Oliva Rodrigo celebrated a ‘dream night’ with three wins but it was Silk Sonic and Jon Batiste who dominated by earning the top prizes of the night at the Grammy Awards.
The 19-year-old songstress was one of the biggest winners of the night as she took home three awards including Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album but was not able to win both Album and Record Of The Year which went to those talented aforementioned acts at the event held at the MGM Grand Garden And Arena in Las Vegas.
Jon Batiste, 35, was the biggest winner of the night as he earned five awards including top prize Album Of The Year for We Are beating out stiff competition including Olivia, Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, Taylor Swift, and Lil Nas X.
Not too far behind were R&B superduo Silk Sonic – comprised of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak – who earned four including the coveted Record Of The Year.
The future and present: Olivia Rodrigo was one of the biggest winners of the night as she took home three awards including Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album
Talented: Jon Batiste, 35, (left) was the biggest winner of the night as he earned five awards including top prize Album Of The Year for We Are while not too far behind were R&B superduo Silk Sonic who earned four including Record Of The Year
Earlier in the night, Olivia was emotional as she first hit the stage to accept the Best New Artist honor from presenters and former winners of the same prize Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa.
She faced heavy competition including: Arooj Aftab, Jimmie Allen, Baby Keem, FINNEAS, Glass Animals, Japanese Breakfast, The Kid LAROI, Arlo Parks, and Saweetie.
Olivia wiped tears from her eyes as she began her acceptance speech saying: ‘Oh my God! Whoa, god, thank you so much to the recording academy, this is my biggest dream come true. Thank you so much.’
She went on to thank her team at Interscope before thanking those closest to her as she concluded her speech: ‘Thank my amazing parents and my best friends Iris, Maddie and Conan, I love you guys and thanks to Dan who made all of my music to me, Dan, you are the best friend corks lab rater, person I could ever ask for. So this is all because of you. Thank you.’
With the win Olivia joins an impressive list of previous winners including presenters Dua and Megan in addition to Billie Eilish, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Lauryn Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Mariah Carey, Carly Simon, and Cyndi Lauper.
What a moment: Earlier in the night, Olivia was emotional as she first hit the stage to accept the Best New Artist honor (left) before coming back to accept Best Pop Vocal Album for SOUR (right)
Bond: The 19-year-old songstress was emotional as she hit the stage to accept the honor from presenters Dua Lipa (center) and Megan Thee Stallion
Olivia wiped tears from her eyes as she began her acceptance speech saying: ‘Oh my God! Whoa, god, thank you so much to the recording academy, this is my biggest dream come true. Thank you so much’
Dynamic duo: Dua and Megan – who are currently on tour together – donned black leather ensembles designed by Donatella Versace as they both have previously won Best New Artist
Olivia was not done yet as she later hit the stage to accept Best Pop Vocal Album for Sour.
She beat out some of the top names of the genre including: Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe) — Justin Bieber, Planet Her (Deluxe) — Doja Cat, Happier Than Ever — Billie Eilish, and Positions — Ariana Grande.
During her second acceptance speech of the night she said: ‘Oh wow. Oh my gosh. Thank you again to the recording Thank you to all the fans who have listened to my music and completely changed my life over the past two years.
‘I really want to dedicate this award to my parents. When I was nine years old I told my mom I was going to be an Olympic swimmer and even they I could do a cartwheel, the negotiation week when I told her I was going to win a Grammy she was very supportive even though she thought this would be a little kid’s pipedream.
‘I want to thank my mom for being supportive of all of my dreams no matter how crazy and my mom and dad for being so proud of me for winning a Grammy as they were when I learned how to do a back walkover. This is for you guys and because of you guys. Thank you.’
It’s not so brutal out there: Olivia was not done yet as she later hit the stage to accept Best Pop Vocal Album for Sour
What a win: She beat out some of the top names of the genre including: Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe) — Justin Bieber, Planet Her (Deluxe) — Doja Cat, Happier Than Ever — Billie Eilish, and Positions — Ariana Grande
House of presenting: She was given the honor by Morbius star and 30 Seconds To Mars frontman Jared Leto
She dedicated the honor to her parents as she said: ‘I really want to dedicate this award to my parents. When I was nine years old I told my mom I was going to be an Olympic swimmer and even they I could do a cartwheel, the negotiation week when I told her I was going to win a Grammy she was very supportive even though she thought this would be a little kid’s pipedream’
OIivia also won another one before the televised portion of the event as she took home Best Pop Solo performance for drivers license over Anyone — Justin Bieber, Right On Time — Brandi Carlile, Happier Than Ever — Billie Eilish, and Positions — Ariana Grande.
Jon Batiste not only was the top winner with five shiny new trophies to his name but also took home the top honor of Album Of The Year for We Are.
The 35-year-old Oscar winning musician beat out a massive field of talents to earn the win including: Love For Sale — Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe) — Justin Bieber, Planet Her (Deluxe) — Doja Cat, Happier Than Ever — Billie Eilish, Back Of My Mind — H.E.R., MONTERO — Lil Nas X, SOUR — Olivia Rodrigo, evermore — Taylor Swift, and Donda — Kanye West.
Jon was humble as he took home the top honor presented by legend Lenny Kravitz as he said: ‘Wow! Thank you. You know, I really, I believe this to my core, there is no best musician, best artist, best dancer, best actor. The creative arts are subjective and they reach people at a point in their lives when they need it most.
Well deserved: Jon Batiste not only was the top winner with five shiny new trophies to his name but also took home the top honor of Album Of The Year for We Are
Top dog: The 35-year-old Oscar winning musician beat out a massive field of talents to earn the win including: Love For Sale — Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe) — Justin Bieber, Planet Her (Deluxe) — Doja Cat, Happier Than Ever — Billie Eilish, Back Of My Mind — H.E.R., MONTERO — Lil Nas X, SOUR — Olivia Rodrigo, evermore — Taylor Swift, and Donda — Kanye West
Game recognize game: He was given the honor by legendary musician Lenny Kravitz
‘I actually love and have had experiences, out of body experiences with your music’: He concluded his speech with a special recognition of his fellow nominees as he praised them while saying he is a massive fan of their work
Sweet: Lenny gave Jon a big hug
Shining star: He also Won Best American Roots Performance and Roots Song for Cry, Best Music Video for Freedom (pictured), and Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media for his work on Soul alongside Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
‘Like a song or an album is made and it almost has a radar to find the person when they need it the most. I mean man, I like thank god, I just put my head down and I work on the craft every day.
‘I have I been playing since I was a little boy and more than entertainment for me, it is a spiritual practice. And it is so many people that went into making this album, my grandfather son the album, my nephews, my dad is here. My executive producer Ryan Lynn, right here, come on, man, I don’t want to be up here by I didn’t do it by myself.’
He concluded his speech with a special recognition of his fellow nominees as he praised them while saying he is a massive fan of their work.
Jon said: ‘Every single artist that was nominated in this category, I actually love and have had experiences, out of body experiences with your music. I honor you. And this is for real artists, real musicians, let’s just keep going. Be you, that’s it. I love you. Good night.’
He also Won Best American Roots Performance and Roots Song for Cry, Best Music Video for Freedom, and Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media for his work on Soul alongside Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
Jon – who is a veteran jazz keyboardist and also the musical director of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert – came into the night with the most nominations as he had 11.
Silk Sonic were among the biggest winners of the night as they won all four awards that they were nominated for including Record Of The Year for smash hit Leave The Door Open.
The R&B duo – consisting of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak – beat out a very impressive and massive field including: I Still Have Faith In You — ABBA, Freedom — Jon Batiste, I Get A Kick Out Of You — Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, Peaches — Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon, Right On Time — Brandi Carlile, Kiss Me More — Doja Cat feat. SZA, Happier Than Ever — Billie Eilish, Montero (Call Me By Your Name) — Lil Nas X, and drivers license — Olivia Rodrigo.
Anderson took to the podium as he humorously said: ‘Come on, listen, listen, listen. We are really trying our hardest to remain humble at this point, okay. But in the industry we call that a clean sweep.
Goals: Silk Sonic were among the biggest winners of the night as they won all four awards that they were nominated for including Record Of The Year for smash hit Leave The Door Open
Anderson took to the podium as he humorously said: ‘Come on, listen, listen, listen. We are really trying our hardest to remain humble at this point, okay. But in the industry we call that a clean sweep’
Smooth: The R&B duo – consisting of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak – beat out a very impressive and massive field including: I Still Have Faith In You — ABBA, Freedom — Jon Batiste, I Get A Kick Out Of You — Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, Peaches — Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon, Right On Time — Brandi Carlile, Kiss Me More — Doja Cat feat. SZA, Happier Than Ever — Billie Eilish, Montero (Call Me By Your Name) — Lil Nas X, and drivers license — Olivia Rodrigo
‘All right? For all the other nominees, we all know we love y’all, we love y’all, all right. Drinks is on silk sonic tonight. We getting drunk. I know a lot of y’all fans might be upset, we are going to get out of here before the internet gets to talking, Bruno. God bless you all, good night.’
Earlier in the night Silk Sonic earned the first win of the night as the R&B duo consisting of Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak took home Song Of The Year for Leave The Door Open.
They beat out an impressive and large field including: Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits, Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile – A Beautiful Noise, Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license, H.E.R. – Fight For You, Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever, Doja Cat featuring SZA – Kiss Me More, Lil Nas X – Montero, and Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon.
During the acceptance speech Bruno said: ‘I want to thank everybody that helped with us this album. Want to thank Charles, Andy, couldn’t be prouder doing this with you, thank you so much. Thank you guys so much. And you know it is because of you me and Andy will be singing this song forever, so God bless you all.’
Golden: Earlier in the night Silk Sonic earned the first win of the night at the Grammy Awards
Record producer D’Mile led the the two megastars on stage as he dedicated the win to his recently deceased mother.
The 37-year-old said: ‘Hi, I just want to say thank you to my team and my family, my beautiful wife out there. This is for my mom, she passed on Wednesday. So this is for her.’
The trio were presented the award by Questlove who famously won the Best Documentary Oscar last week shortly after the infamous altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock.
Earning it: They beat out an impressive and large field including: Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits, Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile – A Beautiful Noise, Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license, H.E.R. – Fight For You, Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever, Doja Cat featuring SZA – Kiss Me More, Lil Nas X – Montero, and Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon
During the acceptance speech Bruno said: ‘ I want to thank everybody that helped with us this album. Want to thank Charles, Andy, couldn’t be prouder doing this with you, thank you so much. Thank you guys so much. And you know it is because of you me and Andy will be singing this song forever, so God bless you all’
‘Hi, I just want to say thank you to my team and my family, my beautiful wife out there. This is for my mom, she passed on Wednesday. So this is for her’: Record producer D’Mile led the the two megastars on stage as he dedicated the win to his recently deceased mother
Dishing it out: The trio were presented the award by Questlove who famously won the Best Documentary Oscar last week shortly after the infamous altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock
Chris Stapleton was given the second award of the night in the Best Country Album category for Starting Over.
The 43-year-old crooner earned the honor over Skeletons — Brothers Osborne, Remember Her Name — Mickey Guyton, The Marfa Tapes — Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall & Jack Ingram, and The Ballad Of Dood & Juanita — Sturgill Simpson.
Stapleton said he is the father of five and today is the birthday of his twin children as he explained: ‘I’m thinking a lot about sacrifice cuz I missed out on some of the birthdays. Everybody in this room has made some kind of a sacrifice to be up here doing this.
Meeting of the minds: Chris Stapleton was given the second award of the night in the Best Country Album category for Starting Over as he was presented the award by Anthony Mackie (center) and Kelsea Ballerini
Stapleton said he is the father of five and today is the birthday of his twin children as he explained: ‘I’m thinking a lot about sacrifice cuz I missed out on some of the birthdays. Everybody in this room has made some kind of a sacrifice to be up here doing this’
‘And I don’t know what for everybody but I know that it hurts sometimes. But hopefully we’re all doing it so we make the world a better place and the people that live in it will love each other and have a good time together and come together. So thank you so much for this award. Stay kind. I just want to thank god, my family, Joe, Lydia, my parents, thank you all.’
It was a night of underdog wins as Jazmine Sullivan earned Best R&B Album for Heaux Tales.
The 34-year-old Philadelphia native beat out an impressive field including Temporary Highs In The Violet Skies — Snoh Aalegra, We Are — Jon Batiste, Gold-Diggers Sound — Leon Bridges, and Back Of My Mind — H.E.R.
She seemed in disbelief as she began her speech saying: ‘I don’t know what I heard, I almost didn’t believe it. But I’m so grateful to be up here.’
Feelings: It was a night of underdog wins as Jazmine Sullivan earned Best R&B Album for Heaux Tales
What a moment: The 34-year-old Philadelphia native beat out an impressive field including Temporary Highs In The Violet Skies — Snoh Aalegra, We Are — Jon Batiste, Gold-Diggers Sound — Leon Bridges, and Back Of My Mind — H.E.R
Jazmine donned sunglasses as she recognized fellow nominee H.E.R. for always doing the same as she said: ‘Shout out to H.E.R. For wearing these glasses, you are the goat for that’
Jazmine donned sunglasses as she recognized fellow nominee H.E.R. for always doing the same as she said: ‘Shout out to H.E.R. For wearing these glasses, you are the goat for that.
‘I think that I wrote this project to deal with my own thing and forgiveness from the decisions that I made in my 20s that weren’t favorable. Thank you. And but what it end up being was a safe space for Black women to tell their stories. For us to learn from each other. For us to learn from each other, laugh with each other, and not be exploited at the same time. And that’s what I’m most grateful for, so shout out to all black women who are just living their lives and being beautiful. I love you all.
‘Thank you to everybody who helped me create, to the producers, the additional writers, rca, Sony music, to my management, my mother and father who I love dearly. I can’t wait to see. My friends and family, everybody back in phillie, my fans, my man, everybody. Thank you so much, I appreciate this so much.’
Baby Keem also pulled off an upset as he beat out many of the biggest names in hip-hop as he earned Best Rap Performance for Family Ties featuring Kendrick Lamar.
The 21-year-old Carson, California native earned the honor over: Up — Cardi B, My Life — J. Cole Feat. 21 Savage & Morray, Way 2 Sexy — Drake Feat. Future & Young Thug, and Thot S*** — Megan Thee Stallion.
Represent: Baby Keem pulled off the upset as he beat out many of the biggest names in hip-hop as he earned Best Rap Performance for Family Ties featuring Kendrick Lamar
During his acceptance speech he said: ‘Wow. Nothing can prepare me for this moment tonight. I just want to say thank you to my support system. The city of Las Vegas, my family, the women that raised me. That shaped me to become the man I am today.
‘My team, my incredible team, the women and men that shep shape everything that we got going on behind the scenes. Dave, Kendrick, Nyiah, Ant and many more, I can’t even, just thank you everybody. And it’s a dream.’
Music’s biggest night was kicked off with three incredible performances from Silk Sonic, Olivia Rodrigo, and J Balvin.
Silk Sonic – which is an act consisting of talented musicians Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak – kicked off the show wearing white and gold suits as they did hit 777.
Next came Olivia Rodrigo who hit the stage doing megahit Driver’s License as she won Best Pop Solo Performance for the track earlier in the night.
Music’s biggest night was kicked off with three incredible performances from Silk Sonic (pictured), Olivia Rodrigo, and J Balvin
Smooth: Silk Sonic – which is an act consisting of talented musicians Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak – kicked off the show wearing white and gold suits as they did hit 777
Rising star: Next came Olivia Rodrigo who hit the stage doing megahit Driver’s License
Wonder in white: She donned a white mini dress with fishnet stockings and black leather lace-up boots
Big night: She had already won Best Pop Solo Performance for the track earlier in the night
Opening up: Last was J Balvin who put on an energetic performance of In Da Getto
Just us: He was joined by the stunning Maria Becerra
Simply stunning: Maria donned a black crocodile skin two-piece number
Last was J Balvin who put on an energetic performance of In Da Getto as he was joined by the stunning Maria Becerra.
Just days after his tragic passing, Billie Eilish paid tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
The 20-year-old singer took to the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to perform her hit Happier Than Ever with brother Finneas on Sunday evening.
She hit the stage wearing a black t-shirt featuring an image of Hawkins as she performed her hit song.
Tribute: Just days after his tragic passing, Billie Eilish paid tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins during her performance
Rain: As she performed her hit song on a scaffolding platform, rain fell from the MGM Grand Garden Arena as she finished the song strong
Tribute: While she didn’t mention Hawkins during the performance, she held out her shirt for the audience to see she was honoring the drummer
As she performed her hit song on a scaffolding platform, rain fell from the MGM Grand Garden Arena as she finished the song strong.
While she didn’t mention Hawkins during the performance, she held out her shirt for the audience to see she was honoring the drummer.
The most anticipated performance of the night surely came from worldwide pop sensations BTS as the Kpop act performed their smash hit Butter.
They looked effortlessly chic in black suits as they put on incredible choreography and hit all the notes for the chart-topping single.
Smooth: The most anticipated performance of the night surely came from worldwide pop sensations BTS as the Kpop act performed their smash hit Butter
Strutting their stuff: They looked effortlessly chic in black suits
Epic: They put on incredible choreography and hit all the notes for the chart-topping single
Foo Fighters led the early winners announced ahead of the televised portion of the event as they earned three before the televised portion of the event just a week after the tragic death of their drummer Taylor Hawkins.
The American rock band hailing from Seattle, Washington were not in attendance at the event but did receive Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Performance as they swept the categories for the genre.
Hawkins was found dead aged 50 in a hotel room in the north of Bogota, Colombia where the band were due to play at a festival on Friday, March 25. Colombian police say his death may be drug-related.
Man of the hour: Comedian Trevor Noah is hosted the event, which is being televised and streamed live from the Sin City venue
The three wins on Sunday night bring the band to a whopping 13 Grammy Awards won throughout their 28 year career.
Foo Fighters were honored in the Best Rock Album category for Medicine At Midnight as they won over Power Up – AC/DC, Capitol Cuts – Live From Studio A – Black Pumas, No One Sings Like You Anymore Vol. 1 – Chris Cornell , and McCartney III – Paul McCartney.
They also earned Best Rock Song for Waiting On A War beating out All My Favorite Songs – Weezer, The Bandit – Kings Of Leon, Distance – Mammoth WVH, and Find My Way – Paul McCartney.
Talented: Foo Fighters (seen in September 2007) led the early winners at the Grammy Awards as they earned three before the televised portion of the event just a week after the tragic death of their drummer Taylor Hawkins
Tragedy: Hawkins was found dead aged 50 in a hotel room in the north of Bogota, Colombia where the band were due to play at a festival on Friday, March 25 (Seen February 26 in Tempe, Arizona). Colombian police say his death may be drug-related
Lastly they earned Best Rock Performance for Making A Fire beating out Shot In The Dark – AC/DC, Know You Better (Live From Capitol Studio A) – Black Pumas, Nothing Compares 2 U – Chris Cornell, and Ohms – Deftones.
The band were also originally scheduled to perform at the event but Taylor’s bandmates – Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, Nate Mendel, Rami Jaffee and Chris Schiflett – opted to skip the performance.
Taylor died on March 25 from a reported ‘cardiovascular collapse;’ he was on tour with the band in Colombia.
Legends: The American rock band (seen in October 2021) hailing from Seattle, Washington were not in attendance at the event but did receive Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Performance as they swept the categories for the genre
Forensic experts are said to have discovered it weighed ‘at least 600 grams’, double the average of 300 to 350 grams, during an examination following his shocking death.
Investigators have concluded the 50-year-old ‘suffered cardiovascular collapse’ after binging on a cocktail of drugs, respected Colombian news magazine Semana reported.
The drummer died in a hotel room in the north of Colombia’s capital of Bogota.
A toxicology report carried out revealed traces of 10 different drugs in his urine, including opioids, THC, tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines, according to the Attorney General’s Office of Colombia, who shared the statement on Saturday via Twitter (translated from Spanish).
Shocking: Colombia’s Attorney General’s office (AGO) has already confirmed an initial autopsy carried out on Saturday revealed traces of 10 different drugs in Hawkins’ urine, including opioids which can range from heroin to fentanyl and morphine
Well-known Colombian journalist Luis Carlos Velez, the Bogota-based director of radio station FM, claimed that a police officer who entered Hawkins’ room at the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina had told prosecutors he saw a ‘cocaine-like’ white powder.
However, the AGO did not mention cocaine in its post-autopsy statement.
On Friday night, Taylor began complaining of chest pains prior to the band’s headline performance at the Estereo Picnic Festival in Bogota.
His condition subsequently deteriorated and efforts to revive him by a private doctor and city emergency responders failed, according to the city’s health secretary.
‘The health professional who attended the emergency indicated that they performed the respective resuscitation maneuvers. However, there was no response and the patient was declared deceased,’ the statement from the city’s health secretary read.
Prior to his death, the band was touring South America, performing at Lollapalooza Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday, March 20 – Taylor’s last performance before his passing.
On Friday, the Foo Fighters were supposed to perform at the Festival Estereo Picnic in Bogota, but that was canceled just before the announcement of his death.
Icon: Joni Mitchell was another artist who was recognized before the event as she hit the podium to accept Best Historical Album for Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967)
They were also set to play at Lollapalooza in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Sunday, March 27 but canceled it following his death two days prior.
‘The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever. Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginable difficult time,’ their statement on Friday via Twitter read, confirming his death.
Joni Mitchell was another artist who was recognized before the event as she hit the podium to accept Best Historical Album for Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967).
American musician Jon Batiste was the most nominated artist of the night as he accepted an award early in the Best Music Video category for Freedom.
Just a week after his awkward acceptance speech moment during the Oscars after the Chris Rock/Will Smith altercation Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson accepted the trophy for Best Music Film on behalf of Summer Of Soul.
The 64th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Comedian Trevor Noah hosted the event, which was televised and streamed live from the Sin City venue.
Music’s biggest night recognizes the best recordings, compositions, and artists of the eligibility year, which runs from September 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.
His moment: Just a week after his awkward acceptance speech moment during the Oscars after the Chris Rock/Will Smith altercation Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson accepted the trophy for Best Music Film on behalf of Summer Of Soul
Flying solo: Jack Antonoff accepted the Producer, Non-Classical of the Year
Going green: Jennifer Koh accepted the Best Classical Instrumental Solo Album for Alone Together
Golden: Aubrey Johnson, the niece of Lyle Mays, is seen accepting on his behalf the award for Best Instrumental Composition for Eberhard
Winner: Taylor Eigsti accepted the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album award for Tree Falls
The Grammys were initially set to take place on Jan. 31 in Los Angeles, but got pushed due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
‘Given the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, holding the show on January 31 simply contains too many risks,’ CBS and the Recording Academy said.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, confirmed later in January that it would be moving to Las Vegas.
Represent: Bernie Kirsh accepted on behalf of Chick Corea the award for Best Improvised Zazz Solo for Humpty Dumpty
Honoring a legend: Ricky Riccardi accepted the award for Best Album Note for The Complete Louis Armstrong Columbia And RCA Victor Studio Sessions 1946-1966
Horns up! John Petrucci, of Dream Theater, accepted the Best Metal Performance Award for The Alien
‘We are excited to take the GRAMMYs to Las Vegas for the very first time, and to put on a world-class show,’ he said.
‘From the moment we announced the postponement of the original show date, we have been inundated with heartfelt messages of support and solidarity from the artist community.’
‘We are humbled by their generosity and grateful for their unwavering commitment to the GRAMMY Awards and the Academy’s mission.’
Singing their hearts out: Mon Laferte (left) and Ledisi (right)were two performers who hit the staged before the televised portion of the event