And the winner is…
The 63rd annual Grammy Awards finally went down at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday (Mar. 14). Hosted by Trevor Noah, the non-public event was held virtually for an epic night of musical celebration, star-studded attendances, and performances.
Backed Anthony Hamilton and a choir, DaBaby orchestrated a classical performance of his chart-topping hit “Rock Star” along with Roddy Ricch. DaBaby also returned to the stage for his cameo in Dua Lipa’s performance of their collaboration “Levitating”.
In their nostalgic suits and surrounded by disco lights, Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, who won Best Melodic Rap Performance with “Lockdown”, made their live debut as Silk Sonic for their retro and soulful performance of their new single “Leave The Door Open”.
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion brought the twerk-filled medley with their two-for-one show. Megan Thee Stallion, who took home three awards including Best New Artist and both Best Rap Song and Rap Performance with “Savage (Remix)”, kicked off the set with “Body” and “Savage” on a glamorous set. Afterward, Cardi B emerged and turned it “Up” with her new single followed by an epic performance of “WAP” alongside Hot Girl Meg.
For his Grammy performance debut, Lil Baby brought awareness against police brutality with “The Bigger Picture” featuring Killer Mike, activist Tamika Mallory, and actor Kendrick Sampson. The powerful performance was opened with Sampson being shot by police before Killer Mike recited his verse off Run The Jewels’ “Walking in The Snow” and Lil Baby’s breathtaking finale on top of a police cruiser.
Touching down from outer space, Doja Cat and her fellow extraterrestrial dancers beamed down at the Staples Center for an electrifying performance of “Say So”.
Post Malone brought gothic vibes with a spooky performance of “Hollywood Bleeding” channeling a vampire slayer and was joined by a medieval choir.
Roddy Ricch closed out the evening with a medley performance of his recording-breaking hit “The Box” and also debuted his upcoming single, “Heartless”, which he has since released the Live From L.A. version.
The ceremony also included many historic victories throughout the night. Beyonce became the most decorated female in Grammy history after her “Black Parade” took this year’s Best R&B Performance. Now with 28 Grammys, Mrs. Carter has the most ever by a female artist and the most by any male and female singer. In addition to also winning Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage (Remix)”, Queen Bey also took Best Music Video with “Brown Skin Girl”, which also earned her daughter Blue Ivy her first Grammy win.
For her third award of the night, Megan The Stallion was also crowned this year’s Best New Artist and becomes the first female rapper to do so since 1998 by Lauryn Hill. Nas earned his very first Gramophone with King’s Disease taking Best Rap Album and H.E.R. racked up two awards including Song Of The Year (“I Can’t Breathe”) and Best R&B Song (“Better Than I Imagined” by Robert Glasper).
Other wins included John Legend winning Best R&B Album (Bigger Love), Kanye West for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (Jesus Is King), and Burna Boy with Best Global Music Album (Twice As Tall). Full list of winners can be viewed here.
