The Grammy Awards - the most prestigious award a musician could receive, presented by the Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry.
Despite being postponed from January due to the high risk of Omicron variant spread, the 64th Annual Grammy Awards show finally took place on the 3rd of April, 2022, in Las Vegas, marking the biggest night of the year for the music industry. During the live ceremony, the awards were given out in 86 different categories, alongside memorable performances.
In case you missed it, here are some highlights from the show:
Silk Sonic kicked the event off with a groovy performance of their newest single "777." The night was a huge triumph for this American R&B duo, as they won four Grammy Awards during the show, including Best R&B Performance, Best R&B Song of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year for "Leave The Door Open"!
Olivia Rodrigo gave an emotional performance of her hit debut single "Drivers License" before taking home three golden gramophones later that night for Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best New Artist, making it her "Biggest dream come true." Unfortunately, one of the trophies fell to the floor and shattered in half in the middle of the press photo shoot, but the 19-year-old singer simply laughed it off.
Lil Nas X gave an extravagant and provocative medley of songs from his critically acclaimed album "Montero". With the help of American rapper Jack Harlow, the audience heard "Dead Right Now," "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," and "Industry Baby." The set didn't even miss a wardrobe change! However, surprisingly, Lil Nas X didn't win any trophies that night.
Billie Eilish and Finneas delivered a powerful performance of her smash single “Happier Than Ever”. To create a parallel with the music video, the set began with Billie in a room full of water and ended with her singing in the rain. Despite being nominated in seven categories, the young singer went home empty-handed that night. During the event, Eilish wore a Taylor Hawkins T-shirt in memory of Foo Fighters drummer , who recently passed away.
The ceremony also included a beautiful performance by Broadway vocalists Leslie Odom Jr., Rachel Zegler, Ben Platt, and Cynthia Erivo, who paid tribute to the drummer and other great musicians who had died in the previous year.
The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, delivered an emotional, yet powerful speech about the importance of music throughout the terrible war times: "The war. What's more opposite than music … I have a dream of them [the destroyed cities of Ukraine] living. And free. Free like you on the Grammy stage." The speech was followed by John Legend’s performance of “Free”, joined by Ukrainian artists Lyuba Yakimchuk, Mika Newton, and Siuzanna Igidan.
Doja Cat, however, almost missed receiving her first Grammy for the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with SZA, as she had to take a bathroom break, but she made it back just in time! SZA, on the other hand, had to use the help of crutches to get on stage due to an injury she had the day before, while Lady Gaga assisted with carrying the train of her dress.
The biggest winner of the night was undoubtedly Jon Batiste. Being nominated in 11 categories, the jazz/R&B artist took home five of them alongside the biggest award of the night - Album Of The Year for “We Are”, beating Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber. Batiste also gave a funky and joyful performance of “Freedom”, ending the set by jumping on Billie Eilish’s table.
Aside from the above-mentioned artists, viewers were treated to performances by BTS and their hit single "Butter", which featured a cameo by Olivia Rodrigo, a James Bond-inspired setting, and, of course, lots of dancing! Additionally, Justin Bieber, Daniel Caesar, and Giveon sang their stripped-down version of "Peaches". Moreover, Lady Gaga teared up during the emotional pre-recorded performance of "Love for Sale" and "Do I Love You" with Tony Bennett.
Some other notable mentions of the winners include: Best Rap Album going to Tyler, the Creator for “Call Me If You Get Lost”; Jack Antonoff winning a Grammy for Best Producer; Chris Stapleton taking home the Best Country Album award for “Starting Over”; and “Medicine at Midnight” by Foo Fighters being the Best Rock Album.
Below you can find the most major nominees of this year all together in one Spotify playlist!