Award show season is in full swing, and I couldn’t be happier. On Sunday, January 28th 2018, The 60th annual Grammy Awards took place in New York City. This was the first time since 2003 that this award show has left Los Angeles. James Corden was the host, and he did a fantastic job. He took comical risks, referenced his Carpool Karaoke Bit more than once, and took shots at many famous people, including our President. In fact, one shining moment was when Corden had select celebrities take turns reading snippets from the novel Fire and Fury: Inside the White House by Michael Wolff. During Cardi B’s rendition, she stopped mid sentence and said “this how he lives life,” questioning the choices of our President on live television. A few seconds later Hillary Clinton stepped into the spotlight to give it a try, and the crowd went wild.
Aside from Corden’s unconventional skits and risky jokes, the rest of the show was focused on the artists who have outdone themselves this past year. Lady Gaga performed two songs clad in a costume of tulle and feathers. Her impressively large teardrop earrings went well with the actual tears on her cheek, as her performance was dedicated to her late aunt. Pink performed an emotional version of her song “Wild Hearts Can’t be Broken.” To achieve a more personal and passionate vibe, Pink wore ripped jeans and a white shirt. She didn’t need a designer gown to make others adore her work, all she needed was herself. Simplicity for the win, one might say.
Childish Gambino also sang, but instead of a solo act, he had an incredibly talented kid named JD McCrary accompany him. The two lit up the stage, and to be quite honest, more eyes were on McCrary than Gambino. Both Gambino and McCrary will be playing Simba in the new Lion King Movie, which should be amazing based upon their duet at the Grammys. Later on Rihanna and DJ Khaled took the stage by storm, where they literally sang amongst a crowd of dancing partiers.
Sting also made an appearance, stepping back into the hustle and bustle after some time in the dark. The older audience probably got a kick out of that. Another blast from the past: the Grammy’s got techy and live streamed an outdoor performance from U2 that occurred near the Statue of Liberty. This group wanted to celebrate immigrants everywhere, and they did just that. Another noteworthy performance was Miley Cyrus with Elton John. The two of them fed off each other while their voices effortlessly meld together.
There were two very touching acts of the night. One was a tribute to all of those who were affected by the shootings in Las Vegas. The other was Kesha’s performance of “Praying.” She and her girl gang wore white, and used this act as an opportunity to speak out against female inequality and abuse. James Corden took the stage immediately after and endorsed the message, saying “this is a movement that commands attention.” White roses were scattered around this event as well, standing as a symbol for women’s rights.
While the singing is a crucial portion of the night, so is the fashion. Chrissy Teigen wore a sparkly silver long sleeve dress that made her baby bump look more like a disco ball. John Legend stood by her side, occasionally caressing the sparkly bump beside him. Surprisingly, Cardi B choose a softer, feathery option. The male artists’ outfits were on point. DJ Khaled and his son even wore matching suits, points for adorableness.
Now, for the awards, the main reason behind the show. Bruno Mars won big, taking home Album, Record, and Song of the Year. Alessia Cara won Best New Artist of the Year, which saddened many of us die hard Khalid fans. Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna won Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Loyalty.” He won again for Best Rap Album. For all the Country loving people on campus, Chris Stapleton swiped Best Country Album of the year. His unique style and love for the genre definitely deserved it. Last but not least, a newly engaged Ed Sheeran took home Best Pop Solo Performance for “Shape of You.”
It was an overwhelming night in NYC full of laughs, appreciation for music, and fashionable celebs. Major claps for all of the hard working artist out there, and an even larger set of applause for those who did not win. We still love you all. Here’s to looking forward to even better music in 2019.