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Recapping the 64th Annual Grammy Awards

Recapping the 64th Annual Grammy Awards

Grace Powers

April 4, 2022

The Biggest Night In Music

The biggest voices in music gathered at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards. But it took some work to get there. Mid-January, the ceremony was postponed due to Omicron causing a spike in COVID cases. And for the first time in history, the Grammys came to Vegas. The Academy has also asked Kanye West not to perform this year due to his troubling posts on social media. He recently attacked this year’s Grammys host Trevor Noah on Instagram, calling him a racial slur and ultimately getting suspended from the platform. And the Foo Fighters were scheduled to perform before the sudden death of drummer Taylor Hawkins. But despite these obstacles and tragedies, it was a night of celebrations and triumphs.

This year, The Recording Academy expanded the number of nominees from 8 to 10 for the 4 biggest awards: album, record, and song of the year, and best new artist. But many of the big names nominated for these awards were notably absent. Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Tyler, The Creator, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran, and Ariana Grande were not in attendance. Another oddity of the night was a tie in the award for Best R&B Performance. The last time a major tie happened was in 1978 between Barbara Streisand’s “Love Theme from A Star Is Born (Evergreen)” and Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life”.

Who Won Big?

One of the biggest winners of the night was Olivia Rodrigo, taking home three Grammys. Jon Batiste won five of his 11 nominations, including the prestigious Album of the Year Award. Doja Cat won her first Grammy for “Kiss Me More,” getting emotional on stage after sprinting back from the bathroom. And Silk Sonic made a clean sweep, earning awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song. Although Anderson .Paak’s wig was arguably the coolest thing about Silk Sonic last night.

The Performances

There was no shortage of amazing talent on display last night, with 26 performances total. Not all were televised, but there were certainly some notable performances from Brandi Carlile, Justin Bieber, J Balvin, H.E.R., and many more.

The night kicked off with a stirring performance from the it girl of the night, Olivia Rodrigo. She gave us an emotional rendition of her breakout hit, “Drivers License,” which also earned her a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance.

Billie Eilish honored the late Taylor Hawkins wearing a shirt with his image and by ending her hit “Happier Than Ever” with a tribute drum solo. As always, she was alongside her brother Finneas, who was nominated for Best New Artist. The two rocked out as rain poured down.

The biggest band in the world, BTS, gave a performance smooth as “Butter” with a cameo from Olivia Rodrigo. Posing as secret agents, the band dipped between laser beams, giving a high energy show.

Lil Nas X used his performance to clap back at the haters accusing him of hypersexuality and praising Satan. He performed a medley of tracks before bringing Jack Harlow out for his feature verse on “Industry Baby”.

Lady Gaga performed two tracks from her and Tony Bennett’s album, Love For Sale. The album earned a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Tony retired from performing last year but introduced Gaga’s performance at the show with a video.

Jon Batiste gave a bright, spirited performance of “FREEDOM,” hopping up on Billie Eilish’s table. The whole crowd was moving by the end of the funky, vibrant jam.

The Winners

GENERAL

Record of the Year

“Leave the Door Open” – Silk Sonic

Album of the Year

We Are – Jon Batiste

Song of the Year

“Leave the Door Open” Brandon Anderson, Christopher Brody Brown, Dernst Emile Ii and Bruno Mars, songwriters (Silk Sonic)

Best New Artist

Olivia Rodrigo

POP

Best Pop Solo Performance

“Drivers License” – Olivia Rodrigo

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

“Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat and SZA

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Love For Sale – Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga

Best Pop Vocal Album

Sour – Olivia Rodrigo

DANCE/ELECTRONIC

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

“Alive” – Rüfüs Du Sol

Best Dance/Electronic Music Album

Subconsciously – Black Coffee

ROCK

Best Rock Performance

“Making A Fire” – Foo Fighters

Best Metal Performance

“The Alien” – Dream Theater

Best Rock Song

“Waiting on a War” Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Rami Jaffee, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear, songwriters (Foo Fighters)

Best Rock Album

Medicine at Midnight – Foo Fighters

ALTERNATIVE

Best Alternative Music Album

Daddy’s Home – St. Vincent

R&B

Best R&B Performance – TIE

“Leave the Door Open” – Silk Sonic
“Pick Up Your Feelings” – Jazmine Sullivan

Best Traditional R&B Performance

“Fight For You” – H.E.R.

Best R&B Song

“Leave the Door Open” Brandon Anderson, Christopher Brody Brown, Dernst Emile II and Bruno Mars, songwriters (Silk Sonic)

Best Progressive R&B Album

Table for Two – Lucky Daye

Best R&B Album

Heaux Tales – Jazmine Sullivan

RAP

Best Rap Performance

“Family Ties” – Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar

Best Melodic Rap Performance

“Hurricane” Kanye West featuring the Weeknd and Lil Baby

Best Rap Song

“Jail” Dwayne Abernathy, Jr., Shawn Carter, Raul Cubina, Michael Dean, Charles M. Njapa, Sean Solymar, Kanye West and Mark Williams, songwriters (Kanye West featuring Jay-Z)

Best Rap Album