diplo, and Mason Ramsey. 

Greta Gerwig introduced Demi Lovato, who debuted her new single: “Anyone.” The track is probably one of her most emotional songs to date and definitely could give “Stone Cold” a run for its money. As she left the stage, a plethora of rappers such as DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, Roddy Rich, and YG paid homage to the late Nipsey Hussle. John Legend and Kirk Franklin joined them for “Higher.”

Before Rosalia made her Grammy debut, Alicia revealed that Finneas won the Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) Grammy. Smokey Robinson and Little Big Town did a brief A cappella cover of “My Girl” before giving Billie and Finneas-the Song of the Year Grammy for “Bad Guy.”

 As the night wound down, Alicia Keys teamed up with Brittany Howard for her new song: “Underdog.” Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne presented Best Rap/Sung Performance to DJ Khaled and John Legend for “Higher,” as they praised their late collaborator: Nipsey Hussle. Next, the Osbournes introduced H.E.R., who performed “Sometimes.” Billie Eilish wrapped up the night by scoring Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Album of the Year.