Highlights from the Grammys

Georgia Morris

If you missed the Grammys on Sunday night because of church, studying, or just because you forgot about it, do not fear, because here is a recap of the highlights:

 

The night started out with an amazing performance by Kendrick Lamar. He performed songs “XXX” and “DNA” from his newest hit album and was joined by U2 and Dave Chappelle on stage. Men in ski masks backed Lamar in front of an American flag while he rapped about black empowerment. Chapelle ended his set with a message to the audience saying, “I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America. Sorry for the interruption.”

Another standout performance of the night was Kesha’s performance of her power ballad, “Praying.” In the light of recent events concerning sexual assault and the #MeToo movement, Kesha’s ballad written about her legal battle with her producer who sexually and emotionally abused her was an important moment at the Grammys. She was joined onstage by other performers including Andra Day, Bebe Rexha, Camila Cabello, Cyndi Lauper, Julia Michaels and the Resistance Revival Chorus, who were all dressed completely in white.

Camila Cabello, a Cuban-Mexican musician and singer of the hit song “Havana” spoke about current immigration issues, including DACA. She spoke very powerfully, drawing on her own experiences, saying, “Today, in this room full of music’s dreamers, we remember that this country was built by dreamers, for dreamers, chasing the American dream. I’m here on this stage tonight because, just like the dreamers, my parents brought me to this country with nothing in their pockets but hope. They showed me what it means to work twice as hard and never give up. And honestly no part of my journey is any different from theirs.”

While a lot of performances and speeches of the night surrounded political issues of today, there was one very heartfelt and emotional performance that brought everyone together. A group of country stars came together to perform a tribute in honor of the 59 victims of the tragic Las Vegas massacre in October. The crowd stayed silent and in thought while Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, and Maren Morris performed a tender rendition of “Tears in Heaven.”

Along with powerful performances about political and social issues of today, there were also a lot of cute children at the Grammys. Blue Ivy, the daughter of the music industry’s power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce, is no exception. One camera caught a moment in the crowd where Blue Ivy gently shushes both of her parents as they clap, looking very adultlike in her manner. I guess you can still be embarrassed by your parents even if they are a famous power couple!

A very funny segment was presented at the Grammys. Earlier this month, the book “Fire and Fury” was published. The book gives insight to the White House under the Trump presidency, revealing Trump’s behavior, chaos within actions of the White House Staff, and negative comments made about President Trump by a former White House Staff member. In a pre-recorded segment, different celebrities read snippets of the book in from of the camera. Celebrities ranged from rapper Cardi B, who commented “I can’t believe this. This is how he lives his life?” to John Legend to President Trump’s opponent in the election herself, Hillary Clinton. This small segment added quite a few laughs to the Grammys.

Booing filled the Madison Square Garden after the results of the “Best Solo” category were revealed. Ed Sheeran, who thankfully was not there to receive his award and experience the booing in person, won in this category for his hit song “Shape of You.” He was up against P!nk, Kesha, Kelly Clarkson, and Lady Gaga and the reason behind this unfriendly voicing of opinion is unknown.

With awards season in full swing in Hollywood, these were just a few of the highlights of the Grammys, with many more sure to come in the next few months!