The 2022 Grammy Awards ceremony taking place in Las Vegas received considerable attention in the press, before it even started on Sunday 3rd of April. As a matter of fact, both Marilyn Manson, who has been accused of sexual abuse by several women, and DaBaby, well-known for his homophobic and misogynous comments, were on the listof nominees. The reason why? The two musicians were in the cast of Kanye West’s album Donda, nominated for the 2021 Best Album Award. It adds up to another controversy about Kanye West this time, who has been forbidden to perform on stage at the Grammys this year because of the disturbing comments he made online about Kim Kardashian, among others.
As a match to the atmosphere created by these controversies, the Oscar’s counterpart ceremony in the music industry has been eventful. Some triumphs were worth celebrating. On one hand, the 35-year-old American singer, jazzman, and pianist Jon Batiste – little known in France – won the Album of the Year for We Are. On the other hand, the 19-year-old sensational pop singer Olivia Rodrigo known for her 2000s-inspired aesthetics was awarded Best New Artist. As for the duo Silk Sonic, that gathers Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, they won the coveted Song of the Year Award for their retro hit Leave the Door Open.
During the show, Billie Eilish delivered a breathtaking rendering of her song Happier Than Ever, wearing a tribute T-shirt to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. Lil Nas X mesmerized the audience with a wild performance including rapper Jack Harlowand an entourage of backup dancers. Along with Lenny Kravitz and Travis Barker, H.E.R offered the rock’n’roll highlight of the 64th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony. In addition to these impressive performances, several glamourous appearances and humoristic speeches were made – Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa, for instance.
Lastly, the ceremony unveiled a general political concern. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appeared in a prerecorded video to give a plea for support in his country’s war against Russia. Before John Legend got on stage with Ukrainian artists Mika Newton and Lyuba Yakimchuk, the President of Ukraine emphasized the impact musiccan have in times of war: “The war. What is more opposite to music? The silence of ruined cities and killed people. Fill the silence with your music”. Judging by the enthralling and poignant performances made that night, the message has been well received.
Main 2022 Grammy Awards winners:
Album of the Year
Jon Batiste - We Are
Song of the Year
Silk Sonic - Leave the Door Open
Best New Artist
Olivia Rodrigo
Best Music Video
Jon Batiste - Freedom
Best Rap Album
Tyler, the Creator - Call Me If You Get Lost
Best Rap Performance
Baby Keem featuring Kendrick Lamar - Family Ties
Best Rock Album
Foo Fighters - Medicine At Midnight
Best R&B Album
Jazmine Sullivan - Heaux Tales
Best Pop Vocal Album
Olivia Rodrigo - Sour
Best Pop Solo Performance
Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers license
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Doja Cat featuring SZA - Kiss Me More
