Alas, a week after a whirlwind of an Oscars, the Grammys arrived. Though the evening didn’t include the surprise factor that the Academy Awards offered–I mean really, what can top The Slap–the energy dial was still turned way up. "We're gonna be dancing, we're gonna be singing and we're gonna be keeping people's names out of our mouths," the evening's host, Trevor Noah, teased early in the broadcast before announcing Olivia Rodrigo's emotional performance of "Driver's License."
After, once again, facing a reschedule due to COVID, for the first time ever the Grammys are took place outside of New York City or L.A, camping out at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show is the comedian and Daily Show host's second-year run as Grammys MC–a return that some rejoiced at while others did not. And the evening delivered on anticipated performances from BTS, Silk Sonic, and Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow. Billie Eilish sizzled alongside her brother, Finneas, while also paying tribute to Taylor Hawkins in her performance. Jon Batiste, this year's leading nominee with 11 nominations, who ended up taking home hardware for Album of the Year, stunned the audience in a bright blue suit with a colorful stage to match. Plus, Zelenskyy actually did arrive via video message.
(For anyone wondering where Kanye West has been, given his five nominations, he won't be taking the stage after his invitation to perform was rescinded.)
The golden gramophone for Song of the Year was awarded to Silk Sonic, who, according to Noah, are "single-handedly bringing back the 70s" for "Leave The Door Open." Olivia Rodrigo is taking home the Grammy for Best New Artist as well as the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. Chris Stapleton leaves victorious for Country Album of the Year and newcomer Baby Keem won for Best Rap Performance for "Family Ties." Jazmine Sullivan saw her first ever Grammy wins for Best Rap Performance and Best R&B Album with Heaux Tales.
A moving tribute was dedicated to the lives lost in music this year by Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Rachel Zegler. A special mention was given to Hawkins, who was set to be performing at this year's Grammys ceremony with the rest of The Foo Fighters before passing away on March 25.
Social media has something to say about it all.
A moment between BTS's V and Olivia Rodrigo is, of course, sending fans into a spiral online.
Even Lil Nas X chimed in with his plans for the evening before giving a stunning, glitter-filled performance.
Ammal Hassan is a writer and Esquire's Snapchat Editor. She covers all things culture with a focus on music and pop culture. She is from Nairobi, Kenya and lives in New York City.
