The 68th Grammy Awards unfolded final night time at Crypto.com Enviornment in Los Angeles, showcasing star-studded moments, Unhealthy Bunny’s exceptional success, and quite a few political declarations from winners that infused the night with emotion. This vibrant ceremony contrasted sharply with the subdued Golden Globes held the earlier month.
Kendrick Lamar’s Historic Rap Dominance
Kendrick Lamar claimed the primary award of the night time, securing greatest rap album for GNX and changing into essentially the most awarded rapper in Grammy historical past. He later added file of the 12 months for Luther, that includes SZA. Cher introduced the award in a unusual vogue, initially strolling off stage, pausing awkwardly, and mistakenly asserting the fallacious winner earlier than correcting herself. Lamar stored his acceptance speeches impartial, steering away from direct political commentary.
SZA adopted, urging the viewers, “Please do not fall into despair, I do know that proper now could be a scary time. We’re not ruled by the federal government, we’re ruled by God.”
Political Themes Permeate the Evening
Host Trevor Noah, in his sixth and closing stint, set a politically charged tone. He jabbed at absent rapper Nicki Minaj, noting her current declare because the U.S. president’s prime fan: “She remains to be on the White Home with Donald Trump discussing crucial points.” Noah additionally in contrast the track of the 12 months award to the president, quipping, “Wow, that could be a Grammy that each artist desires, nearly as a lot as Trump desires Greenland. Which is smart as a result of Epstein’s island is gone. He wants a brand new one to hang around with Invoice Clinton.”
Following the occasion, the president posted on social media that he would “sue this poor, pathetic, talentless dope of an M.C.”
Olivia Dean, successful greatest new artist, highlighted her immigrant heritage: “I am up right here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I am a product of bravery and I feel these individuals should be celebrated.”
Jelly Roll, taking up to date nation album for Superbly Damaged, declared, “Jesus isn’t owned by one political get together.” A number of artists, together with Carole King, Jason Isbell, Margo Worth, Kehlani, Rhiannon Giddens, Finneas, and Billie Eilish, wore anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement pins. Eilish, accepting track of the 12 months for Wildflower, acknowledged, “Nobody is against the law on stolen land. F–ck ICE.”
Unhealthy Bunny, incomes música urbana album for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos—his second of three wins—delivered a pointed message: “Earlier than I say because of God, I’m going to say ICE out. We’re not savage, we aren’t animals, we aren’t aliens, we’re people, and we’re People.”
These statements marked a departure from the apolitical Golden Globes in January, which preceded high-profile incidents just like the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos by ICE brokers, the taking pictures of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti by federal brokers, and the arrest of journalist Don Lemon.
Standout Performances and Different Winners
The over-three-hour present featured predictable wins alongside fascinating performances and light-hearted jabs. Noah referenced the continued rap feud between Lamar and Drake, congratulating Lamar on his 9 nominations however including, “I really thought of writing a couple of jokes roasting you, however then I remembered what you are able to do to light-skinned dudes from different nations.”
Girl Gaga received greatest pop album for Mayhem, her second trophy after greatest dance pop recording for Abracadabra. Canadian producers Cirkut earned producer of the 12 months, whereas Justin Grey took greatest immersive audio album.
Performances highlighted the night: Justin Bieber, regardless of no wins in his 4 nominations, delivered a uncooked rendition of Yukon in boxers. A supergroup of Submit Malone, Purple Scorching Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Andrew Watt, Slash, and Duff McKagan honored Black Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne. Bruno Mars and Rosé opened with APT, and Lauryn Hill led an R&B tribute to Roberta Flack and D’Angelo. Lola Younger shocked with greatest pop solo efficiency over Justin Bieber, Girl Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan.
Unhealthy Bunny’s Emotional Album of the Yr Victory
The night time culminated with Unhealthy Bunny’s tearful acceptance of album of the 12 months for his all-Spanish launch—the primary of its type to win the distinction. He devoted it to dreamers overseas: “I need to dedicate this award to all of the folks that needed to go away their homeland, their nation, to comply with their desires.” As music swelled, the ceremony concluded on a poignant word.
