That’s a wrap on music’s biggest night!
The 67th annual Grammy Awards aired last night, and the show certainly didn’t disappoint. The new trifecta of pop royalty (aka Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Charli XCX) gave memorable performances and moving acceptance speeches. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” won song of the year and record of the year. Doechii became the third woman in history to win best rap album. And Beyoncé (finally!) took home the coveted album of the year.
A few Georgia nominees were also declared winners — even before the official ceremony began.
During the preshow, veteran R&B act and Atlanta resident Avery Sunshine secured her first Grammy. Her fifth album, “So Glad to Know You,” tied with NxWorries “Why Lawd?” for best progressive R&B album. It was Sunshine’s first nomination since formally launching her career in 2010.
“This is a win for all the independent soul music artists,” she said when accepting the award. “We’ve been working in the dark for a minute, but the light is shining.”
The late President Jimmy Carter also got in on the Grammy momentum. His posthumous nod for best audiobook marked his fourth win. Carter’s “Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration” beat works by Barbra Streisand, George Clinton and Dolly Parton. Carter’s nomination was announced roughly a month before his death on Dec. 29 at age 100.
Jason Carter, his grandson, accepted the award on his behalf.
“Having his words captured in this way for my family and for the world is truly remarkable and I think really means so much at this moment in our history — as a country, as a world — to bring people together, to preach that love and kindness,” Jason said on stage.
Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Also during the preshow, Florida native Muni Long accepted her award for best R&B performance (for smash hit “Made for Me”). The song was co-written and co-produced by Atlanta hitmakers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox.
That was the extent of Georgia winners for the night. However, the official ceremony featured a few memorable hometown performances.
Best new artist nominee Teddy Swims, adorned with red roses planted across his black-and-white coat, delivered a heart-wrenching rendition of “Lose Control.” Although the Conyers native lost to Chappell Roan, his hit single continues to rule the charts.
Later in the show, Atlanta rapper Playboi Carti mysteriously joined The Weeknd for his surprise appearance. The pair performed “Timeless.” In typical Playboi Carti fashion, the rapper was almost unrecognizable amid the smoke, dark lights and his thick glasses. Both artists will come to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in August for The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour.
Doechii’s Atlanta-based hype woman DJ Miss Milan shared the stage with the rapper for their Grammy debut.
Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Former Atlanta resident and Dungeon Family alum Janelle Monáe wowed the crowd during the tribute for legendary producer Quincy Jones. In a return to their roots, Monáe delivered a theatrical cover of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”
Future and Metro Boomin, who were collectively up for four awards, didn’t receive any (thanks, in part, to Kendrick Lamar sweeping all of his nominations).
André 3000 — the Georgia solo artist with the most Grammy nominations this year — went winless as well and was a no-show for the event. The Atlanta rapper-turned-flutist was up for best alternative jazz album, best instrumental composition and album of the year for his work on “New Blue Sun.” While he wasn’t a favorite to win the top album, he was a front-runner among fans for best alternative jazz album.
On Saturday, he shared on Instagram that he wouldn’t attend the ceremony. He didn’t provide details about his absence, however, he stated:
“Our album was conceived and recorded in Los Angeles with the spirit of openness and creative collaboration. We hope that the rebound of Los Angeles is swift and renewing.”
Credit: Courtesy photo, Tiffany Powell
Credit: Courtesy photo, Tiffany Powell
The night began and ended with numerous moments highlighting victims of the Los Angeles wildfires and praising first responders. Grammy host Trevor Noah said the telecast raised $7 million in donations for relief efforts
“Tonight, we decided that we’re not just celebrating the best music; we’re celebrating the city that gave us the best music,” the comedian said.
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