The 67th Annual Grammy Awards aired live Sunday night from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by comedian and former host of “The Daily Show,” Trevor Noah, this year’s ceremony was reimagined with an emphasis on relief for the southern California wildfires of last month. The spectacle opened up with a heartfelt tribute to Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.,” as covered by John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, St. Vincent, Brittany Howard and Dawes.
The multifaceted Beyoncé walked home with the ceremony’s highest honor, Album of the Year, for “Cowboy Carter,” making her the first Black woman to achieve so this century and during Black History Month. She made history earlier in the show by becoming the first Black artist ever to win Best Country Album with “Cowboy Carter.” She also picked up the Best Country Duo/Group Performance award for “II Most Wanted” alongside Miley Cyrus, extending her record as the artist with the most career Grammy wins and bringing her total to 35 trophies.
During the premiere ceremony, which aired before the live show, 85 awards were passed out, including “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar — who won Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Music Video. During the main telecast, he snagged up the awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, in which he was welcomed onstage with the crowd rapping along to the lyrics upon his acceptance.
Pop darlings Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter were some of the first performances of the night, with the former performing the bittersweet hit “Birds of a Feather,” and the latter with the infectious “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”
The night’s first televised award was Best Rap Album, which went to first-time-winner Doechii for “Alligator Bites Never Heal;” the award also made her the third woman ever to accomplish the feat. Later on, she also delivered a sickening performance of “Catfish” and “Denial is a River,” featuring an army of uniformed dancers and intricate choreography.
Pop darlings Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter were some of the first performances of the night, with the former performing the bittersweet hit “Birds of a Feather,” and the latter with the infectious “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” Carpenter became a first-time winner, walking home with Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance.
Chappell Roan took to the stage with her breakthrough hit “Pink Pony Club,” filled with a rose-tinted set featuring cowboy clowns, cactuses and an inflatable toy horse. She also picked up the Best New Artist award, as presented by previous winner Victoria Monét. Her speech advocated for livable wages for artists and prioritizing their health, both mental and physical.
Best New Artist nominees Benson Boone, Teddy Swims and Shaboozey also performed their smash hits “Beautiful Things,” “Lose Control” and “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” respectively. Raye also performed “Oscar Winning Tears,” with visual and sonic inspiration stringing from old school jazz.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars also performed a touching cover of The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin’,” honoring the resilience of Los Angeles. The duo also won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper, “Die With a Smile.”
Gaga also gave an emotional speech, declaring, “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up.”
Upon teasing a “surprise performance,” The Recording Academy’s CEO Harvey Mason, Jr. introduced The Weeknd, apologizing for snubbing the artist in the past and highlighting the organization’s commitment to change, diversity and inclusion. The global superstar followed up with a performance of “Cry For Me” and “Timeless,” featuring Playboi Carti, who joined him on stage.
The show also featured a star-studded tribute honoring the late great Quincy Jones, with an introduction by Will Smith.
Following her win for Best Latin Pop Album for “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” Shakira “thank(ed) (her) immigrant brothers and sisters.” She also performed a medley of hits later on in the program, including “Ojos Así” and “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53.”
The show also featured a star-studded tribute honoring the late great Quincy Jones, with an introduction by Will Smith. Cynthia Erivo performed “Fly Me to the Moon,” along with musical legend Stevie Wonder performing “Bluesette” on the harmonica. Herbie Hancock, Lainey Wilson and Jacob Collier also honored the quintessential songwriter and producer. As part of the segment, Janelle Monáe sang a magical, groovy cover of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” one of the most notable hits Jones penned.
Presented by Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys was awarded with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award.
“This is not the time to shut down the diversity of voices,” Keys said during her acceptance speech. She continued by stating that “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift.”
The superstar also won Best Musical Theater Album for her contribution as producer, composer and lyricist in the hit Broadway play, “Hell’s Kitchen.”
Coldplay’s Chris Martin paid tribute to those who passed away in the music industry within the past year during the In Memoriam section. Notable losses included Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Tito Jackson and Frankie Beverly, while the Coldplay frontman performed “All My Love.”
Miss “Brat” summer herself, Charli xcx, closed out the award show, bringing the club to the Grammys with “Von dutch” and “Guess,” featuring appearances by The Dare, Alex Consani and Julia Fox. Her awards for the night included Best Dance Pop Recording, Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Recording Package.
The Grammys never fail to turn to entertain with their annual spectacle, even during times of crisis. With online and offline chatter, the show has undeniably produced yet another historical year, highlighting some of the greatest music of the past eligibility cycle. It is a reminder that music is a medium that formulates community.