For football fans, February 12 marks the Super Bowl. For music fans, February 5 marked their version of the Super Bowl: the 65th annual Grammy Awards. It’s a day where everyone comes together to celebrate their favorite artists…and brutally criticize the Recording Academy’s decisions.
For three and a half arduous hours, the Grammy’s held viewers captive…delaying the Big Four categories until the very end with Trevor Noah monologues, performances by Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, Harry Styles, and an ode to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. But, at the end of the day, history was still made.
Lizzo
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Beyoncé, who arrived late after being stuck in traffic, became the most decorated artist in Grammy history, earning her 32nd Grammy award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording. Fans of Beyoncé, however, were outraged when she lost Album of the Year to Harry Styles. This makes it the fourth year where she was nominated for AOTY and lost.
But that’s not all…Kim Petras became the first transgender woman to win a Grammy in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for her song “Unholy” with Sam Smith. The catchy song dominated the Billboard Hot 100, which they also performed in Satanic-chic clothing.
Kim Petras & Sam Smith
David Fisher/Shutterstock
One of the most wholesome moments was Adele accomplishing her lifelong dream. It wasn’t to win another Grammy…but to meet The Rock. After Trevor Noah revealed this fact earlier in the show, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took the stage to present his new best friend, Adele, with the Best Pop Solo Performance award.
Adele and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
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Ticketmaster’s worst nightmare and our queen, Taylor Swift, won Best Music Video for “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version) (10 Minute Version).” Not only that, but she stood and cheered for every act and winner. Drinking wine and just vibing at the Grammys? My exact vibe.
Lizzo is the first Black woman to win Record of the Year for “About Damn Time” since Whitney Houston for “I Will Always Love You.” She looked equally ecstatic for friend Harry Styles, who won the first and last awards of the night: Best Pop Vocal Album and Album Of The Year, for his album Harry’s House.
Beyoncé is now the most decorated artist in the award show’s history after taking home four awards on Sunday. She won best dance recording for Break My Soul, traditional R&B performance for Plastic Off the Sofa and R&B song for Cuff It — all songs off her hit album Renaissance, which was recognized as best dance/electronic album.
Beyoncé has won 32 Grammys, officially toppling the previous record of 31 awards held by the late Hungarian-British conductor Georg Solti.
“I’m trying not to be too emotional,” the superstar said as her husband Jay-Z stood and applauded her. The singer thanked her late uncle, her parents, Jay-Z and her children for supporting her. “I’m just trying to receive this night. I want to thank God for protecting me. Thank you, God.”
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The Queen Bee led artists this year with nine nominations, eight for her album Renaissance. With these nominations, Beyoncé tied with her husband for the most nominations received by any one artist — a whopping 88 nods.
(L-R) Adele, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Rich Paul attend the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Kendrick Lamar was the second-most nominated artist of the night with eight nods. He took home three awards, winning best rap album for Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, and best rap song and best rap performance for The Heart Part 5.
Lizzo brought home Record of the Year for About Damn Time, an upbeat hit that spawned a viral dance trend on TikTok. In her acceptance speech, Lizzo acknowledged Beyoncé’s record-breaking night and spoke about how the performer inspired her to pursue music at a young age.
Lizzo performs a medley at the 65th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, in Los Angeles.
AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Bad Bunny opened the Grammy Awards with a festive, high-energy performance that brought many of the audience to their feet, including Taylor Swift who danced near her table.
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Harry Styles won the main ceremony’s first award for best pop vocal album for Harry’s House which included his fun-filled, massive hit As It Was — which he later performed live in a silver fringed body suit. The British pop star also captured the coveted Album of the Year award.
Harry Styles performs onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
JC Olivera/WireImage
Sam Smith and collaborator Kim Petras took home the award for best pop duo performance for their smash hit Unholy.
“I’m the first transgender woman to win this award,” Petras said in her acceptance speech. “I want to thank all the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked these doors open for me so I could be here tonight.”
During the in memoriam segment, the Grammys recognized the lives of Loretta Lynn, Migos rapper Takeoff and Christine McVie with several star-studded performers paying them homage. Kacey Musgraves sang Coal Miner’s Daughter in tribute to Lynn; Quavo hit the stage to honour his slain nephew and bandmate with the song Without You; and Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood and Bonnie Raitt performed Songbird to remember McVie.
Drake decided to withhold his solo album Honestly, Nevermind from Grammy contention this year. He has boycotted the award show since 2020, alongside fellow Canadian artist The Weeknd, calling the accolade insignificant and disconnected from the landscape of popular music.
Find below a complete list of all the nominees in the major categories. Final winners will be bolded as the ceremony goes on.
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Album of the Year
Voyage, ABBA 30, Adele Un Verano Sin Ti, Bad Bunny Renaissance, Beyoncé In These Silent Days, Brandi Carlile Music of the Spheres, Coldplay ** WINNER: Harry’s House, Harry Styles Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar Special, Lizzo Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe), Mary J. Blige
Don’t Shut Me Down, ABBA Easy on Me, Adele Break My Soul, Beyoncé You and Me on the Rock, Brandi Carlile Featuring Lucius Woman, Doja Cat As It Was, Harry Styles The Heart Part 5, Kendrick Lamar ** WINNER: About Damn Time, Lizzo Good Morning Gorgeous, Mary J. Blige Bad Habit, Steve Lacy
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Song of the Year
Easy on Me, Adele Break My Soul, Beyoncé ** WINNER: Just Like That, Bonnie Raitt God Did, DJ Khaled Featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend and Fridayy ABCDEFU, Gayle As It Was, Harry Styles The Heart Part 5, Kendrick Lamar About Damn Time, Lizzo Bad Habit, Steve Lacy All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (The Short Film), Taylor Swift
Best New Artist
Anitta Domi & JD Beck Latto Måneskin Molly Tuttle Muni Long Omar Apollo ** WINNER: Samara Joy Tobe Nwigwe Wet Leg
Best Music Video
Easy on Me, Adele Yet to Come, BTS Woman, Doja Cat As It Was, Harry Styles The Heart Part 5, Kendrick Lamar ** WINNER: All Too Well: The Short Film, Taylor Swift
Best Pop Vocal Album
Voyage, ABBA 30, Adele. Music of the Spheres, Coldplay Special, Lizzo ** WINNER: Harry’s House, Harry Styles
Best Pop Solo Performance
** WINNER: Easy on Me, Adele Moscow Mule, Bad Bunny Woman, Doja Cat Bad Habit, Steve Lacy About Damn Time, Lizzo As It Was, Harry Styles
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Don’t Shut Me Down, ABBA Bam Bam, Camila Cabello featuring Ed Sheeran My Universe, Coldplay & BTS I Like You (A Happier Song), Post Malone & Doja Cat ** WINNER: Unholy, Sam Smith & Kim Petras
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Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Thank You, Diana Ross When Christmas Comes Around..., Kelly Clarkson ** WINNER: Higher, Michael Bublé I Dream of Christmas (Extended), Norah Jones Evergreen, Pentatonix
Best Rap Performance
God Did, DJ Khaled Featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend and Fridayy Vegas, Doja Cat Pushin P, Gunna and Future Featuring Young Thug F.N.F. (Let’s Go), Hitkidd & Glorilla ** WINNER: The Heart Part 5, Kendrick Lamar
Best Melodic Rap Performance
Beautiful, DJ Khaled Featuring Future and SZA ** WINNER: Wait for U, Future Featuring Drake and Tems First Class, Jack Harlow Die Hard, Kendrick Lamar Featuring Blxst and Amanda Reifer Big Energy (Live), Latto
Best Rap Song
God Did, DJ Khaled Featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend and Fridayy Wait for U, Future Featuring Drake and Tems Pushin P, Gunna and Future Featuring Young Thug Churchill Downs, Jack Harlow Featuring Drake ** WINNER: The Heart Part 5, Kendrick Lamar
Best Rap Album
God Did, DJ Khaled I Never Liked You, Future Come Home the Kids Miss You, Jack Harlow ** WINNER: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar It’s Almost Dry, Pusha T
Best R&B Performance
Virgo’s Groove, Beyoncé Hurt Me So Good, Jazmine Sullivan Over, Lucky Daye Here With Me, Mary J. Blige Featuring Anderson .Paak ** WINNER: Hrs & Hrs, Muni Long
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Best Traditional R&B Performance
’Round Midnight, Adam Blackstone Featuring Jazmine Sullivan Keeps on Fallin’, Babyface Featuring Ella Mai ** WINNER: Plastic Off the Sofa, Beyoncé Good Morning Gorgeous, Mary J. Blige Do 4 Love, Snoh Aalegra
Best R&B Song
** WINNER: Cuff It, Beyoncé Hurt Me So Good, Jazmine Sullivan Good Morning Gorgeous, Mary J. Blige Hrs & Hrs, Muni Long Please Don’t Walk Away, PJ Morton
Best R&B Album
Breezy (Deluxe), Chris Brown Candy Drip, Lucky Daye Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe), Mary J. Blige Watch the Sun, PJ Morton ** WINNER: Black Radio III, Robert Glasper
Best Dance Recording
** WINNER: Break My Soul, Beyoncé Rosewood, Bonobo I’m Good (Blue), David Guetta and Bebe Rexha Don’t Forget My Love, Diplo and Miguel Intimidated, Kaytranada Featuring H.E.R. On My Knees, Rüfüs Du Sol
Best Dance/Electronic Album
** WINNER: Renaissance, Beyoncé Fragments, Bonobo Diplo, Diplo The Last Goodbye, Odesza Surrender, Rüfüs Du Sol
Best Rock Album
Dropout Boogie, The Black Keys The Boy Named If, Elvis Costello & The Imposters Crawler, Idles Mainstream Sellout, Machine Gun Kelly ** WINNER: Patient Number 9, Ozzy Osbourne Lucifer on the Sofa, Spoon
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Best Rock Song
** WINNER: Broken Horses, Brandi Carlile Patient Number 9, Ozzy Osbourne Featuring Jeff Beck Black Summer, Red Hot Chili Peppers Blackout, Turnstile Harmonia’s Dream, The War on Drugs
Best Rock Performance
Old Man, Beck Wild Child, The Black Keys ** WINNER: Broken Horses, Brandi Carlile So Happy It Hurts, Bryan Adams Crawl!, Idles Patient Number 9, Ozzy Osbourne Featuring Jeff Beck Holiday, Turnstile
Best Metal Performance
Call Me Little Sunshine, Ghost We’ll Be Back, Megadeth Kill or Be Killed, Muse ** WINNER: Degradation Rules, Ozzy Osbourne Featuring Tony Iommi Blackout, Turnstile
Best Alternative Music Album
WE, Arcade Fire Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, Big Thief Fossora, Björk ** WINNER: Wet Leg, Wet Leg Cool It Down, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Best Country Album
Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, Ashley McBryde Growin’ Up, Luke Combs Humble Quest, Maren Morris Palomino, Miranda Lambert ** WINNER: A Beautiful Time, Willie Nelson
Best Country Solo Performance
Heartfirst, Kelsea Ballerini Circles Around This Town, Maren Morris In His Arms, Miranda Lambert ** WINNER: Live Forever, Willie Nelson Something in the Orange, Zach Bryan
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Midnight Rider’s Prayer, Brothers Osborne ** WINNER: Never Wanted to Be That Girl, Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde Wishful Drinking, Ingrid Andress & Sam Hunt Outrunnin’ Your Memory, Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert Does He Love You (Revisited), Reba McEntire & Dolly Parton Going Where the Lonely Go, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
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Best Country Song
** WINNER: ’Til You Can’t, Cody Johnson Doin’ This, Luke Combs Circles Around This Town, Maren Morris If I Was a Cowboy, Miranda Lambert I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault), Taylor Swift I’ll Love You Till the Day I Die, Willie Nelson
Best Latin Pop Album
De Adentro Pa Afuera, Camilo Aguilera, Christina Aguilera Viajante, Fonseca ** WINNER: Pasieros, Rubén Blades and Boca Livre Dharma +, Sebastián Yatra
Best Comedy Album
** WINNER: The Closer, Dave Chappelle Comedy Monster, Jim Gaffigan Sorry, Louis C.K. We All Scream, Patton Oswalt A Little Brains, a Little Talent, Randy Rainbow
Best Musical Theatre Album
A Strange Loop, Original Broadway Cast Caroline, or Change, New Broadway Cast ** WINNER: Into the Woods (2022 Broadway Cast Recording), ‘Into the Woods’ 2022 Broadway Cast MJ the Musical, Original Broadway Cast Mr. Saturday Night, ‘Mr. Saturday Night’ Original Cast Six: Live on Opening Night, Original Broadway Cast
Best Songwriter, Non-Classical
Amy Allen Laura Veltz Nija Charles The-Dream ** WINNER: Tobias Jesso Jr.
— with files from The Associated Press
This Is BC: Musician Alex Cuba wins big at 2022 Grammy Awards
Noah previously led the Grammys through its socially distanced ceremony during the COVID pandemic in 2021, along with 2022’s gala.
Nominations for the Grammys were announced last month, with artists like Adele, Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Doja Cat, Lizzo, Coldplay and more competing in top categories.
In September, Noah announced that he would be stepping down from his role as host of “The Daily Show” after seven years. His final episode aired Dec. 8, with Comedy Central planning weekly guest hosts to take over.
The 2023 Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.
