Music’s biggest night, the Grammy Awards, has been and gone for this year — filmed Sunday, April 3 in Los Angeles and airing in Australia on Monday, April 4 — and, as usual, it was filled with drama. In a good way, of course.
From the performances that got everyone out of their seats and one that got the performers in their seats (looking at you, BTS), here are our favourite highlights from the 64th annual Grammys.
Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa Recreated an Iconic 90s Moment
While presenting the Grammy for best new artist, Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa poked fun at a moment between Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey from the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. Both artists walked on in matching outfits by Donatella Versace and pretended to be upset that Versace had dressed them the same. Versace herself rushed on stage and took off the top skirt for both women, which was exactly what Carey and Houston did.
Jon Batiste Won 5 Grammys
The most nominated artist of the evening, Jon Batiste was up for 11 Grammys. He took home five awards, including album of the year, and got everyone out of their seats, dancing, when he performed his hit tune “Freedom”.
Lady Gaga Gave an Emotional Performance
Lady Gaga turned up the glam in a strapless gown with a big bow, performing “Love for Sale” and “Do I Love You” from her album “Love for Sale” with long-time collaborator Tony Bennett.
BTS’s Jin Performed Sitting Down
It was one memorable moment after the next when BTS lit up the Grammys stage with their performance of “Butter”. Jungkook came down from the ceiling. V whispered sweet nothings into Olivia Rodrigo’s ear and J-Hope nearly wiped-out mid-song. But all the while, Jin stayed chair-bound, singing from his seat, due to surgery on his hand on March 18, which meant he couldn’t dance like usual, lest he further damages.
Plenty of Jokes About Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock
If you thought you were done hearing about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Academy Awards, think again. The incident was mentioned not once but twice at the Grammys. In his opening speech, Grammys’ host Trevor Noah vowed to “keep people’s names out of our mouth”, hinting at Rock joking about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett.
And then later in the show, Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Khalib Thompson, who won both an Oscar and a Grammy for his documentary Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), also joked about the slap as he presented the award for song of the year. “As they say it is far better to give than to receive. Well, I’m not so sure about that, because last Sunday it felt pretty good to receive.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky Addresses the Grammys
In a pre-recorded video, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky gave an emotional plea for support in his country’s war against Russia. “What is more opposite to music?” he said. “The silence of ruined cities and killed people.”
“Our musicians wear body armour instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals. Even to those who can’t hear them. Support us in any way you can. Any, but not silence.” You can read Zelensky’s full Grammys’ speech here.
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