For a moment, the night of music and celebration stopped and the focus turned to the ongoing invasion and suffering of the Ukrainian people. “War – what is the opposite of music?” said Zelensky. “We are defending our freedom. To live. To love. To be heard. In our country, we are fighting Russia that brings horrible silence with its bombs. Dead silence. Fill the silence with your music! Fill it today. To say our story Tell the truth about the war “.
The winners
It was a great night for three artists in particular, who left with the four biggest distinctions of the night. Jon Batiste won the album of the year for “We Are”, Silk Sonic won the album and song of the year for “Leave the Door Open” and Olivia Rodrigo left with the best young artist. The Doja Cat and SZA also scored a memorable victory – both for the Doja Cat’s emotional response and for the untimely break in her bathroom that almost robbed her of the moment. It all worked out, however, for the new winners of the best pop duet / group award.
The performances
The aforementioned appearance by Zelensky created a performance by John Legend, singing “Free”, while wearing a blue suit, a visual salute to the country of Ukraine. He was accompanied on stage by Ukrainian singer Mika Newton, musician Siuzanna Igidan and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk at this moving moment. Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins was honored at the top of a section in In Memoriam, which was a stunning four-person adaptation of “Somewhere” from the musical “West Side Story”. Rachel Ziegler (star of the recent musical remake), Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr. together they gave the most impressive moment of the show vocally. Elsewhere, the BTS took to the stage for a high-energy take on their hit “Butter”. Lil Nas X played “Industry Baby” with Jack Harlow against a giant stone statue of his own face – as one does. Billie Eilish brought the heat – and the rain – during a performance of “Happier Than Ever” that certainly did not make the Grammy mop crew happier than ever (but seemed to please the crowd). (In an extra nice touch, the performances were often introduced by members of behind-the-scenes artist groups – such as tour managers.) This year’s 11-year-old Batiste also showed off his piano skills, among many others, with a live version of “Freedom” that personified joy. HER and Lenny Kravitz – with Travis Barker on drums – also tore down the house with a shocking shot of “Are You Going to Go My Way”. What else can you ask for from the Grammys?
The red carpet
Before the action on the real show, the red carpet turned out to be a flare parade that you can only get from the Grammys. Under normal circumstances, the Grammys would take place in January or February, several weeks before the Oscars, the usual finale of the awards season. (Actually, there has not been a Grammy in April since 1965.) But there was something quite appropriate about ending the season with the liveliest red carpet of the season. Lil Nas X has shown that pearls are the manufacturer’s best friend. Justin Bieber wore a suit made for two. J Balvin wore his heart on his head. And BTS ‘Kim Taehyung, who plays V, wore all the paper flowers to his lapel dance and made it look great. Indeed, the men undoubtedly stole the fashion show this year, but the ladies represented dynamically in the fashion department. See: Doja Cat’s hair and Laverne Cox’s thin eyebrows. The biggest trend of the night, however, was another promise Noah made at the top of the show – a reference to the most intense moment of that show: Everyone kept the names of others out of their mouths. And we were all better for that.
