The 2024 Grammy Awards, held at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, was a night filled with memorable moments, first-time achievements, and records being broken. The 66th annual Grammy Awards was a night of firsts and records, with many artists making history and breaking records. Taylor Swift’s win for album of the year for “Midnights” marked her fourth win in the category, making her the first artist to achieve this feat. She also announced the release of her new album, “Tortured Poets Department,” set for April 19.
Taylor Swift Makes Grammy History:
Taylor Swift made history by becoming the first artist to win the album of the year award four times. She took home the prestigious award for her album “Midnights,” which also won the Grammy for pop vocal album. Swift, who has now won 13 Grammys, thanked her fans and announced the release of a new album, “Tortured Poets Department,” set for April 19.
Celine Dion’s Surprise Appearance:
Canadian singer Celine Dion made a surprise appearance at the Grammys, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. Dion, who has been battling stiff person syndrome and enduring the loss of her husband and longtime manager, René Angélil, announced the night’s big award, album of the year, to Taylor Swift.
Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman’s Moving Duet:
Country superstar Luke Combs and singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman performed a moving duet of Chapman’s 1988 hit song “Fast Car.” The duo traded verses, and the classic tune became a concert sing-along favorite, earning Chapman her first Country Music Award this year.
Annie Lennox Calls for Gaza Ceasefire:
The Grammys paid tribute to scores of music industry veterans in a comprehensive “In Memoriam” segment. Annie Lennox took the stage to pay tribute to Sinead O’Connor, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Lennox’s rendition of O’Connor’s indelible “Nothing Compares 2 U” was a powerful and emotional moment of the night.
Jay-Z Slams Grammys for Never Awarding Beyoncé Album of the Year:
Hip-hop legend Jay-Z, who received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, took the stage with his daughter Blue Ivy to call out the Grammys for never awarding his wife, Beyoncé, the album of the year award. Beyoncé currently holds 32 Grammys to her name.
Joni Mitchell’s Stunning First Grammys Performance:
Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell made her first Grammys performance in nearly 60 years, wowing the arena with a touching rendition of “Both Sides Now.” Mitchell, 80, also won the Grammy for best folk album for “Joni Mitchell at Newport.” She appeared appropriately sitting on a throne, holding a cane, and sang, “I’ve looked at life from both sides now.”
Billy Joel Debuts New Single:
Billy Joel debuted his new single, “Turn the Lights Back On,” for the first time at the Grammys. The 74-year-old singer-songwriter, who has not released new music in 30 years, sang, “Please open the door” and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Other Notable Moments
The night was also filled with other notable moments, including a powerful and graceful tribute to the late Tina Turner by Fantasia Barrino, a medley of Bill Withers hits by Jon Batiste and singer Ann Nesby, and a heartfelt tribute to Tony Bennett by Stevie Wonder.
The 66th annual Grammy Awards show was a night of firsts, records, and unforgettable moments. From Taylor Swift’s historic win to Joni Mitchell’s stunning performance, the night was a celebration of music and the artists who create it.
The Grammys also paid tribute to the music industry veterans who have passed away, including Tony Bennett, Sinead O’Connor, and Bill Withers. The “In Memoriam” segment was a reminder of the impact these artists have had on the music industry and the world.
The 2024 Grammy Awards was a night to remember, filled with emotion, celebration, and a shared love of music. The artists who took the stage and those who were honored in the “In Memoriam” segment will forever be remembered for their contributions to the world of music.