LOS ANGELES (NEWSnet/AP) — Taylor Swift won album of the year at the Grammy Awards for “Midnights,” setting a record for the honors with four in that category.
Record of the year, considered one of the biggest honors, went to Miley Cyrus for “Flowers,” her second-ever Grammy and second of the night.
Karol G made Grammy history Sunday by becoming the first female performer to win best música urbana album for her blockbuster “Mañana Será Bonito” record.
Sunday’s show, hosted by Trevor Noah and broadcast live from Cypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, had a number of memorable moments and performances.
[Earlier Report: Grammy Awards 2024: SZA, Bridgers and Monét Are Leading Nominees]
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One of the stage performances featured Luke Combs in a heartfelt rendition of “Fast Car” with Tracy Chapman. His cover of the Chapman classic has dominated country radio and won him song of the year at the 2023 CMAs. In 1989, the song won Chapman best female pop vocal performance.
Joni Mitchell, 80, made Grammy history by performing “Both Sides Now” from her 1969 album “Clouds”; Travis Scott did a medley of “My Eyes,” “I Know?,” and “Fein.” Burna Boy was joined by Brandy and 21 Savage and did “On Form,” “City Boys,” and “Sittin’ on Top of the World."
Jon Batiste did a medley of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” and finally “Optimistic” with Ann Nesby for the late great music exec Clarence Avant. Oprah introduced a fiery Tina Turner tribute of “Proud Mary” by Fantasia Barrino and Adam Blackstone.
SZA also took the stage – performing a medley of her larger-than-life hits “Snooze” and “Kill Bill," joined by dancers wielding katanas. Later, she'd take home the trophy for best R&B song — for “Snooze,” handed to her by Lizzo.
Dua Lipa opened the show with a high-octane medley: first, a tease of her forthcoming single, “Training Season,” then, her most recent single, “Houdini," and finally, her disco-pop “Barbie” hit “Dance the Night."
Eilish and Finneas also brought “Barbie” to the Grammys stage with live string accompaniment. They were followed by Cyrus, who performed “Flowers” live.
Best country album went to Lainey Wilson for “Bell Bottom Country,” — her first Grammy.
Jay-Z was awarded the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award.
A welcome surprise was the inclusion of Celine Dion, who handed Swift her record-breaking trophy. “When I say I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” she told the audience.
The first of three new categories in 2024, best pop dance recording, went to Kylie Minogue for “Padam Padam.”
About 80 Grammys were handed out pre-broadcast. Regional Mexican star Peso Pluma won his first Grammy for best música Mexicana album for his “Genesis.”
Best African music performance, a new category which aims to highlight regional musical traditions and recognizing “recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent,” went to South African singer Tyla for her hit, “Water.”
Killer Mike won three awards in quick succession Sunday night, but ended up in police custody before the main Grammys ceremony began because of an altercation, police spokesperson Officer Mike Lopez said.
Billy Joel was both the penultimate and final performance of the night. First, he brought his new track “Turn the Lights Back on” — his first new music in decades — live to the Grammy stage. Then, after album of the year was announced, he returned to the stage for his 1980 classic, “You May Be Right.”
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