On the surface, music consists of vocal or instrumental sounds that produce different rhythms and harmonies. However, musicians have the power to immerse listeners in an emotional experience while sharing their unique stories.
The Grammy Awards recognize achievements in the music industry. The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences nominates artists from across all genres in various categories. This year’s 67th Grammys featured phenomenal performances, interesting red-carpet looks and some controversial winners.
The Breakdown
Some of the most prestigious categories include Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best New Artist. While there are numerous awards, these are among the most competitive, with only one artist coming out on top.
American rapper Kendrick Lamar swept all five nominations with his song “They Not Like Us.” His most notable wins were Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Many believe his wins were well deserved, highlighting his talent in music, however some argue the same cannot be said for Beyoncé.
Controversy Central
Beyoncé is revered not only for her genre-diverse music but also for her passion and influence in the industry. This year, her most notable nominations were for Album of the Year and Best Country Album with her newly released “Cowboy Carter.” She won Album of the Year, beating other top artists like Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and more. However, the biggest shock of the night came when she won Best Country Album over well-established country artists Chris Stapleton, Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson.
This sparked a major debate. While some claim her win proves the Grammy Awards are biased, others argue “Cowboy Carter” is a strong country album worthy of its recognition. VALLEY loves a good debate but will leave it up to listeners to decide if the award was deserved. However, Beyoncé’s own reaction to receiving Best Country Album suggests she may not have expected the win herself.
Red Carpet Scandal
Beyoncé’s unexpected win was not the only shock of the night. Kanye West made a surprise appearance with his wife, Bianca Censori, despite supposedly being uninvited. However, the real surprise was Censori’s outfit or lack thereof. Her barely there attire turned heads, and it was later revealed that the couple was eventually escorted out of the event.
On a lighter note, Taylor Swift strutted the red carpet in her signature red, with a small yet intriguing piece of jewelry dangling from the hem of her dress, a tiny “T.” Was it for Taylor or for her current NFL star boyfriend, Travis Kelce? Even though she did not take home any awards this year, Swift seemed unbothered. She was seen enjoying the performances and simply having a good time.
New And Returning Artists
Chappell Roan, winner of Best New Artist, delivered an energetic, engaging performance. However, there was another new artist who shocked the award show, Benson Boone. Originally discovered on TikTok and American Idol, he impressed the audience with his performance of “Beautiful Things.” With strong vocals, flips off of pianos and his blue leather pantsuit, VALLEY recommends music listeners to keep an eye on him because he could be the industry’s next big artist.
Another major moment was the Weeknd’s return. After boycotting the Grammys for four years, he not only performed but confirmed a new album and a movie loosely based on his career. VALLEY is eager to see what he has been working on.
Photo posted by @recordingacademy on Instagram (right)
What Do You Think?
So much happened at this year’s Grammys. While there are many other key points, covering it all is nearly impossible. However, we want to hear from you! Do you think Beyoncé’s country win was deserved? Who was your favorite performance?
Share your thoughts with @VALLEYmag on X!
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