Highlights from the 61st Grammy Awards

Maria Alfaro

Chronicle Reporter

Childish Gambino was awarded four Grammys including record of the year for “This Is America.” Unfortunately, he was not present to collect his awards. The 61st Grammy Awards was hosted by Alicia Keys on Feb.10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Many artist were recognized in one of the 84 categories. Females dominated the ceremony, winning for the first time, and some even made history.

The night started off with Camila Cabello who performed “Havana” along with Ricky Martin, J Balvin, and Young Thug. After this came host, Alicia Keys, on stage with four other women introducing them as her sisters. The “sisters” were Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, Michelle Obama, and Jennifer Lopez, who each gave a speech about how music has inspired and helped them throughout their lives. Many people were excited upon seeing Michelle Obama, erupting in applauses. She shared how music helps “us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys.” The first award was awarded to Lady Gaga for best pop duo/ group performance, for “Shallow” with her partner, Bradley Cooper, from their movie “A Star Is Born.” Later into the night she was awarded for best pop solo performance, “Joanne (Where Do You Think You’re Goin’?).”

Many women were awarded during the ceremony. Cardi B was the first female solo artist to win for be rap album “Invasion Of Privacy.” Not only was she the first woman, but it was her first Grammy of her career. Kacey Musgrave won four awards including album of the year for “Golden Hour.” Ariana Grande won her first Grammy for best pop vocals for “Sweetener,” but was not present to collect her award. Women weren’t the only ones who were awarded, men such as Drake and Childish Gambino took home a Grammy award. Drake was awarded for best rap song “God’s Plan” and gave a speech about how people don’t need an award to know that they have won or to measure their success.

The night progressed with many more awards. Dua Lipa won for best new artist and threw shade at Recording Academy President Neil Portnow after he criticized women last year saying they needed to step it up if they wanted more women to be nominated. Among the nominated, “This is America” (Childish Gambino) was the winner for record of the year and song of the year. Donald Glover made history at the Grammy awards despite not being there. Album of the year went to “Golden Hour” (Kacey Musgraves). The best score soundtrack for visual media went to “Black Panther.” The night was memorable for many artist who got the chance to leave their mark.

For the list of all the winners and nominations:

https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2019-grammy-awards-complete-nominees-and-winners-list#7


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