The 66th annual Grammy Awards took place on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. With popular comedian Trevor Noah as the host, comedic relief was sprinkled between rounds of surprise, excitement, and disappointment.
Dua Lipa opened the show with the debut performance of her song “Training Season” and then “Houdini” with flashing and psychedelic lights.
Despite the harsh rain and wind conditions, celebrities showed up on the red carpet looking as stunning as ever. Jon Batiste was dressed in one of the most “daring looks,” as quoted by the red carpet reporters. He wore a custom Versace silver suit and kilt. Other highlights on the red carpet included Summer Walker, wearing a fluffy white feathered gown with a matching hat, Doja Cat dressed in a mesh gown by Dilara Findikoglu, displaying her tattoos, and Miley Cyrus in a golden chained piece by Margiela Artisanal.
The nominees for Album of the Year had a large range of popularity; between Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus, boygenius, Jon Batiste, and Janelle Monáe. While all of these talented nominees were deserving of the award, it didn’t come as a surprise that the winner was Midnights by Taylor Swift, now a 4th-time Album of the Year winner.
The winner of Song of the Year was Billie Eilish, with “What Was I Made For” from the Barbie movie. The Song of the Year nominations included two songs from the Barbie movie, including “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa.
Taylor Swift received her 13th Grammy for the Best Pop Vocal Album Award. Along with her acceptance speech, she announced her brand new album: The Tortured Poets Department, that will be coming out on April 19.
For many of the winning artists, it was their first-ever Grammy, including Miley Cyrus, Karol G, and Lainey Wilson. Tyla won the first Grammy for best African music performance, a new award added this year.
The Dr. Dre Global Impact Award went to Jay-Z. In his speech, he spoke about how there is still a lot of progress to be made with diversity and recognition in the award show. He said, “Some of you may go home and feel like you got robbed,” and his advice was to “keep showing up, until they call you the greatest of all time.”
The award for Best New Artist had many popular nominees, including Gracie Abrams, Noah Kahan, and Ice Spice. The winner was singer-songwriter Victoria Monét, who spoke through joyful tears, “I’m finally sprouting.”
As new performers took the stage for the first time, old performers came back for the first time in a long time. Billy Joel performed his first single in 30 years, “Turn The Lights Back On.”
Joni Mitchell sang “Both Sides Now,” as her very first Grammy performance at 80 years old. A few years ago, she was unable to speak due to a stroke, but she gained her voice back and was able to share her beautiful performance.
The performers brought all of their energy and emotion onto stage. Luke Combs performed “Fast Car” with Tracy Chapman. She made history as the first Black woman to win the CMA Song of the Year as a songwriter. This performance was her return after not making a public appearance for many years. While it was a simple performance, it was very sweet to see them singing with guitar at the mic.
In the prelude to SZA’s performance of “Kill Bill” she spoke about how she had “so many points to prove” with her album SOS, which took 5 years for her to finish and put out. The album had themes of the ocean, and intense fear and anxiety. It was a dramatic performance, with trash can fires, female fighters, and SZA “killing” a man.
U2 performed inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, a dome covered entirely with screens. It was the first time television cameras were allowed inside the Sphere, making it an exciting and fun performance.
Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Jon Batiste, and Fantasia Barrino honored the artists that were lost this year. Stevie Wonder sang “For Once In My Life,” as a duet with a video of Tony Bennet. Annie Lennox sang “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor, and Jon Batiste performed “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers. Fantasia Barrino sang “Proud Mary” and “Rolling on the River” to honor Tina Turner.