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Tag: 2024 Grammys

  • 2024 Grammy Awards Recap

    2024 Grammy Awards Recap

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    The 66th annual Grammy Awards were last night at the Crypto.com Arena in the not-so-sunny Los Angeles, California. As storms raged outside the arena, I tuned in for close to five hours of red carpet coverage and the sparkling ceremony to watch music’s biggest night and make my own judgments.

    At some points agonizing, the Grammys truly take their time. Packing performance after performance, people going well over their speech time, and leaving the main awards for the very end can feel never-ending. However, this year’s Grammy Awards had everything: Taylor Swift announcing a brand new album, Tortured Poet’s Department, Miley Cyrus getting her first two Grammy’s and delivering iconic speeches and performances, nods to Barbie, a visit from Celine Dion and a few controversial decisions.

    I mean, even Jay-Z took a shot at the Recording Academy for not giving Beyonce any Album of the Year awards despite having the most nominations. Taylor Swift brought Lana Del Rey on stage while accepting Album of the Year for Midnights to recognize how many artists’ sounds Del Rey’s influenced despite never having won a nomination. The Academy gets it wrong, and often.

    Who Won At The 2024 Grammys?

    Here are some winners from a few of the main categories, including the top four awards…And may I add that some of my predictions were spot on?

    Record of the Year: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

    Album of the Year: Midnights by Taylor Swift

    Song of the Year: “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS

    Best New Artist: Victoria Monet

    Producer of the Year: Jack Antonoff

    Best Pop Solo Performance: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

    Best Pop Duo Performance: “Ghost in the Machine” by SZA and Phoebe Bridgers

    Best Pop Vocal Album: Midnights by Taylor Swift

    Best Pop Dance Recording: “Padam Padam” by Kylie Minogue

    Best Rock Performance: “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius

    Best Country Album: Bell Bottom Country by Lainey Wilson

    Best R&B Song: “Snooze” by SZA

    Who Should’ve Won At The 2024 Grammys?

    The Grammy Awards are decided by the Academy- a group of voters within the music industry who I sometimes think forget to listen to the music of the nominees. It’s why Jay-Z spoke up while receiving the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, it is quite shocking that Beyonce has never won Album of the Year.

    While everyone at the Grammy’s deserves their awards, multiple artists got onstage to say this is not what they make music for. Artists like Miley Cyrus said she felt this happy yesterday because she’s doing it for herself. Taylor Swift thanks her fans, and says she’s happiest when making songs and doing what she loves…but sometimes, the awards gods are fickle.

    Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” went home empty-handed, which was another surprise. While GUTS may not be my favorite work of Rodrigo’s, “Vampire” was a chart-topping, viral song that I truly thought would win something. SZA’s SOS album was on top of the Billboard Hot 100 every week but failed to receive a mention in the top categories like Album of the Year.

    Lana Del Rey, who’s been nominated upwards of 10 times and wrote one of the best albums in the culmination of her already iconic discography with Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard? Received zero awards throughout the night. In a controversial move, Taylor Swift brought her up on stage so the world can recognize all Lana’s done.

    In the Best New Artist category, Ice Spice and Noah Kahan were betting favorites to win…but ultimately, it went to Victoria Monét.

    The Best Performances From The Grammys

    Miley Cyrus

    @mileycyrus♬ original sound – Miley Cyrus

    It’s been years since Cyrus has graced any sort of stage, and she didn’t disappoint. Every bit as honest, exciting, and a true rockstar as she’s ever been, Miley Cyrus is one-of-a-kind. From chiding the audience for not singing along to celebrating her first Grammy win during her performance of “Flowers”, you could tell that Miley just wanted to have fun.

    She even shared she was doing this performance so she could watch clips of it later…and also admitted to foregoing underwear. It was fun, carefree, and exactly how these award shows should be.

    Joni Mitchell

    You may wonder how someone with as illustrious a career as Joni Mitchell has never performed at the Grammy’s. Singing a song she wrote at 21 years old, over half a century later, “Both Sides Now” was both moving and refreshing. She’s won nine Grammy’s herself, nominated 18 times, and has inspired the sounds of our favorite artists.

    She took folk music and made it her own, and after having to re-learn how to talk (and sing) from a brain aneurysm, no one is more well-respected in the industry than Mitchell.

    Luke Combs + Tracy Chapman

    Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” dominated the charts this year. One of the most highly covered songs in the world, and Luke Combs put his country spin on it to create a beautiful, acoustic version. It feels almost entirely his own, but his performance with OG Tracy Chapman shows that music is, indeed, art.

    The song itself is a timeless classic, with Luke Combs being one of the most talented country vocalists in the game right now and Tracy Chapman reminding us the deep roots of the song.

    Other Notable Grammy Moments

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    Jai Phillips

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  • Taylor Swift Wins Her 4th Album Of The Year, But The Grammys Belonged To Tracy Chapman And Joni Mitchell

    Taylor Swift Wins Her 4th Album Of The Year, But The Grammys Belonged To Tracy Chapman And Joni Mitchell

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    Taylor Swift set a record by winning her fourth Album Of The Year Grammy, and there were special moments from Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell, and Billy Joel.

    Joni Mitchell Had The Night’s Most Stirring Performance

    Can you believe that Joni Mitchell had never performed at the Grammy before 2024?
    It is true, and Mitchell delivered a stirring rendition of her classic Both Sides Now with Brandi Carlile:

    Tracy Chapman Gets A Standing Ovation

    Luke Combs has made his sincere love of Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car well known. His affection and sincerity toward the song are why his cover version works. The roof popped off of the arena though when the audience realized that Tracy Chapman was on stage.

    Video:

    Combs seemed to be having the time of his life performing with Chapman, and the best part was that was mouthing the words along with her as she sang,

    Chapman got a huge standing ovation at the end of the song.

    Billy Joel Returns With A New Song

    The Grammys felt like being transported back in time when Billy Joel was shown on stage playing his first new song in thirty years, Turn The Lights Back On.

    Here is a clip of Joel’s performance:

    Jay-Z Rips The Grammys A New One

    Jay-Z ripped the Grammy’s and defended Beyonce in a really cool way for the fact that she has won the most Grammy’s of anyone in history, but has never won Album Of The Year, which makes zero sense:

    In the year of the Swift, Taylor Swift winning Album Of The Year felt like a foregone conclusion. Swift didn’t take the stage and endorse Joe Biden. According to the right wing, she’s saving that for after the Chiefs win the Super Bowl next Sunday.

    The Grammys are usually one of the more enjoyable awards shows, and 2024 didn’t disappoint.

    A Special Message From PoliticusUSA

    If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. 

    We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value.



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    Jason Easley

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  • Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

    Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

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    I’m literally giddy to announce that it’s almost time to slam your laptops shut and celebrate the weekend. It feels like there has been zero sunshine and the summer couldn’t be further away…but Punxsutawney Phil declared we will have an early spring, so maybe that’s why I’m feeling a new sense of revival. The one guarantee? I have a Weekend Playlist filled with new music released today.

    Yes, it’s been a few weeks and I can tell we are all desperate for a good playlist…one that scratches all the itches. And with UMG taking their music off TikTok, I’m already missing listening to clips of Taylor Swift songs and Harry Styles’ greatest hits. And with the 2024 GRAMMY’s happening on Sunday, I’m playing all the music I can in anticipation of music’s biggest night.

    So, if you’re tired of work and are ready to blare some tunes to get you ready for the weekend, get your Spotify up…and let’s get listening!

    ROSIE – “Lose Me Too” 

    In honor of her 24th birthday, ROSIE releases her new single, “Lose Me Too,” a breakup anthem about the struggle of trying not to lose yourself when you lose someone you love. It sums up the challenges you go through with your own identity during a breakup, where ROSIE’s melancholic pop track shines. The light beat perfectly juxtaposes the sad truth of the lyrics, which is just another reason ROSIE deserves to shine this year. She says,

    “‘Lose Me Too’ is about someone leaving me, but not letting them take all of my favorite things with them when they do! There are certain songs, places and memories that will always remind me of the person I lost and part of me finds that terrifying. This record is about reminding myself that all of my favorite things still belong to me, and in that way, I am reclaiming my power. ‘Lose Me Too’ is the start of a new era, where I face, confront, and ultimately overcome my biggest fears.”

    “Dreaming” – Tones And I 

    Tones And I has this unique, scratchy sound that wiggles into your brain and stays there for days. It’s the reason her song “Dance Monkey” went so insanely viral, she knows how to sing a bluesy pop hit that feels both retro and new all at the same time. With “Dreaming” you get that same playful energy, with a country/folk/stomp-and-holler sound that works just right.

    “Dreaming” is about a partner who may not be all you thought they were. It has you begging the question: is this real or am I just dreaming?

    “The Feminine Urge” – The Last Dinner Party

    The Last Dinner Party encapsulates this Kate Bush, synth-y 80’s sound that is both haunting and catchy all in one. With “The Feminine Urge”, their surf-rock-esque indie sound exhibits their vocal range, and encapsulates female rage all in one. In a feminist tune, The Last Dinner Party asks the pressing questions: “Do you feel like a man when you can’t talk back/Do you want me or do you want control?”

    Playing with the idea of what it means to “breathe like a girl” and referencing ballerinas crushing under the weight of it all, The Last Dinner Party’s jeering lyrics sum up the feminine urge women feel to fix everyone and everything. It’s apart of their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, a must-listen this year.

    “Turn The Lights Back On” – Billy Joel

    Billy Joel still has it, which we already knew considering he’s still touring all these years later. “Turn the Lights Back On” is a beautiful, loving ballad that hones in on his strengths: his voice, the piano, and his songwriting. You don’t need much more than that when you’re Billy Joel.

    “Turn The Lights Back On” reminds us to be thankful for the great artists like Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks, and The Rolling Stones, who are still making music. Just sticking to what they know, no need to impress anyone anymore.

    “Hunned Racks” – THE WHALES


    The animated music group composed of TK and Leven Kali have released “Hunned Racks”, a funky rap-infused jam with catchy beats and sweet, smooth vocals. It’s a conglomeration of refined sound: G-funk, raps by MadeinTYO, and a hook from the always amazing Tkay Maidza.

    What I love about THE WHALES is that you can hear how much fun they have going into every song. “Hunned Racks” is an easy choice for this playlist because it reminds you just to let go, and that’s what the weekend is all about.

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    Jai Phillips

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  • Too Early 2024 Grammy Predictions

    Too Early 2024 Grammy Predictions

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    The end of the year calls for reflection — hence our 2023 Popdust Music Awards, celebrating all of the great music we heard last year. And now, the beginning of the year indicates a time of anticipation. For that, we have our
    2024 Artists to Watch, which also means that Awards Season is right around the corner.

    Starting with the Golden Globes on January 7, we are about to experience countless red carpet shots, couples debuts (
    still waiting for you, Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan), and teary-eyed acceptance speeches.

    While there are the BAFTAs, the Emmys, the Oscars, and the SAG Awards, my speciality is music. And there is no bigger mecca for musicians than
    the GRAMMY Awards. Held on February 4, 2024, and hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the GRAMMYs are music’s biggest night.

    Awards Season brings out everyone’s inner critic. Suddenly, we think we know more than the Recording Academy. Every year, there are viral moments and scandalous decisions. The Recording Academy ultimately outrages the general public in some way or another — and inevitably, fandoms will take to apps like X to become the next Joan Rivers.

    It’s a delicious time of year when your favorite celebrities are forced out of hiding and into the spotlight, and we can’t wait. To get everyone in the spirit of judgment, here are
    some way-too-early GRAMMY predictions for the year!

    Record Of The Year: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

    Any Kid Harpoon song is a classic, and Cyrus’ return from a brief hiatus from music was met with high marks. It was Spotify’s most streamed song in a week ever, spent time at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100, and was the fastest song in Spotify history to reach 1 billion streams.

    Album Of The Year: Midnights by Taylor Swift

    She’s won this coveted award three times already, and it’s impossible to discredit the year of Taylor Swift. She is on track for the highest-grossing tour of all time with the Eras Tour, Midnights is Apple Music’s biggest pop album of all time in terms of first-day streaming, and the album is the reason she was all 10 of Billboard’s Top 10 Songs (the first time all women have dominated the charts ever). Give Swift her flowers.

    Song Of The Year: “A&W” by Lana Del Rey

    Another Jack Antonoff production, Lana Del Rey’s album is a spiritual awakening. With an essence of transcendentalism and a hint of gospel, it’s Lana to her core. “A&W” is hailed Song of the Year by many already, and it’s time we recognize her for the artist she is, was, and always will be.

    Best New Artist: Ice Spice


    I haven’t seen many people rise to the top as quickly as Ice Spice, nor have I seen someone garner such a passionate fanbase. The rapper has hits like “Deli” and collabs with rap queen Nicki Minaj on “Barbie World” and Taylor Swift on “Karma”, not to mention her Munchkin drink at Dunkin Donuts.

    Producer Of The Year (Non-Classical): Jack Antonoff

    Not only is Antonoff the mastermind behind many Taylor Swift albums, including Midnights, but he has Lana Del Rey’s multi-nominated album, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard?,” under his belt. He can’t miss, and for that, he wins.

    Best Pop Solo Performance: “What Was I Made For? [From The Major Motion Picture Barbie]”

    This song is stunning, productionally perfect, and sonically flawless. Billie and Finneas continue to grow as an unstoppable singer-songwriter duo who can make any song fit any moment.

    Best Pop Vocal Album: GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo

    Olivia Rodrigo wanted to have fun with her sophomore album following the immense pressure and success of her debut, SOUR. With GUTS, we had viral singles yet again that promise Rodrigo is here for the long haul.

    Best Dance/Electronic Recording: “Strong” by Romy + Fred again…

    Developing a cult following in the electronic music world, Fred again… is one of the hottest house dance artists in the world right now. Following a successful bout of live shows and reaching fans on almost every platform imaginable, “Strong” is a winner.

    Best Pop Dance Recording: “Rush” by Troye Sivan

    Troye Sivan understands how to make out-of-the-box pop music, and seals it with one hell of a dance number. He’s the embodiment of a popstar, and “Rush” was just an example of the high precedent he’s set.

    Best Rock Performance: “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius

    Compiled of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, boygenius is a supergroup showing the world how to rock again. “Not Strong Enough” showcases what each member brings to the group in one sound synergy.

    Best Rock Album: Starcatcher by Greta Van Fleet

    Hailed as The Next Led Zeppelin, Greta Van Fleet brings you on a journey with their Starcatcher album. Each song a delight, Greta Van Fleet has developed their sound and found their stride.

    Best R&B Performance: “Kill Bill” by SZA

    SOS is one of the best albums of the year, and while I don’t see it winning in the Big 4 due to competitors like Swift, I still think it wins in general. “Kill Bill” was one of the biggest songs and continues to be one of the most viral.

    Best Rap Performance: “Rich Flex” by Drake & 21 Savage

    The saying “I like what Drake likes” holds true for many…and the collaboration album, Her Loss, with 21 Savage was one of the biggest of the year. “Rich Flex” makes sense for two of the biggest rappers out there right now.

    Best Rap Album: Heroes & Villains by Metro Boomin’

    Metro Boomin’ is the rapper and producer responsible for countless hits like Migos’ “Ric Flair Drip”. His Heroes & Villains album is a masterclass for high quality rap, intricate detail in production and songwriting, and straight up hits.

    Watch the 2024 Grammy Awards live on February 4, 2024 at 8 PM EST exclusively on Paramount+!

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    Jai Phillips

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  • Four Artists To Watch For In 2024

    Four Artists To Watch For In 2024

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    Whether you are ready or not, we are officially in 2024. It’s okay if you’ve already abandoned your overambitious resolutions for more plausible goals — or if you’ve just given up entirely. There’s always next year.

    But if there’s one constant, it’s listening to music. If Spotify Wrapped taught me anything, it’s that I really can make it through anything with the right soundtrack. We’re edging closer to awards season, which means everyone is looking for the best of the best. Our inner critic comes out and, suddenly, we’re all members of the Recording Academy.

    With the 2024 Grammy’s right around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the hits from yesteryear. But I’m already looking ahead to the new year of music. And it’s time to recognize artists who are about to have a huge year. Some of them may be familiar names and hopefully, others will become new favorites of yours.

    Regardless, there have been four artists who stuck out to me this past year. These artists aren’t new per se, but they’ve skyrocketed with recent success leading the charts, making an impact on pop culture, and featuring prominently on Spotify playlists. Each artist has been selected because they have the It Factor — and finally everyone is seeing it.

    Here are the four artists to watch in 2024!

    Sabrina Carpenter

    Sabrina Carpenter via GRAMMY.com

    Sabrina Carpenter press

    Carpenter fell headfirst into a love triangle scandal alongside pop queen Olivia Rodrigo and her castmate, Joshua Bassett. In 2022, she released her fifth studio album, emails i can’t send, which solidified her as a certified pop songwriter who has every “It” factor you look for in a young starlet.

    Her sound can span genres- with synthy, sexy pop/R&B blends like “bet u wanna” to stomp-and-holler-inspired “Already Over.” Her take on heartache and the increased public scrutiny is both refreshing and witty.

    After opening for Taylor Swift this year and going viral for her “Nonsense” outros, and most recently performing for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, it’s hard to imagine that this is the last we’ll see of Sabrina.

    Noah Kahan

    Noah Kahan

    Noah Kahan

    Asyia Marotta

    A favorite here at Popdust, Noah Kahan has perfected that aforementioned “stomp and holler” sound. After a year of country-folk renaissance, Kahan’s Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) deluxe edition released in 2023 and continuously broke records…leading to collaborations with artists like Post Malone, Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, and Lizzy McAlpine.

    With a sold out stadium tour on the horizon, Kahan is skyrocketing. His storytelling through music is unmatched- painting pictures of woeful hometown memories, heartache, loss, anxiety, and more.

    His self-deprecating humor and appreciation for success make Noah Kahan who he is. A longtime advocate for mental health, Kahan started The Busyhead Project to raise money for the cause. He has us in the palm of his hand, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

    Dom Dolla

    Dom Dolla

    Dom Dolla

    donslens

    In the world of Electronic Dance Music, Dom Dolla is a trailblazer. He’s spent the year performing to crowds of tens of thousands of people at festivals and headline shows, and releasing some of the biggest EDM mixes of the year with “Eat Your Man (feat. Nelly Furtado)” and the disco jam “Saving Up.”

    He’s one of the most exciting producers for a reason: a chart topper who knows how to reach the ears (and hearts) of fans of house and EDM, and new listeners alike. He’s found new ways to incorporate sound bytes, big drops, bass, and classic tech-house style and create a league of his own.

    Whether he’s remixing classic tracks like “Black Betty”, playing his own tunes, or performing B2B sets with a fellow hot topic, John Summit, the “Rhyme Dust” creator is one-of-a-kind. Nominated for his first GRAMMY for his remix of Gorillaz “New Gold” with Tame Impala and Bootie Brown, Dom Dolla is your EDM artist to watch.

    Renee Rapp

    Renee Rapp

    Renee Rapp

    Erica Hernandez

    You may know her as Leighton from Max’s Sex Lives Of College Girls…or as Regina George in the 2024 remake of Mean Girls. But Renee Rapp is a whirlwind of a pop-R&B artist who knows how to make flawless music. She’s gathered a passionate fanbase behind her to prove it, and after her most recent album, Snow Angel, we’re dying to know what’s next.

    2022 was huge for Rapp, with her Snow Hard Feelings tour accompanying the album. She’s the talk of the town, weaving tales of unrequited love, belting ballads of heartache, and balancing them out with punchy pop tunes that are worthy of a repeat.

    She’s the face of both cinema and music right now, with a versatility of creativity that so few can achieve. It would be a mistake not to include her on our artists to watch this year, because we know Renee Rapp is only getting started.

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    Jai Phillips

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  • Trevor Noah To Return As Host Of Grammy Awards

    Trevor Noah To Return As Host Of Grammy Awards

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    Trevor Noah will take center stage again at the Grammys.

    The former host of The Daily Show revealed on his podcast today that he will return for a fourth time as master of ceremonies for the 66th annual fete. He will also serve as a producer on the show.

    Previously, Noah hosted the show in 2021, 2022 and earlier this year.

    The 66th Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 4. It will air live on both coasts on CBS and on demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers.

    The show will be produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor and Jesse Collins are executive producers.

    Nominations were unveiled in November. This year’s field is is paced by SZA with nine nominations including for Record, Album and Song of the Year for “Kill Bill” and SOS. Phoebe Bridgers, Serban Ghenea and Victoria Monét have seven noms, while Jack Antonoff, Jon Batiste, boygenius, Brandy Clark, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift have six apiece.

    Swift is nominated for Album of the Year (Midnights) and Song of the Year (“Anti-Hero”) and Record of the Year, one of five to land noms in each of the three marquee categories. The nomination in the Album category means she is in the running for her fourth Grammy in that category — breaking a tie for third she currently is in with a lofty group that includes Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon.

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    Lynette Rice

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