LOS ANGELES (US) – Making the Grammy night a historical one marked by multiple wins for women, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish took the top prizes at the awards. Beyonce, however, ruled the night taking home four Grammys, making it a total career win to 28, surpassing the previous Grammy record for a female artist set by bluegrass singer Alison Krauss.
Out of four, two were shared with best new artist winner Megan Thee Stallion.
Swift’s surprise record “Folklore,” recorded during coronavirus lockdowns, was named album of the year and made her the first woman to take home that prize three times.
The writers of “I Can’t Breathe” by R&B artist H.E.R won song of the year. It was written in response to the Black Lives Matter protests that roiled the United States last summer following the police killing of George Floyd.
Black culture was also celebrated in Beyonce’s single “Black Parade,” which was named best R&B performance.
“It has been such a difficult time,” said Beyonce, reflecting on the cultural reckoning about racism in the United States. “I wanted to uplift, encourage, celebrate all the beautiful Black queens and kings that continue to inspire me and inspire the whole world,” she added.
Eilish’s ballad “Everything I Wanted” won record of the year, and the 19-year-old also won for her theme song for the upcoming James Bond movie “No Time to Die.”
Eilish said she was embarrassed by the win, saying it should have gone to Megan. “You deserve it. Genuinely. Can we just cheer for Megan Thee Stallion,” Eilish said.
British singer Dua Lipa won best pop vocal album for her dance-y “Future Nostalgia” and spoke of the value of music during hard times.
“I’m just so grateful and so honored because happiness is something that we all deserve,” Lipa said.
The ceremony was also aimed at moving past the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the live music industry, including the cancellation of music festivals, touring and concerts.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the ceremony was packed with pre-recorded and live performances by the likes of Lipa, Taylor Swift, Post Malone, DaBaby, Black Pumas and Mickey Guyton. Cardi B and Megan teamed up to perform their summer single “WAP” in one of the raunchier moments of the night.
It took place both indoors and outdoors in Downtown Los Angeles but mostly without the elaborate sets and special effects that traditionally mark the highest honors in the music business.