Beyoncé is the most decorated artist in the history of the Grammy Awards, but at the end of Sunday’s program, Harry Styles took home the award for album of the year.
Beyoncé did not receive any of the evening’s major honors, leaving her offstage at the end of the ceremony. However, the superstar remained a persistent presence throughout the evening, even though she wasn’t present, especially after she won her 32nd award and eclipsed the late composer Georg Solti in total awards.
The celebrity stated, “I’m trying not to be too emotional” following her historic victory, as her husband Jay-Z rose and congratulated her. The singer praised her deceased uncle, dad, Jay-Z, and children for their support. “I’m merely attempting to receive this evening. I am grateful to God for protecting me. Thank you, God.”
Since 2010, when she won song of the year for “Single Ladies,” Beyoncé has been unable to reach the end-of-night Grammys stage. She gained four accolades for her album “Renaissance” to her collection.
Styles was overcome with emotion when he accepted the prize for album of the year, stating that everyone in the category had inspired him. “At various points in my life, I’ve listened to each individual in these categories. It is crucial to keep in mind that there is no such thing as “best.”
Sunday, the British singer-actor won three Oscars. Backstage, the singer remarked, “It feels like confirmation that you are on the correct path.” “When we enter the studio and begin recording, we make any music we want. It’s a great feeling when you realize you’re doing the correct thing.
Beyoncé was not present when she matched Solti’s record early in the broadcast. Trevor Noah, the show’s host, stated that she was on her way to the ceremony but was unable to attend due to Los Angeles traffic.
Once Beyoncé, the evening’s most prominent nominee, arrived, Noah presented her with the award for best R&B song at her table.
Beyoncé earned awards for “Cuff It,” “Break My Soul,” “Plastic Off the Sofa,” and “Renaissance,” which was nominated for album of the year.
Lizzo won record of the year for “About Damn Time,” and her stirring acceptance speech drove many in the audience to its feet, including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Adele.
“Adele and I were enjoying ourselves while supporting for our buddies. This is an incredible evening. “This is very unanticipated,” Lizzo exclaimed as she dedicated her award to Prince.
“In order for me to make the world a better place, I had to be that change. Now as I look around, I realize that these songs are about liking one’s body, being comfortable in one’s flesh, and feeling wonderful.”
Samara Joy won the award for best new artist despite competition from Wet Led, Anitta, and Maneskin. The New Yorker was almost in tears as she accepted the medal and revealed that her younger brother was her date. “I’m so, so grateful. Thank you very much.” She has released two solo albums and won the Grammy for best jazz vocal album earlier that evening.
Bonnie Raitt, a veteran singer-songwriter, defeated major competitors such as Adele, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé to win the prize for song of the year. “I’m so astonished. I’m speechless,” a clearly surprised Raitt exclaimed, adding that the song “Just Like That” explores organ donation. Raitt also won awards for best Americana performance and best American roots song on the same night.
A who’s who of hip-hop royalty joined the stage for a 15-minute salute to the 50th anniversary of the genre. Grandmaster Flash performed a portion of his groundbreaking song “The Message,” while Run DMC, Chuck D, and Flavor Flav, Ice-T, Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes, and Nelly all took the stage.
It culminated with everyone on stage and LL Cool J yelling “multigenerational!” Fifty decades!
The concert was a crowd-pleaser for an event that has a precarious history of ignoring rap.
Bad Bunny launched the night with a lively, high-energy performance that got several audience members to their feet, including Swift, who danced near her table at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
“Unholy” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras received the award for best pop duo/group performance. Smith wanted Petras to deliver the acceptance speech since “I am the first transgender woman to win this award,” according to Petras.
“I want to thank all the wonderful transgender legends who opened these doors for me so I could be here today,” added Petras, referring to Grammy-nominated musician Sophie, who died in Athens, Greece in 2021 following an accidental fall. You informed me that this would occur. I always had faith in myself. Sophie, many thanks for your inspiration. I shall always draw inspiration from you for my songs.”
Petras complimented Madonna for being an outstanding advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Petras stated, “I don’t believe I could be here without Madonna.” “My mother, I grew up close to a German motorway in the middle of nowhere. In addition, my mother assumed that I was a female. Without her help and encouragement, I wouldn’t be here.”
During the in memoriam portion, the Grammys honored the lives of Loretta Lynn, Migos’ Takeoff, and Christine McVie with tributes from a number of renowned artists. Kacey Musgraves played “Coal Miner’s Daughter” as a tribute to Lynn; Quavo and the Maverick City Music performed “Without You” in memory of his nephew Takeoff; and Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood, and Bonnie Raitt sang “Songbird” in remembrance of McVie.
Kendrick Lamar received his sixth career award for outstanding rap performance with “The Heart Part 5” and best rap album with “Mr. Morales & The Big Steps.”
“As performers, we say things to elicit thoughts, sentiments, and emotions,” he explained. “Therefore, making this record is one of my most difficult…. I’d like to thank culture for allowing me to evolve so that I could create this. This album is the first to contain an imperfection.
Viola Davis became an EGOT — a moniker for those who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony — following her victory for best audio book, narration, and storytelling album on Sunday. After walking onstage to accept her honor, the actor gave an impassioned statement and proclaimed passionately, “I just EGOT”
“Oh, my God,” she said. Davis stated, “I wrote this novel to celebrate the 6-year-old Viola, her life, her joy, her tragedy, and everything else.” “This has been quite the journey.”
The ceremony returned to Los Angeles after the epidemic delayed and then compelled the Grammys to relocate to Las Vegas the previous year. Jon Batiste was awarded album of the year during the gala, which was also hosted by Noah.