Back-to Back: Nonstop Hits from the Grammys
The Grammys reach full potential to appreciate the artists who made the music happen.
The Grammy Awards have been one of the most popular award shows in history. Every year since May 4, 1959, they feature newer artists, popular songs, and award the most critically acclaimed artists and albums. With music being a very influential part of society as of late, many people tune in from home to watch their favorite artists receive the award.
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Many artists have risen to fame through the process of awards shows, especially when it comes to the Grammys. They give old and new artists more exposure and recognition. Many different demographics of fans who hear about or watch the awards love seeing the artists they know.
Although the awards feature a lot of artists they love, many people also wish they saw the artists at the award show that they admire but aren’t as popular in the music industry.
“It’s nothing crazy,” sophomore Haendel Gaboyau said. “I just wish there were more artists that I listen to on the nominations list, like NBA Youngboy and Plaqueboymax.”
Other people, such as psychology teacher Hadiya Crocker, think that some artists are just nominated this year because they have more popular names than others.
“Some aren’t relevant to being memorable, and don’t pay attention to the quality of work,” Crocker said.
During this year's live stream of the Grammys, a variety of artists were lined up for performances, from girl group KATSEYE to more well-known artists like Tyler, the Creator. A lot of the performances had an impact on the crowd and audiences, especially Tyler’s. It was something new that people hadn’t seen, leaving people intrigued and interested in seeing more from Tyler.
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“Tyler, the Creator closed the show with a literal bang: he mimicked a dynamite explosion and flung himself to the Grammys floor, panting and covered in smoke after giving his latest Grammys performance his all,” assistant editor Maya Georgi said in an article for Rolling Stone.
With the impactful performances, important awards were also given out on Sunday, February 1, at this year’s Grammys. Artists such as Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and more won notable awards. For instance, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny won Album of the Year for his album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”, the first time in history that a Spanish-language album won the coveted award. Not only did he win big at the awards show, but rapper Kendrick Lamar also won a total of 5 Grammy awards, putting him at a total of 27 career wins. This makes him the most Grammy-winning rapper in history, surpassing a record previously held by Jay-Z.
“I wanted these artists to win because I listen to their music genres the most, especially Kendrick’s,” Gaboyau said.
Crocker also agreed that Kendrick did a good job and was deserving of an award.
“Out of the list of people, he stood out the most,” Crocker said. “He’s very impactful, and his album was a hit.”
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Along with the awards, the Recording Academy also paid tribute to artists who have passed away. Lauryn Hill led a group of star-studded artists honoring the late Roberta Flack and D’Angelo. Reba McEntire also performed at the Grammys for the first time, honoring other late artists and music producers. And Post Malone and Slash of Guns N’ Roses paid tribute to late English singer/songwriter Ozzy Osbourne.
“After it ended, Kelly was seen wiping away tears as the family soaked in the scene,” senior writer Chris Gardener stated in an article for the Hollywood Reporter. “Shaboozey left his seat to quickly dart over to Kelly and offer condolences and a hug.”
A lot of these artists leave an influence on the audience, especially when mentioning their fans by honoring them for their support. The artists always pour out their hearts, thanking their fans for sticking with them for the ride, and improvement will always be recognized by their supporters. Although it can take a mental toll, many artists do it from the bottom of their hearts for their fans.
After winning a Grammy for her song “Messy”, Lola Young agreed that it’s a lot to handle and how it feels in the real world. “I’m very proud of this song,” Young said. “I feel it speaks on just like being a messy human being and not being enough, you know, for the world. And that’s how a lot of us feel all the time.”