THE GRAMMYS: A RECORD-BREAKING NIGHT

On February 5, 2023, Crypto.com Arena hosted one of the most important and iconic music award shows of the year, the 65th Annual Grammys. Artists from all over were styled to celebrate these nominations in hopes that they would bring home a golden trophy.

The show began when host, Trevor Noah, introduced Bad Bunny, who performed "El Apagón" and "Después de la Playa." His performance seemed to get many artists like Jack Harlow and Taylor Swift off their feet and dancing, but the most jaw-dropping aspect of his entire performance was his outfit - a simple white T-shirt and faded jeans. Next, Brandi Carlile, who was nominated for 7 awards this year, was introduced by her wife and two daughters. The 25-grammy-nominated artist performed “Broken Horses” in a long fur coat with pink, silk undershirt. But, to truly kick off the awards, Jennifer Lawrence presented Best Pop Vocal Album to Harry Styles, for his third studio album, Harry’s House.

Viola Davis, an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award winner) then presented the Grammy for best R&B Song to Beyoncé. Sadly, at that time, she was stuck in traffic, so her collaborator Nile Rodgers accepted the award on her behalf. Next, red-haired Shania Twain was surprised to present the Best Country Album to Willie Nelson, who, also, sadly couldn't make it.

Stevie Wonder performed, accompanied by a teenaged vocal quartet, singing "The Way You Do the Things You Do" and "Tears of a Clown." Artists like Smokey and Chris Stapeton performed on stage with him, singing Stevie’s "Higher Ground.” Sam Smith and Kim Petras won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their radio single "Unholy." Sam Smith encouraged Kim to take the stage, and she acknowledged that she is the first openly transgender artist to receive a Grammy - adding on to the truly groundbreaking night.

Lizzo, who was nominated for five grammys performed “About Damn Time” and “Special,” wearing a Dolce & Gabbana satin black dress. Noah introduced SZA, who presented Bad Bunny with the trophy for Música Urbana Album and Harry Styles performed his Record and Song of the Year contender, "As It Was” in a silver sequined, flared jumpsuit. Cardi B presented Best Rap Album to Kendrick Lamar for Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, which marked his third album of the night, following Lamar’s early wins for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song ("The Heart Part 5").

The "In Memoriam" tribute began with a performance of Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter," sung by Kacey Musgraves in a pink catsuit and accompanying pink feather cape. Quavo honored Migos member, Takeoff, with a special performance, followed by a rendition of “Songbird” by

Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Mick Fleetwood honoring Christine McVie.

Madonna then announced Sam Smith & Kim Petras, and this duo got to perform their Grammy-winning song "Unholy” in their bright red Valentino gowns. Next, another record was broken - Best Dance/Electronic Album for RENAISSANCE allowed Beyoncé to become the artist with the most awarded Grammys (32 Grammy Awards). The Queen of Hip-Hop and Soul, Mary J. Blige performed the title track from Good Morning, Gorgeous, which was up for album of the year.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, LL COOL J then presented the inaugural Dr. Dre Global Impact Award to, get ready to be shocked, the one and only, Dr. Dre. Next, to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, there was a 13 minute performance with artists like Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Too $hort, Nelly, The LOX, Lil Baby, GloRilla and so many more.

After meeting Adele for the first time that day, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson presented the Pop Solo Performance trophy to Adele and Luke Combs performed "Going, Going, Gone." The First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, in a gorgeous reflective silver gown, said she was honored to give out the first award for Best Song for Social Change, gifting it to singer-songwriter Shervin Hajipour for his song "Baraye."

Dr. Jill Biden then presented Song of the Year to Bonnie Raitt for "Just Like That,” which was a surprise to even Bonnie, herself. Lead vocalist for the rock band Coldplay, Chris Martin, announced the winner of Record of the Year to Lizzo for "About Damn Time" and she dedicated that award to her idol, Prince, whose death inspired her to make positive and impactful music. Steve Lacy performed "Bad Habit" in an all black Saint Laurent suit, with Thundercat on the bass. Next, Olivia Rodrigo was announced to present Best New Artist, an award she is all too familiar with, and gave it to Samara Joy, an upcoming American jazz singer.

Finally, Trevor Noah invited a select group of superfans onto the Grammys’ stage to assist in presenting the final award of the night, Album of the Year. Similarly to the start of the 65th annual Grammy Award, Harry Styles won it again for his album, Harry’s House. Styles acknowledges the other nominees, stating that he listened and loved all of their recent work, and collaborators on Harry’s House Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson also gave thanks to the audience. To end the night, DJ Khaled performs "GOD DID," featuring JAY-Z, John Legend, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross and Fridayy.

It was truly an amazing night for music.