If you missed the Grammy’s this past week, it was full of wonderful performances, beautiful tributes to artists, and of course a few surprising awards results. Here are some of the highlights of the show.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Opening Performance
We all know that Beyoncé and Jay-Z are the most fabulous power couple around, but their opening performance of “Drunk in Love” was the most fabulous thing I’ve seen in quite a while. Beyoncé managed to look sexier just sitting on a chair than some female artists ever do with their evocative dance moves. She then went on to belt, as only she can, and dance like girls in the Mods only wish they did. As Jay-Z walked out for his verse, the crowd went wild. Their interactions on stage were both hot and adorable, which is something I only wish I could look like with my husband one day.
Kendrick Lamar/Imagine Dragons
Though Beyoncé is obviously a queen, the Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons performance was by far my favorite. It was exciting, dynamic, and energetic. The combination of “Radioactive” and “MAAD City” was unbelievable. Though Kendrick did not win a single Grammy, though many believe he should have, his performance was, in my opinion, the best part of the evening. Imagine Dragons were outstanding as well, but without Kendrick’s verses, “Radioactive” would have been underwhelming (especially since it is every third song played on the radio). Disclaimer: It was so good that I couldn’t even pay attention to Kacey Musgrave’s performance right after because I was still wrapped up in it.
Macklemore/Madonna/Queen Latifah Perform “Same Love”
The marriage of 34 couples at the Grammy’s to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ (ft. Mary Lambert) was very hyped prior to the show and it lived up to expectations. The ceremony was officiated by Queen Latifah, and yes she is in fact qualified to do that. Then, Madonna came out with her cane to sing “Open Your Heart.” Overall, it was beautiful both musically and as a social statement. One could even see a few tears shed in the audience.
Carole King and Sara Bareilles
I am very biased towards both Carole King and Sara Bareilles, as they are two of my favorite artists, so I thought their performance was amazing. Their vocals and simple treatment of the songs were very refreshing compared to some of the other over-the-top female pop vocal performances. Also, for Carole’s age, the girl still has it.
LOL-Worthy Moments
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Steven Tyler doing a little disco dance to “Get Lucky.”
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Pharrell’s ridiculously big hat (it’s full of secrets) that is now drawing comparisons to the Sorting Hat, Arby’s, etc.
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Yoko Ono and her son dancing throughout, though it was more cute than funny.
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Jay-Z saying he would use his Grammy as a sippy cup for Blue Ivy.
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The trend that is sweeping the music industry… bolo ties? Yes, both Bruno Mars and Macklemore were wearing one.
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Ringo Starr trying his very best to be a front man. (I know, he’s a Beatle, but it wasn’t very good)
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Being shocked at hearing Robin Thicke sing anything except for “Blurred Lines.”
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Most of the things that Taylor Swift did, especially her dancing (but at least her dress was fabulous!)
Taylor Swift
I am shamefully included in the “Taylor Swift-bashing” of the world, but I will gladly admit that her performance of “All to Well” was one of the best of the night. I think her song choice really sets her apart as an adult artist and was very appropriate for the venue. Though she may have gone a bit overboard with the head banging, she remains the queen of the breakup song and her performance helped prove that.
Daft Punk/Pharell/ Stevie Wonder
“Get Lucky” and Daft Punk were big winners this year, and their performance with Stevie Wonder may not have been incredible, but it was very good. I don’t know how Daft Punk could possibly mess up, but I thought Stevie Wonder was the saving grace, as Pharrell was lack-luster to me. Good performance, but not great.
Lorde
The award for the strangest performance of the night goes to Lorde. I had never truly seen her sing before, but it was very, very weird. It seemed pretty flat to me, and her dancing and hand motions were awkward and creepy. I really enjoy her music, but her style and stage presence during this performance really turned me off.
The Big Winners
Record of the Year: “Get Lucky”- Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rogers
Album of the Year: Random Access Memories– Daft Punk
Song of the Year: “Royals”- Joel Little and Ella Yelich O’Connor, songwriters (Lorde)
Best New Artist: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Royals”- Lorde
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Get Lucky”- Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams and Nile Davis
Best Pop Vocal Album: Unorthodox Jukebox– Bruno Mars
Best Rock Performance: “Radioactive”- Imagine Dragons
Best Rock Song: “Cut Me Some Slack”- Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear
Best Alternative Music Album: Modern Vampires of the City– Vampire Weekend
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: “Holy Grail”- Jay-Z ft. Justin Timberlake
Best Rap Album: The Heist– Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Best Country Album: Same Trailer Different Park– Kacey Musgraves
Photo Sources:
http://www.popsugar.com/Beyonce-Jay-Z-Grammys-2014-33682098