By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The Grammys are here! Tonight was Music’s Biggest Night! The Recording Academy voters handed out golden gramophone awards to several lucky recording artists, songwriters, producers, and musicians. We also got to see a diverse group of performers from BTS and Cardi B to Silk Sonic and Taylor Swift take the Grammys stage.
But more importantly, who took home Grammys gold? Read on to find out!
Host Trevor Noah opened the Grammys outside the Staples Center and revealed the event’s format changes. Next, he introduced the venue’s stage and the first performer – Harry Styles. Last week, People reported that Harry Styles would open the show. The “Sign of the Times” singer-songwriter performed his Best Pop Solo Performance-nominated hit: “Watermelon Sugar.”
As Trevor Noah commented on the shirtless Harry Styles, he quickly introduced Grammys darling Billie Eilish, who performed “Everything I Wanted” with her brother and collaborator Finneas O’Connell. The song was nominated for Grammys: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance. Next, HAIM made their Grammys debut with “The Steps.” It was a superb performance and the trio won me over.
The Grammys’ first award was the coveted Best New Artist. Trevor Noah gave the floor to three-time Grammy-winning performer Lizzo, who made me smile with her introduction. A stunned Megan Thee Stallion won the award and joined Billie Eilish, the Beatles, Christina Aguilera, and John Legend in this prestigious group!
Breakout psychedelic soul band Black Pumas shared Eric’s origin story through a film, and they followed it up with a performance of their breakout song: “Colors.” I got chills as I listened to it, and it was cool to see Billie Eilish, HAIM, and Harry Styles mesmerized by their performance. The Black Pumas’ “Colors” was the night’s first Grammy moment!
Trevor Noah introduced the six-time Grammy-nominated rapper DaBaby’s origin film. The rapper teamed up with his collaborators, Roddy Ricch and Anthony Hamilton, a violinist, and a mini-choir, to deliver a fiery cover of his massive hit: “Rockstar.” Next, Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez teamed up for “Dakiti.” Finally, one of the Grammys’ most prominent nominees, Dua Lipa, took the stage and shared her origin story. DaBaby joined her as they performed their remix of “Levitating,” and then she performed a sexy version of “Don’t Stop Now.”
Bruno Mars and Anderson. Paak made their Grammys debut as the newest R&B duo: Silk Sonic. The duo performed their first single: “Leave the Door Open.” The performance reminded me of classic 1970s soul, and once again, I got chills. As the duo left the stage, the show was transported to Nashville’s The Station Inn owner J.T. Gray, who gave out the Best Country Album award to Miranda Lambert for Wildcard.
As Miranda Lambert walked off the stage, Taylor Swift teamed up with Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner to perform a haunting version of “cardigan,” the perky “august,” and the empowering “it’s time to go.” Once again, Taylor created another memorable moment at the Grammys.
Trevor Noah invited Rachelle Erratchu of West Hollywood’s legendary music venue, the Troubador, to present the Best Pop Solo Performance award. She announced that Harry Styles won his first Grammy for “Watermelon Sugar.” As Harry exited the stage, Trevor Noah paid tribute to several high-profile performers who passed away last year. Silk Sonic returned to pay homage to Little Richard’s legendary career with an outstanding cover of “Long Tail Sally” and “Good Golly Miss Molly.”
Next, Lionel Richie paid homage to his longtime friend, the late Kenny Rogers, with a haunting cover of “Lady.” I got chills from this emotional performance, and I genuinely believe that “The Gambler” would be proud of Lionel’s tribute. Finally, Brandi Carlile paid homage to John Prine with a beautiful cover of “I Remember Everything” and Brittany Howard (with Chris Martin on the piano) delivered a stunning rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
The Grammys highlighted three of country music’s rising stars. Mickey Guyton sang her powerful single: “Black Like Me.” Next, Miranda Lambert sang “Bluebird,” who in turn introduced Maren Morris. John Mayer joined Maren on guitar for a superb cover of “The Bones.”
Trevor Noah gave out one of the Grammys’ most prestigious awards – Song of the Year – to H.E.R.’s “I Can’t Breathe,” which beat out Beyonce’s “Black Parade,” Taylor Swift’s “cardigan,” and Post Malone’s “Circles.” As H.E.R. left the stage, Megan Thee Stallion made her Grammy debut as she performed “Savage” and “W.A.P.” with Cardi B for the first time live.
Mr. Apollo himself, Billy Mitchell, presented the Best Rap Song Grammy to both Megan Thee Stallion and Beyonce for “Savage (Remix),” and Trevor announced that Beyonce officially made Grammy history. As the ladies left the stage, Post Malone performed “Hollywood’s Bleeding.”
Jhene Aiko and Jacob Colier presented the Best Pop Vocal Album to Dua Lipa for Future Nostalgia, which beat out heavy hitters such as Lady Gaga’s Chromatica, Harry Styles’ Fine Line, and Taylor Swift’s folklore. Next, DaBaby exploded the award ceremony with his powerful hit: “The Bigger Picture,” which tackled police brutality.
Babyface and Jimmy Jam teamed up for Best R&B Performance, and they awarded Beyonce her record-breaking 28th Grammy award for “Black Parade.” She gave an incredible shoutout to her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who won a Grammy earlier that night. Next, Doja Cat made her Grammy debut with “Say So.”
