By: ELIAN GOMEZ / STAFF REPORTER
The infamous 64th Grammy Awards were held on Sunday April 3rd, 2022 with many notable performances and awards. Hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the award ceremony was short of joy and entertainment. If you missed the annual experience, here is a review of what transpired.
Notable Winners
Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s newly formed superduo Silk Sonic took home awards for four different categories: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song of the Year. The group opened the ceremony with a performance of “777”, coinciding with the location of the event, Las Vegas.
In their acceptance speeches, the group was overcome with emotion, as Anderson .Paak noted that it is difficult for them to “stay humble” throughout the wave of their success.
Even with Silk Sonic kicking things off, it was Jon Batiste who stole the show with five Grammy awards. Out of 14 nominations, Batiste won Album of the Year for “We Are”, and his song “Cry” went on to win Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song.
He captivated audiences with his layered and joyful performance of “Freedom, which awarded him Best Music Video.
In terms of newcomers to music, Olivia Rodrigo was the highlight. She was awarded Best New Artist above Saweetie, The Kid LAROI, and Baby Keem. Rodrigo’s jump to stardom is mainly due to her hit song, “drivers license" that was a big hit on the popular app Tik Tok. The record led the vocalist to win Best Pop Solo Performance. To top things off, the 19 year old also won Best Pop Vocal Album for “Sour”.
Another new artist did not surprise many for his early success. Baby Keem won Best Rap Performance for “Family Ties” featuring Grammy award winner Kendrick Lamar. The two cousins used their talents to provide rap and hip-hop fans with a fresh new sound to enjoy.
In his speech, the 21 year old noted, “I want to say thank you to my support system, the city of Las Vegas, my family, the women that raised me, to shape me to become the man I am today.”
Performances & Appearances
The show continued with Justin Bieber’s hit song “Peaches” with the award winning artist on the piano singing solo, with a slower tempo. The performance then transitioned to the original track, in assistance with a live band.
Collaborators Giveon and Daniel Caesar joined on the melody, providing fans with one of last summer's tunes.
Lil Nas X took the stage with songs “Dead Right Now”, “Montero”, and “Industry Baby”. The artists feel good songs were paired with dance choreography and outfit changes.
The seemingless transition between “Montero” and “Industry Baby” certainly had members of the audience astonished with the creative and quality of the ‘beat drop.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a video appearance urging watchers to support the war effort in Ukraine however they can. He also highlighted the importance of music and its connection with the fight.
“The war doesn't let us choose who survives and who stays in eternal silence. Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals, even to those who can't hear them. But the music will break through anyway” said the Ukrainian leader.
The speech was followed by John Legend performing “Free” alongside Ukrainian musicians Siuzanna Iglidan and Mika Newton, and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk.
The 2022 Grammy’s provided the creative arts world with the undivided attention of what this ceremony is all about: celebrating hard work and success. With the 2022 Oscar’s swaying the public focus towards Will Smith’s slapping Chris Rock, the Grammy’s was able to complete its objectives in an ingenious manner.