Awards season is officially upon us and well underway with this year’s Grammy Awards.
On Sunday, Jan. 26, Hollywood’s biggest artists gathered at the renowned Staple’s Center in Los Angeles to celebrate music’s biggest night. It goes without saying that with a room of that size filled with talent and stardom of that magnitude, it’s bound to be a memorable night. This year’s Grammy Awards saw its fair share of heartfelt tributes, remarkable musical comebacks and wins for the books.
Here are some of the most memorable moments of the 2020 Grammy Awards:
1. Billie’s Historical Sweep
Courtesy: Forbes
It was no surprise to see Billie Eilish make history with her six nominations at the age of 17, so was it even a shock to us that she took home five awards? Didn’t think so.
Eilish took home the titles for Record of the Year for “Bad Guy,” Song of the Year for “Bad Guy,” Album of the Year for “when we fall asleep, where do we go?,” Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album for “when we fall asleep, where do we go?” Her brother, Finneas, also took home awards for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical as well as Producer of the Year, Non-Classical. And their mom most certainly deserves mom of the year – are you kidding?!
It was quite the night for Billie and most certainly well deserved.
2. Tribute to Kobe Bryant
Courtesy: E! News
Despite the glitz and glamour of the night, it was easy to make note of the reverence demonstrated inside “the house that Kobe Bryant built,” as spoken by host, Alicia Keys. Throughout the entire ceremony, Bryant’s retired jerseys were lit with a spotlight in his honor. When Alicia Keys was initially introduced, she took the time to deliver a somber acapella performance along with Boyz II Men of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”
With the heartfelt tribute to the late legend, the night seemingly became a celebration of music, but also of those who were tragically lost within the music community and beyond.
3. Demi Lovato’s Comeback
Courtesy: CNN
Demi Lovato has finally returned to the stage after suffering an overdose in July 2018. And boy, did she make her presence felt and her voice heard.
She delivered a stunning and spellbinding performance of her new single “Anyone,” fighting off tears throughout the song. Wearing an extravagant white ballgown and backed only by the somber notes of a piano, she brought us all to tears. Tears triggered by the heart-wrenching lyrics of the haunting melody but tears also brought on by our overwhelming love and admiration for her as she took her rightful place on the Grammy stage and blessed audiences with an immaculate moment.
Demi, you were missed beyond belief.
4. Ariana Goes Grande on the Carpet and on the Stage
Courtesy: E! News
Okay, wow.
I have to be honest, the red carpet was not as exciting as I was hoping it would be. Sure, there were plenty of looks that deserve major praise, but there was one that genuinely took my breath away. If anyone is going to walk the carpet in a ballgown that would put Cinderella to shame, it would be Ariana Grande.
Ari served – and I mean served – looks on the carpet in a custom Giambattista Valli tulle ball gown with matching gloves. Not to mention, she also donned her signature high ponytail to create her own take on her Cinderella Story.
For her performance, she graced the stage in an elegant black gown for her opening portion of “Imagine,” later transitioning into a provocative and sexy pink robe for “7 Rings.” After missing last year’s ceremony reportedly due to a disagreement with producers, she made up for lost time with five different looks in the span of roughly four hours, and a knockout performance to match.
5. Lizzo’s Powerful Opening Performance
Courtesy: Rolling Stone
We’re all crying ‘cuz’ we love her.
Lizzo is bound to deliver, we’ve learned that by now. She opened the show with a dedication to Kobe Bryant and an orchestral portion of her song “Cuz I Love You,” followed by an explosive and fun performance of her hit song “Truth Hurts.” And everyone knows it wouldn’t be a Lizzo performance without a flute solo so, low and behold, we were not disappointed in the slightest.
Following her performance, Lizzo went on to receive the award for Best Pop Solo Performance, while also being named the winner for Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jerome” prior to the ceremony.
Move over Taylor Swift, we’ve got a new queen of award show reactions and dance moves on our hands!
The honorable mention moments, in my opinion, go to Tyler the Creator’s bizarre and exhilarating performance, as well as Ozzy and Sharon Osborne’s hilarious attempt at reading the nominees for Best Rap/Sung Performance.
The 62nd Grammy Awards were definitely a night to remember. It was a celebration of the music we know and love, and a tribute to icons we’ve lost. With astounding victories, telltale performances and all the quirky and touching moments in between, there’s no such thing as a dull moment at the Grammy Awards.
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