On February 4, 2024, The Recording Academy presented its 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
Hosted by “The Daily Show” former host and South African-born comedian Trevor Noah, the Grammys is a night of recognition and celebration for individuals and groups who are dedicated to the growth of music and the music industry. Those individuals and groups are awarded for their excellence in their respective categories.
Held at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, the Grammys houses the biggest and brightest names in the music industry for the sole purpose of celebrating music in all its forms and genres.
From the announcement of the Grammys nominees to the night of the actual show, The Grammys (pre- and main show) was a night of making history through nominations, wins, events and highlights.
SZA got the most nominations for the night with a whopping nine nominations.
Previously tied with Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon, Taylor Swift broke the record for the most album of the year awards. Her tenth album “Midnights” won her the award for the fourth year in a row. She then announced the release of her eleventh studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department” to be released April 19th, 2024.
Miley Cyrus and Lainey Wilson both won their first ever Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Country Album.
The Recording Academy honored Jay-Z for his global contributions with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, making him the first recipient of the award since its creation last year.
Rap artist and social activist Killer Mike was arrested shortly after winning the Best Rap Album award.
Canadian singer Celine Dion surprised the audience and guests in attendance by presenting the award for album of the year.
Burna Boy also became the first Nigerian artist to ever perform at the Grammys.
The Recording Academy celebrated the versatility of music with performances from Annie Lennox, Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, Billy Joel, Burna Boy, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott, Dua Lipa, Fantasia, Joni Mitchell, Luke Combs and more.
The Grammys was a huge night for music and its different genres as it was celebrated by the artists that represented those genres.
Although the Grammys featured a lot of amazing performances and felt like a music festival, it was still a night of awards. Here are a few of the award categories, presenters, nominees and winners.
Best New Artist
Presented by 2023 best new artist winner Samara Joy, the category celebrates artists that notably impact music through their debut.
The nominees were Gracie Abrams, Fred Again, Ice Spice, Jelly Roll, Coco Jones, Noah Kahan, Victoria Monét and The War and Treaty.
R&B singer Victoria Monét won the award.
Record of the Year
Presented by American actress Meryl Streep and her son-in-law and British DJ and Record Producer, Mark Ronson, the category celebrates the musical composition and its uniqueness.
The nominees were “Worship” by Jon Batiste, “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius, “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “What Was I Made For? [From The Motion Picture “Barbie”]” by Billie Eilish, “On My Mama” by Victoria Monét, “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift and “Kill Bill” by SZA.
Tennessee-born singer-songwriter and actress Miley Cyrus took home the award.
Song of the Year
Presented by American singer-songwriter, record producer and TV personality, Lionel Richie, the category celebrates the power of lyricism and how influential it can be.
The nominees were “A&W” by Lana Del Rey, “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift, “Butterfly” by Jon Batiste, “Dance the Night (From Barbie the Album)” by Dua Lipa, “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “Kill Bill” by SZA, “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo, “What Was I Made For? [From The Motion Picture “Barbie”]” by Billie Eilish.
Californian singer Billie Eilish took home the award.
Album of the Year
Presented by Canadian singer Celine Dion, album of the year celebrates the best album of 2023.
The nominees were “World Music Radio” by Jon Batiste, “the record” by boygenius, “Endless Summer Vacation” by Miley Cyrus, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” by Lana Del Rey, “The Age of Pleasure” by Janelle Monáe, “GUTS” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Midnights” by Taylor Swift and “SOS” by SZA.
Pennsylvania-born singer-songwriter Taylor Swift took home the award.
From Jay-Z’s speech about the Recording Academy’s decision to not give Beyoncé a single Album of the Year win to Taylor Swift allegedly ignoring Celine Dion when receiving her award, The Grammys was a night of reveals, great representation and homage to music’s best and brightest.
