The 61stAnnual GRAMMY Awards are in the books, withKacey Musgraveswalking away with the night’s big trophy, Album of the Year for “Golden Hour.” In total, Kacey actually won four awards, with “Golden Hour” also winning Country Album of the Year, and songs from the album taking home two other country awards.
As for the other major categories,Childish Gambino, who didn’t attend the show, took home three honors, including Song of the Year (the first rap song to win the category) and Record of the Year for “This Is America,” whileDua Lipawon Best New Artist, although she rambled on so much during her acceptance speech producers cut her off.Click herefor a winner’s list.
While not that many awards were given out during the telecast, there were definitely some interesting moments when it came to acceptance speeches.Cardi Bwon her first GRAMMY for Best Rap Album and could barely get her composure together to accept the award, joking "Oooh the nerves are so bad...maybe I need to start smoking weed." Cardi also made history with her win, becoming the first solo woman to win Best Rap Album at the GRAMMYs.
One odd moment of the show came when Drakemade a surprise appearance to accept his GRAMMY for Best Rap Song for “God’s Plan.” He gave a heartfelt speech to his fellow nominees, reminding them that if they have fans who love their music they’ve already won and don’t need any awards. The speech threw some shade at the award show, so it was interesting that he was promptly cut off by GRAMMY producers, even though it was obvious he still had more to say.
Alicia Keyshosted the show and started off the night introducing some of her “sisters,” includingLady Gaga, Jada Pinkett SmithandJennifer Lopez, as well as a surprise appearance byMichelle Obama,which the crowd went nuts for. The four women then went on to talk about the power of music, with Michelle noting, “Whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves: Our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys."
In addition to the regular performances, last night’s show featured several tributes, including one honoring this year’s MusiCares Person of the Year,Dolly Parton. The performance included Dolly joiningKacey MusgravesandKaty Perry,for “Here You Come Again,” Dolly andMiley Cyrusperforming “Jolene,” Dolly,Maren Morrisand Miley performing “After the Gold Rush,” Dolly withLittle Big Townperforming “Red Shoes,” and the whole group performing “Nine to Five."
The Recording Academy also celebrated the 75thbirthday ofDiana Ross, and following a clips package about the singer, Diana’s nine-year-old grandsonRaiftook the stage (and stole the show) to introduce Diana, who looked fabulous in red and performed “The Best Years Of My Life,” followed by “Reach Out And Touch,” which had her going into the audience, and then wishing herself a Happy Birthday.
There was also a way too long tribute to Motown featuringJennifer Lopez, Smokey RobinsonandNe-Yo, as well as a boatload of dancers. J.Lo certainly committed to her performance singing and dancing to songs like “Dancing in the Streets,” “Please Mr. Postman,” “Money (That’s What I Want),” and “Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance).” Smokey then joined her for “My Girl,” and Alicia joined in for “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” followed by “Square Biz,” with Ne-Yo then performing “Another Star.”
As you can imagine,Aretha Franklin'spassing did not go unnoticed and she was honored with a tribute featuring Audra Day, YolandaAdamsandFantasia, who performed classy take on “You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman).”
Of course more than who takes home a trophy, the GRAMMYs are all about the performances, and there sure were a lot of them last night. Performances included:
Camila Cabelloopened the show with a rousing and brightly colored performance of “Havana,” featuring dancers, horns, andYoung Thug,Ricky Martin,Arturo SandovalandJ. Balvin, who performed a little of his hit “Mi Gente.”
Shawn Mendesopened his performance of “In My Blood” on just the piano, but when the music kicked in he was joined byMiley Cyrus. The pair has allegedly recorded a new song together, and this was actually the second time they collaborated this weekend. Earlier in the weekendthey performed“Islands in the Stream” at the Dolly Parton MusiCares tribute.
Kacey Musgravesquieted things down with a soft and classy performance of “Rainbow,” proving why she took home so many awards last night.
Janelle Monaebrought down the house with “Make Me Feel,” which featured a line of female dancers, dressed in both black and white, and pink. And just when you thought the extraordinary performance couldn’t get better she brought out a female horn section.
Post Maloneopened his performance of “Stay” with just him and his guitar, before transitioning to “rockstar,” which featured so many lights and too much smoke you could barely see him. He was then joined byRed Hot Chili Pepperswith the two acts collaborating on the Peppers’ “Dark Necessities,” with Post on guitar.
H.E.R.performed “Hard Place,” featuring a string section and soulful choir. Oh, and she kept her sunglasses on for the entire performance.
Cardi B,backed by a piano, performed “Money,” showing off her best moves on a purple satin set and surrounded by dozens of dancers.
HostAlicia Keysperformed on not one, but two pianos, performing a medley of songs which she wished she wrote, including “Killing Me Softly,” “Lucid Dreams,” “Unforgettable,” “Use Somebody,” “In My Feelings,” “Boo’d Up,” and “Do Wop (That Thing),” wnding with her own song “Empire State Of Mind”
Dan + Shayperformed a stripped back version of their GRAMMY-winning tune “Tequila,” withShay Mooneyshowing off his strong voice, ending the song by holding the final note for several seconds.
Lady Gagawent all glam-rock for her performance of the “A Star Is Born” track “Shallow,” which featuredMark Ronsonon guitar. And while a Gaga performance is always amazing, it seemed like she was trying a bit too hard this time, and with the camera right up in her face for most of the performance it was a strange vantage point.
Travis Scottwas joined byPhillip Bailey, Verdine White, theEarth Wind and Firehorns,James Blakeand more, for “Stop Trying To Be God,” and “No Bystanders,” which featured a bunch of fans running to the stage, and folks trying to climb into his cage.
Unlike the spectacle of many of the night’s performances, Brandi Carlileamazed with just her voice and her band, performing her GRAMMY-winning song “The Joke,” as the lyrics to the song were projected in the background.
Chloe x Hallepaid tribute toDonny Hathawaywith a performance “Where Is The Love?”
St. VincentandDua Lipateamed up to perform a sultry “Masseducation,” mixed with Dua’s “One Kiss.”