Alacranes Musical

51st Annual GRAMMY Awards

2020 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony | Photo Gallery

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/photo

2020 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony Photo Gallery

Esperanza Spalding

Photo:&nbsp;Charley Gallay/Getty Images

gettyimages-1202135404.jpg

Imogen Heap

gettyimages-1196586225.jpg

Lil Nas X

gettyimages-1196587459.jpg

Hildur Guðnadóttir

gettyimages-1196587687.jpg

Koffee

gettyimages-1196587843.jpg

Morten Lindberg

gettyimages-1196587671.jpg

Delbert McClinton

gettyimages-1196587919.jpg

Ranky Tanky

gettyimages-1196588039.jpg

Tracy Young

Photo:&nbsp;Timothy Norris/Getty Images

gettyimages-1202134257.jpg

Chick Corea

gettyimages-1196588090.jpg

Jon Samson

gettyimages-1196588006.jpg

Jacob Collier

Photo:&nbsp;Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

gettyimages-1202137797.jpg

Tanya Tucker

gettyimages-1202138464.jpg

Luis Fonsi

gettyimages-1202138435.jpg

I'm With Her 

gettyimages-1202139019.jpg

Kimie Miner 

gettyimages-1202138776.jpg

Angelique Kidjo

gettyimages-1202139955.jpg

Kirk Franklin

Photo:&nbsp;Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

gettyimages-1202142677.jpg

Gloria Gaynor

gettyimages-1202142597.jpg

Rosalía

gettyimages-1202142492.jpg

Erinn Williams

gettyimages-1202140170.jpg

PJ Morton

gettyimages-1202144074.jpg

Angelique Smith And Samiel Asghedom

gettyimages-1202148083.jpg

Grammy Global Header

Grammy Hamburger Menu

Global Hamburger Menu

GRAMMY_lockup_stacked_black

Subscribe Nav

Subscribe Nav Newsletter Form

Be the first to find out about GRAMMY nominees, winners, important news, and events.

checkmark-gold

Subscribe Social Links

Join us on Social

Homepage

Homepage Google Ad 2

Subscribe to GRAMMY's Newsletter

Be the first to find out about GRAMMY nominees, winners, important news, and events

Thank you for subscribing to the GRAMMY Award Newsletter!

grammys-gramophone-grey-background

Get notified of exciting GRAMMY Award news and upcoming events!

Latest Videos

Latest Videos & Exclusive Performances

Curated Content: 2024 GRAMMYs: Highlights & Performance

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/news-article

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/slide

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/video

GRAMMY News, Performances & Highlights

Homepage Google Ad

Awards History Carousel

66th GRAMMY Awards

2024-grammys-poster-art-66th-grammy-awards

66th Annual GRAMMY Awards

65th GRAMMY Awards

GRAMMY.com Assets_Show Poster_640x853 (3)

65th Annual GRAMMY Awards

64th GRAMMY Awards

64thposter

64th Annual GRAMMY Awards

63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards

63rd-gramophone-art_1880x1100.jpg

62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards

62_grammy_poster.png

61st Annual GRAMMY Awards

gramophone_v_01b

60th Annual GRAMMY Awards

For any music lover, GRAMMY Sunday is very much like the Super Bowl or World Series to a sports fanatic.

The only difference being, while sports teams typically find out who will be the final competition within a week or two of the showdown, GRAMMY nominations arrive months prior to the big show. The ceremony is arguably a culmination of all of that energy and anticipation. The 60th GRAMMY Awards was no different, as James Corden returned to host the Music's Biggest Night.

Returning to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 15 years, the milestone telecast proved to be a celebration that broke down barriers — with the wins, performances, and acceptance speeches showing that the power of music can literally change the world.

Of course, the GRAMMYs' return to the Big Apple was cause enough for excitement. (Cut to [Tony Bennett](/artists/tony-bennett/1073) and [John Legend](/artists/john-legend/16994) singing "New York, New York" before presenting Best Rap/Sung Performance). And there was [Bruno Mars](/artists/bruno-mars/5082) netting six wins and nearly doubling his career output to 11 in one fell swoop. But there was plenty of excitement to go around.

Whether you were there, watching on TV or live streaming, here are 12 moments from the 60th GRAMMY Awards that made it a night to remember.

### 1. Kendrick Lamar, U2, Dave Chappelle Open With An Army

[Kendrick Lamar](/artists/kendrick-lamar/17949) has a steady track record of impactful performances on the GRAMMYs, and this time he opened the ceremony with a groundbreaking performance before winning the first award of the evening for Best Rap/Sung Performance ("LOYALTY." with Rihanna). Opening with "XXX" before an American flag backdrop and U.S. soldiers marching, the rapper was joined by [U2](/artists/u2/7858)'s Bono and The Edge. A war simulation followed before [Dave Chappelle](/artists/dave-chappelle/187041) hit the stage to punctuate segues in between heated musical vignettes performed by Lamar. It was history in the making, much like everything he touches.

### 2. Lady Gaga's Tearjerker Performance with Mark Ronson

"This is for love and compassion …even when you can't understand," [Lady Gaga](/artists/lady-gaga/3611) uttered before a white piano wrapped in lace as she opened her performance with "Joanne." Mark Ronson assisted on guitar as the acoustic set segued into another moving ballad, "Million Reasons." The emotional performance was poignant, but most importantly showed Gaga's unreal vocal range. It's OK if you shed a tear while watching. We were all cutting onions when it happened.

### 3. James Corden Rapping For Jay-Z

If you watch "The Late Late Show With James Corden" or are tuned into any episode of his "Carpool Karaoke" series, you'll know that Corden was the perfect return host for this year's telecast. On the eve of the show, [Jay-Z](/artists/jay-z/9815) was honored at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Corden informed the crowd, but began riddling off his knowledge of Jay-Z facts — including Jay’s former apartment address of 560 State Street in Brooklyn. Corden then launched into spitting a few bars for an amused Mr. Carter. "You call it the Big Apple, I call it the Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of …just something I made up," Corden joked.

### 4. Bruno Mars And Cardi B's #TBT Performance Of "Finesse (Remix)"

A few weeks back — when the video for Bruno Mars' remix to "Finesse" featuring [Cardi B](/artists/cardi-b/186981) hit the internet — we were all bit by the nostalgia bug. The video (directed by Mars himself) was not only a clear nod to the sketch comedy series "In Living Color," but it was also a Polaroid of a bygone era of ‘90s R&amp;B and hip-hop—complete with bright colors. Cardi B donned a legendary Cross Colours bucket hat with Mars dancing onstage like a New Jack Swing-era frontman before a dance-off to House Of Pain’s "Jump Around." It was #ThrowbackThursday on a Sunday night.

### 5. Alessia Cara Claims Best New Artist

"I've been pretend winning GRAMMYs since I was a kid in the shower," [Alessia Cara](/artists/alessia-cara/186976) said with a shaky voice before a towering microphone as she accepted her first GRAMMY. While the Canadian was already considered a strong candidate for the award, the competition was fierce — including [SZA](/artists/Solana-Rowe/32514) and newcomer [Julia Michaels](/artists/julia-michaels/188121). But as Cara continued into her speech, she acknowledged and showed support for her peers, which included her fellow nominees and indie acts. "Support real music and real artists," she said. Then she thanked her fans, because there will be no more pretend GRAMMYs in the shower from now on.

### 6. Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee Bring On More "Despacito"

Over the course of 2017, the infectious "Despacito" hasn't left our brains. [Luis Fonsi](/artists/luis-fonsi/3346) and [Daddy Yankee](/artists/daddy-yankee/9370) hit the stage to perform the diamond-certified single and brought former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera in two. Rivera also appeared in the music video, but took center stage to dance amid a mock club scene. "That is a catchy song. I've never heard that song before," Corden deadpanned after the performance.

### 7. "Subway Carpool Karaoke"

Corden's viral "Carpool Karaoke" series made a cameo during the evening. How could it not? This time, however, it was a special "Subway Carpool Karaoke," featuring Corden, [Sting](/artists/sting/10244) and [Shaggy](/artists/shaggy/10082). The former Police frontman couldn't even get through "Every Breath You Take" before being shushed by a construction worker on the train. And Shaggy barely sang "It Wasn't Me" before another passenger hushed even Corden. Then a fight broke out on the train and Corden got a bloody nose. It was a dangerous karaoke scene. You had to be there.

### 8. Janelle Monáe Says #TimesUp, Kesha Sings #MeToo

All one has to do is read the news in recent months to know that injustice to women is no longer an option across industries. As [Janelle Monáe](/artists/janelle-monae/4464) introduced [Kesha](/artists/kesha/187816)'s performance of "Praying," she delivered a powerful speech hooked to the sexual harassment initiative Time's Up. "We are also daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, humans," Monáe told the crowd. "We come in peace, but we mean business." When Kesha hit the stage, her performance was that much more intense, especially understanding all she's been through in the music industry. With [Cyndi Lauper](/artists/cyndi-lauper/4198), Camila Cabello, Bebe Rexha, Julia Michaels, and [Andra Day](/artists/andra-day/18980) joining on background vocals, the performance ended with the women hugging and in tears. They weren't alone.

### 9. Elton John, Miley Cyrus Transcend Generations Onstage

[Elton John](/artists/elton-john/12074)'s "Tiny Dancer" is one of those classic songs that can bring you immediately back to a moment or an era (or a movie scene, like that bus ride in Almost Famous). However, tonight a new moment was made with [Miley Cyrus](/artists/miley-cyrus/18384). With John seated at his piano, he opened the song and Cyrus joined to help carry the song home. While the "Wrecking Ball" singer is no stranger to classic music — especially given her godmother is [Dolly Parton](/artists/dolly-parton/17205) — this performance was particularly special. Call it onstage chemistry, or call it bridging the gap, but this "Tiny Dancer" performance was one for the ages.

### 10. Ben Platt, Patti LuPone Wow With Broadway Style

This special [Leonard Bernstein](/artists/leonard-bernstein/896)-[Andrew Lloyd Webber](/artists/andrew-lloyd-webber/4044) tribute kicked off properly, as [Ben Platt](/artists/ben-platt/188321) from "Dear Evan Hansen" gave the audience a rousing dose of "Somewhere" from the former's "West Side Story." But as James Corden could barely stand as he introduced [Patti LuPone](/artists/patti-lupone/5059), we soon found out why. LuPone delivered a riveting rendition of “Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from Evita. Posted at a podium, just as the musical/movie depicts, she belted like it was her first time singing the song and it was our first time hearing it.

### 11. Logic, Khalid, Alessia Cara Bring Hope 

There's a reason why "1-800-273-8255" was nominated for Song Of The Year. The powerful track comes with a real message of suicide prevention. When the trifecta of [Logic](/artists/Sir-Robert-Bryson-Hall-II/32370), [Khalid](/artists/khalid/187821), and Alessia Cara hit the stage to perform the monumental hit single, there was no denying the magic. Performing on opposite stages before an army of survivors in "You Are Not Alone" shirts, Logic addressed the crowd and closed the performance with a speech pointing out many societal injustices — from the treatment of women to neighbors from other countries. There are no weak individuals, per Logic, just people waiting to realize the power of their voice.

### 12. Bruno Mars' Magical Evening: 6 For 6

Bruno Mars emerged above the stiff competition in Album Of The Year, taking home the final GRAMMY of the evening for 24K Magic. The nod topped off a GRAMMY sweep for the Hawaii native, with Mars winning all six categories for which he was nominated. He also earned R&amp;B Album, Record Of The Year for "24K Magic," Best R&amp;B Performance, Best R&amp;B Song and Song Of The Year for "That's What I Like." As he explained in his Album Of The Year speech, Mars' mission was to spread love and he did just that — even shouting out previous greats like [Babyface](/artists/babyface/985) who paved the way for him.

grammy60th

Find all the Winners of 2017 Grammys. For any music lover, GRAMMY Sunday is very much like the Super Bowl or World Series to a sports fanatic. The only difference being, while sports teams typically find out who will be the final competition within a week or two of the showdown, GRAMMY nominations arrive months prior to the big show. The ceremony is arguably a culmination of all of that energy and anticipation. The 60th GRAMMY Awards was no different, as James Corden returned to host the Music's Biggest Night.

59th Annual GRAMMY Awards

During a period in our nation's history in which people are constantly reminded about the political and social issues that can divide us, the 59th GRAMMY Awards served as a convincing testament to the undeniable unifying power of music.

[Adele](/artists/adele/528), whose voice is a powerful force unto itself, emerged the top winner of the night, taking home five GRAMMYs: Best Pop Vocal Album and Album Of The Year for 25 and Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Hello." The now-15-time winner also made GRAMMY history by becoming the first artist to sweep Record, Album and Song Of The Year twice in her career.

Fittingly, it was Adele who ushered in Music's Biggest Night with a mesmerizing performance of her smash "Hello." A stark black backdrop provided a blank canvas over which the British singer/songwriter painted an aural masterpiece, her potent vocals reverberating throughout Los Angeles' Staples Center.

The mercurial [David Bowie](/artists/david-bowie/4819), who died just days before releasing his album Blackstar on Jan. 8, 2016, won four posthumous GRAMMYs, including Best Alternative Music Album. [Greg Kurstin](/artists/greg-kurstin/9943), Adele's producer and songwriting partner, also won four awards, including Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical.

[Chance The Rapper](/artists/chancelor-bennett/19614) earned three awards, including Best New Artist, making him the first streaming-exclusive artist to win a GRAMMY. "This is for every indie artist who's been doing this mixtape stuff for a long-a\*\* time," the Chicagoan said during his acceptance for Best Rap Album for Coloring Book. He punctuated his GRAMMY debut with a feel-good performance medley of "How Great" and "All We Got," with his cousin Nicole and 59th GRAMMY winners [Kirk Franklin](/artists/kirk-franklin/9067) and Tamela Mann adding soulful flourishes.

Engineer/mixer [Tom Elmhirst](/artists/tom-elmhirst/2228) also won three GRAMMYs; [Beyoncé](/artists/beyonce-knowles/12474), [Drake](/artists/drake/12370), [Sarah Jarosz](/artists/sarah-jarosz/13600), [John Scofield](/artists/john-scofield/13908), Franklin, and [Hillary Scott &amp; The Scott Family](/artists/hillary-scott-scott-family/20151) were among those winning two awards.

As presenter Celine Dion so eloquently quoted the legendary [Stevie Wonder](/artists/stevie-wonder/8257), "Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories." In addition to crowning recipients in 84 GRAMMY categories, the 59th GRAMMYs created many new memories in the form of signature GRAMMY Moments that spanned several genres.

Equal parts music, theater and spoken word poetry, a golden-clad Beyoncé radiated during her medley of "Love Drought" and "Sandcastles," two songs from her Best Urban Contemporary Album-winning opus, Lemonade. The trance-inducing performance, which was themed around the celebration of motherhood, featured her own mother, Tina Knowles, and daughter, [Blue Ivy Carter](/artists/blue-ivy/292460), and closed on a poignant note with the pregnant Beyoncé reciting a line from a Warsan Shire poem: "If we're going to heal, let it be glorious/1,000 girls raise their arms."

[Bruno Mars](/artists/bruno-mars/5082) dazzled with his seductive "That's What I Like." Commanding the stage with aplomb, showcasing graceful dance moves and flaunting his rich tenor, Mars once again proved the breadth of his 24-karat talent.

[Ed Sheeran](/artists/ed-sheeran/6178) turned in arguably the most energy-efficient performance of the evening. Armed with an acoustic guitar, synthesizer and a pedalboard that doubled as a looping device, Sheeran proved a veritable one-man band in multitasking his romantic ode "Shape Of You."

[The Weeknd](/artists/The-Weeknd/24884) teamed with fellow GRAMMY winners [Daft Punk](/artists/daft-punk/8207) for a medley of "Starboy" and "I Feel It Coming." The duo's trademark synthesizer soundscapes set the tone for a sci-fi inspired set, with The Weeknd's velvety voice drifting into space.

[Katy Perry](/artists/katy-perry/5726) returned to the GRAMMY stage to debut her brand-new single, "Chained To The Rhythm," with reggae artist Skip Marley. Perry — who wore an armband emblazoned with the word "Resist" — earnestly delivered her new socially conscious anthem, which she closed by declaring "No hate!"

Best New Artist nominee [Anderson .Paak](/artists/anderson-paak/19926) and rappers Busta Rhymes, Consequence and [A Tribe Called Quest](/artists/tribe-called-quest/10719) joined for a politically charged medley of "Award Tour," "Movin Backwards" and "We The People." The latter song, A Tribe Called Quest's anthem addressing topics such as racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and misogyny, proved timely given the recent political climate. A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip put an exclamation point on the performance by shouting, "Resist! Resist! Resist!"

[Metallica](/artists/metallica/10686) and [Lady Gaga](/artists/lady-gaga/3611) turned the volume up to 10 with a driving performance of the band's "Moth Into Flame." Despite a brief technical glitch with Metallica frontman James Hetfield's mic, the heat generated — stoked by pyrotechnics, headbanging and a stage dive from Gaga — set off a genre-bending explosion.

[Keith Urban](/artists/keith-urban/7015) and [Carrie Underwood](/artists/carrie-underwood/10381) went toe-to-toe for their love-affirming duet "The Fighter." GRAMMY-nominated newcomers [Kelsea Ballerini](/artists/kelsea-ballerini/19558) and [Lukas Graham](/artists/lukas-graham/20132) joined together for a seamless mashup of her "Peter Pan" and their "7 Years," which was up for Song Of The Year. R&amp;B/soul legend William Bell, who earlier won his first career GRAMMY, teamed with guitar slinger [Gary Clark Jr.](/artists/gary-clark-jr/17798) for a gritty "Born Under A Bad Sign."

First-time GRAMMY host James Corden got into the musical act as well. During his opening skit, Corden delivered a free-style rap that name-dropped everyone from President Donald Trump to Drake, Rihanna and Sturgill Simpson. "The Late Late Show" host also sped through a hilarious impromptu GRAMMY edition of Carpool Karaoke. Driving a cardboard cutout vehicle, Corden was flanked by [Jennifer Lopez](/artists/jennifer-lopez/14846), [Tim McGraw](/artists/tim-mcgraw/12018), [Faith Hill](/artists/faith-hill/10850), [Keith Urban](/artists/keith-urban/7015), [Ryan Tedder](/artists/ryan-tedder/16130), [John Legend](/artists/john-legend/16994), Blue Ivy, Jason Derulo, and [Neil Diamond](/artists/neil-diamond/2720) for a singalong of the latter's classic "Sweet Caroline."

In addition to Corden's bits, [Twenty One Pilots](/artists/twenty-one-pilots/20162) provided some unexpected comic relief when they accepted their first career GRAMMY for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Stressed Out" in their underwear. Underneath the humor, the duo from Columbus, Ohio, conveyed an important message to musicians of all stripes. "Anyone from anywhere can do anything," said Pilots singer/songwriter Tyler Joseph.

It was also a night of firsts for breakout country star [Maren Morris](/artists/maren-morris/19894). Not only did she make her GRAMMY performance debut with "Once" alongside [Alicia Keys](/artists/alicia-keys/12104), she won her first GRAMMY for Best Country Solo Performance for "My Church," making her the first GRAMMY Camp alumnus to win a GRAMMY.

Music's Biggest Night also provided moments of reflection in the form of tributes.

An all-star troupe paid homage to five-time GRAMMY winners the Bee Gees, who will be celebrated this spring via the CBS TV special "Stayin' Alive: A GRAMMY Salute To The Music Of The Bee Gees." [Demi Lovato](/artists/demi-lovato/19851) glided through "Stayin' Alive" while [Tori Kelly](/artists/tori-kelly/19120) showcased her impressive singing and guitar chops on "Tragedy." [Little Big Town](/artists/little-big-town/10623) were in perfect harmony for "How Deep Is Your Love" and Andra Day bottled the essence of Studio 54 during "Night Fever." The group closed with a vibrant "Stayin' Alive" coda, with Barry Gibb looking on in delight.

[Sturgill Simpson](/artists/sturgill-simpson/18703) and the Dap-Kings convened for "All Around You," a song from Simpson's Best Country Album-winning A Sailor's Guide To Earth. During his introduction, Dwight Yoakam lauded the late singer [Sharon Jones](/artists/sharon-jones/18518), who worked with the Dap-Kings throughout her career.

In recognition of [George Michael](/artists/george-michael/12041), who died Dec. 25, 2016, Adele returned to the stage for a dramatic, orchestrated version of "Fastlove," the final Top 10 hit of Michael's career. The tribute paused abruptly as Adele stopped mid-song, feeling that her performance was not up to par. "I can't mess this up for him," she confided to the audience. Adele reset herself and delivered a moving memorial. The audience obliged with a standing ovation.

Morris Day and the Time did the honors in introducing a special GRAMMY tribute to the late [Prince](/artists/prince/5675). A true showman, Day bobbed and weaved the band through the Time's funky "Jungle Love" and "The Bird." Mars then returned to the stage for a regal reimagining of "Let's Go Crazy." Armed with a Purple Rain-inspired suit, makeup and white guitar, Mars channeled vintage '80s-era Prince, right down to his authentic take on the song's spectacular unaccompanied guitar cadenza.

The In Memoriam segment featured [John Legend](/artists/john-legend/16994) and GRAMMY-winning "The Color Purple" cast member [Cynthia Erivo](/artists/cynthia-erivo/19682) delivering a rendition of the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows," which served as a solemn musical prayer to many other individuals the music community lost during the past year.

The GRAMMY show was also marked by heartfelt, if unexpected, tributes to fellow nominees. In her final acceptance speech of the evening for Album Of The Year, a visibly moved Adele used her platform to acknowledge and thank fellow nominee Beyoncé.

"My artist of my life is Beyoncé," Adele said as a tearful Beyoncé looked on. "The Lemonade album was just so monumental and so well-thought out and so beautiful and soul-bearing. … All us artists here, we f\*\*\*ing adore you. You are our light.

Music's Biggest Night beamed into the homes of more than 26 million viewers, representing a 4 percent year-over-year increase and the highest viewership since 2014. The luster extended well after the Sunday telecast, with several winners, nominees and performers benefiting from the GRAMMY Effect.

Digital sales of songs performed on the show saw a 140 percent increase in download sales, with Urban and Underwood's "The Fighter" experiencing a 574 percent gain. On-demand streams (audio and video combined) of songs performed rose 30 percent, including Mars' "That's What I Like" spiking 99 percent. Adele's 25 returned to the Top 10, rising to No. 6 with a 137 percent sales increase. Combined with the other Album Of The Year nominees (Beyoncé's Lemonade, [Justin Bieber](/artists/justin-bieber/10220)'s Purpose, Drake's Views, and Sturgill Simpson's A Sailor's Guide To Earth), all five albums saw a collective 91 percent increase in equivalent album sales. Following his GRAMMY performance with Perry, Skip Marley became the first member of the Marley family to score a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

More than just impressive statistics, these sizable GRAMMY Effect gains give additional credence to the 59th GRAMMY Awards telecast remarks of Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow, who during his impassioned speech delivered to the new administration an important unified message on behalf of the music community.

"The Recording Academy, together with America's music makers, call on the president and Congress to help keep the music playing by updating music laws, protecting music education and renewing America's commitment to the arts," said Portnow. "It's our collective responsibility to preserve what binds us and to ensure that the whole world continues to benefit from one of our most unique \[and\] economically and spiritually important assets — and exports: American music."

Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2015, through Sept. 30, 2016

grammy-awards-promo-book-aj

58th Annual GRAMMY Awards

In an era when much of the prevailing cultural dialogue revolves around race relations and personal empowerment, the big winners at the 58th GRAMMY Awards reflected the currency of the times.

With 11 nominations, Compton, Calif., rapper [Kendrick Lamar](/artists/kendrick-lamar/17949) went into Music's Biggest Night as the most nominated artist since [Michael Jackson](/artists/michael-jackson/13202) and [Babyface](/artists/babyface/985) each scored 12 for 1983 and 1996, respectively. He took five GRAMMYs, including Best Rap Album for To Pimp A Butterfly, and Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for "Alright."

Lamar's performance of "The Blacker The Berry" and "Alright," songs that became unofficial soundtracks for the Black Lives Matter movement, infused the GRAMMYs with the kind of social immediacy at which it excels, whether it's championing marriage equality or honoring late musical icons such as Whitney Houston.

[Alabama Shakes](/artists/alabama-shakes/14656), perhaps fittingly a multiracial band with a multiracial frontwoman, [Brittany Howard](/artists/brittany-howard/3375), won three awards — Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Alternative Music Album — all based around their acclaimed sophomore album, Sound &amp; Color. Their performance of "Don't Wanna Fight," introduced with an otherworldly scream by Howard, who looked like a high priestess of rock in a flowing white cape, was a captivating moment from a band that has helped bring back a sense of urgency to rock.

[Taylor Swift](/artists/taylor-swift/15450) took Album Of The Year for 1989 among her three awards. Pointing out she was the first woman to win that award twice, Swift was passionate about giving due credit to the contributions of women during her acceptance speech. Her show-opening performance of "Out Of The Woods" proved she's a powerful, self-assured woman.

Other multiple winners included [D'Angelo](/artists/dangelo/1902), [Diplo](/artists/diplo/8548), [Jason Isbell](/artists/jason-isbell/19091), [Maria Schneider](/artists/maria-schneider/6153), [Ed Sheeran](/artists/ed-sheeran/6178), [Skrillex](/artists/skrillex/6363), [Chris Stapleton](/artists/chris-stapleton/15418), and [The Weeknd](/artists/The-Weeknd/24884).

Rising up, to paraphrase GRAMMY nominee and performer [Andra Day](/artists/andra-day/18980), was the theme of the night. In addition to Lamar's wins and triumphant performance, there were other noteworthy moments.

"Glory," Common and [John Legend](/artists/john-legend/16994)'s defiant song from Selma, the film about the 1965 Montgomery, Ala., voting rights marches, won for Best Song Written For Visual Media. [Lalah Hathaway](/artists/lalah-hathaway/3123) won in the Best Traditional R&amp;B Performance category for "Little Ghetto Boy," a song about overcoming the consequences of growing up in inner-city poverty that was originally recorded by her father, [Donny Hathaway](/artists/donny-hathaway/2656).   

Mexican drummer/composer [Antonio Sanchez](/artists/antonio-sanchez/6087), who won Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media for Birdman, thanked GRAMMY voters specifically because he had been "eliminated by another awards show that starts with an 'O' and ends with 'scars.'" And songwriter [Kendra Foster](/artists/kendra-foster/19024) literally raised a fist and proclaimed "we're trying to rise up" when accepting the Best R&amp;B Song award for her, D'Angelo and [Gina Figueroa](/artists/gina-figueroa/19500)'s "Really Love."

It was also a night of official goodbyes to musical giants, some of whom died within weeks of the GRAMMY telecast.

[Lady Gaga](/artists/lady-gaga/3611)'s tribute to [David Bowie](/artists/david-bowie/4819) was an electrifying appreciation of one of the most influential artists of our time. Bowie — who died Jan. 10 — received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy in 2006, and an appropriate celebration on the GRAMMY telecast with a 10-song medley wrapped by a triumphant version of "Heroes."

The band synonymous with '70s California rock came together to salute their fallen founding member, [Glenn Frey](/artists/glenn-frey/2410), who died Jan. 18. The Eagles strummed through their first hit, the classic "Take It Easy," teaming with the song's co-writer Jackson Browne (who penned the tune with Frey in the early '70s when they lived in the same Los Angeles apartment building). The ode to letting troubles run off your shoulders and grabbing life while you can was a fitting tribute to a singer, guitarist and man who did just that.

Things revved up a few decibels when the Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry joined by Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum) lit the funeral pyre for Lemmy Kilmister — hard rock's No. 1 anarchist who died Dec. 28, 2015 — with a short blast of Motörhead's "Ace Of Spades."

At the other end of the genre and attitude spectrum, [Earth, Wind &amp; Fire](/artists/earth-wind-fire/14550)'s deeply optimistic pan-spiritual leader [Maurice White](/artists/maurice-white/6905), who died Feb. 4, was feted by [Stevie Wonder](/artists/stevie-wonder/8257) and vocal group [Pentatonix](/artists/pentatonix/20140), who performed an a cappella version of the classic "That's The Way Of The World."

Finally, Stapleton, [Gary Clark Jr.](/artists/gary-clark-jr/17798) and Bonnie Raitt paid tribute to one of the most noteworthy bluesmen of all time, B.B. King, who died May 14, 2015. The three artists — performing King's biggest hit, "The Thrill Is Gone" — reflected disparate generations and genres, but demonstrated that roots music is a single language often spoken with six strings.

Wrapped around these special GRAMMY Moments were additional performances that delivered musical breadth as only the GRAMMYs can.

New country star and former college footballer [Sam Hunt](/artists/sam-hunt/19085)'s "Take Your Time" got an audible via a duet with [Carrie Underwood](/artists/carrie-underwood/10381) and her "Heartbeat."

R&amp;B sensation [The Weeknd](/artists/The-Weeknd/24884) sensitively performed his ballad "In The Night," backed by piano and cello, after teasing his hit "Can't Feel My Face." The vocal triumph scored a standing ovation.

Day was joined by [Ellie Goulding](/artists/ellie-goulding/19043) for one of the night's sweetest melding of voices as they seamlessly brought their respective ballads "Rise Up" and "Love Me Like You Do" together.

[Lionel Richie](/artists/lionel-richie/17291), the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree and a true hits king of the '80s, rightly received the royal treatment as Luke Bryan, John Legend, Demi Lovato, [Meghan Trainor](/artists/meghan-trainor/18740), and [Tyrese](/artists/tyrese/17506) came together for a mega-salute capped by the man himself singing his signature "All Night Long (All Night)."

Richie collaborator, the late Michael Jackson, was remembered by nominee [Miguel](/artists/miguel/4571), who delivered a smooth version of "She's Out Of My Life" backed by the song's original keyboardist Greg Phillinganes.

[Little Big Town](/artists/little-big-town/10623) turned in a contemplative version of "Girl Crush" rich in the harmonizing of their four collective voices.

Two Best New Artist nominees, James Bay and Tori Kelly, joined forces to show off some fresh multiweapon talent as the pair of singer/songwriter/instrumentalists ran emotively through his "Let It Go" and her "Hollow."

The GRAMMYs aired its first-ever live performance from a Broadway stage by bringing the acclaimed musical "Hamilton" to a nationwide TV audience. Star/writer Lin-Manuel Miranda and his cast ran through the opening number "Alexander Hamilton" before an ecstatic audience at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York, providing a taste of its groundbreaking melding of hip-hop and traditional musical theater.

Despite some well-documented technical glitches, Adele's performance became a triumph over adversity, a testament to the fact that great talent will always shine despite the sometimes unexpected travails of live TV. To paraphrase her song "All I Ask," Adele left her heart on the stage to a standing ovation.

[Justin Bieber](/artists/justin-bieber/10220) teamed with EDM stars Skrillex and Diplo — under their Jack Ü moniker — for a rousing take on "Where Are Ü Now," which followed an acoustic solo turn by Bieber, who played his "Love Yourself." As Billboard noted, "While some previous dance performances have fallen flat in televised awards shows, there was nothing stilted about the energetic ensemble's stage show."

And on a similarly energetic note, the GRAMMYs concluded with a party thrown by one of the night's winners, Pitbull, who was joined by Travis Barker, Joe Perry, Robin Thicke, and actress Sofia Vergara, who showed off some of her best dance moves.

Between honoring our musical legacy and recognizing music's power to reflect and impact our cultural legacy, fans truly had a chance to Witness Greatness on the 58th GRAMMYs.

Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2014, through Sept. 30, 2015

58gr_poster_final

57th Annual GRAMMY Awards

Even for the GRAMMY Awards, which takes pride in each unique performance on its world-renowned stage — performances that have collectively come to be known as GRAMMY Moments — the 57th telecast topped expectations. The show featured an impressive 23 performances, many offering teamings that were not only inspired, but resulted in illuminating versions of deeply powerful songs.

If you thought <a href="/artists/sam-smith/18713">Sam Smith</a>'s multiple GRAMMY-winning "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)" was an aching heartbreak of a song, you may have been emotionally drained after <a href="/artists/mary-j-blige/779">Mary J. Blige</a> joined Smith to add tent-revival urgency. 
 
<a href="/artists/katy-perry/5726">Katy Perry</a>'s "By The Grace Of God" already defies many of the California gurl's best-known pop hits, but following a personal plea from President Barack Obama to stop domestic violence and the real-life tale of abuse from survivor and activist Brooke Axtell, its unexpected impact brought the house to its feet. 
 
And so went this year's telecast, performance after performance proving that GRAMMY Moments live well beyond the moment of their creation. 
 
First-time GRAMMY performers AC/DC opened the show with fireworks and firepower, with singer Brian Johnson and guitarist Angus Young igniting the stage — and the playfully devil-horned audience ­— with "Rock Or Bust" and the classic "Highway To Hell." 
 
But it was the next performance of "Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart" by <a href="/artists/ariana-grande/18441">Ariana Grande</a> that arguably served as the true tone setter of the night, a poignant moment of soul-stirring singing that was as moving as it was entertaining. 
 
Brits <a href="/artists/jessie-j/18501">Jessie J</a> and the ever-vibrant Tom Jones followed with a similarly breathtaking "You've Lost That Loving Feelin'" in tribute to the iconic song's co-writers, 2015 Recording Academy Trustees Award recipients Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. 
 
<a href="/artists/miranda-lambert/4851">Miranda Lambert</a> then interjected a touch of rock-inflected hoedown energy, wheeling out her upbeat "Little Red Wagon" with attitude and energy to spare, tapping into her firecracker charisma. 
 
<a href="/artists/kanye-west/6900">Kanye West</a> returned to the show's tacit theme of emotional message music with "Only One." Shadowy under a single spotlight, West bared it all with his ode to daughter North West, sung from the perspective of his late mother, and aimed at healing and happiness. 
 
An ageless <a href="/artists/madonna/5068">Madonna</a>, still enviably contorting through Pilates-required dance numbers, debuted her new "Living For Love" with a bullfighting theme and a matador's determination and finesse. 
 
Pulling out all the stops, <a href="/artists/ed-sheeran/6178">Ed Sheeran</a>, <a href="/artists/john-mayer/14891">John Mayer</a>, <a href="/artists/herbie-hancock/9477">Herbie Hancock</a>, and Questlove teamed for Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud." Despite such a group of heavyweights, they retained the song’s graceful rumination on enduring love. 
 
The quartet then gave way to Jeff Lynne's ELO. GRAMMY winner Lynne led the band through an ELO signature, "Evil Woman," before joining with Sheeran for a rousing "Mr. Blue Sky." 
 
Adam Levine reunited with former "The Voice" judge Gwen Stefani for <a href="/artists/maroon-5/13090">Maroon 5</a>'s ballad "My Heart Is Open," with each bringing their formidable chops to the plea for love. 
 
Last year, the GRAMMYs brought 33 couples to the stage for a mass musical marriage ceremony. This year, Irish singer/songwriter <a href="/grammys/artists/hozier">Hozier</a> took the crowd to church with his GRAMMY-nominated hit. As "Take Me To Church" built to its climax, singer <a href="/grammys/artists/annie-lennox">Annie Lennox</a> joined to add an exclamation point, then segued into her cover of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put A Spell On You," as she did just that to the GRAMMY audience. 
 
By now, <a href="/artists/pharrell-williams/7310">Pharrell Williams</a> has built a cottage industry around his inescapable hit "Happy." For his GRAMMY performance, joined by composer Hans Zimmer on guitar and pianist <a href="/artists/lang-lang/14460">Lang Lang</a>'s otherworldly finger play, Williams' turned in a dark and satisfying take on the song. 
 
After Perry's stirring "By The Grace Of God," <a href="/artists/tony-bennett/1073">Tony Bennett</a> and <a href="/artists/lady-gaga/3611">Lady Gaga</a> hit the stage like the second coming of ultimate lounge-act couple Louis Prima and Keely Smith. The pair was clearly having authentic fun onstage, at times truly "Cheek To Cheek." 
 
Backed only by teen harpist Melody Tai, <a href="/artists/usher/16167">Usher</a> performed a sweet version of <a href="/artists/stevie-wonder/8257">Stevie Wonder</a>'s "Magic" in anticipation of "Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life — An All-Star GRAMMY Salute," a two-hour special that aired on CBS Feb. 16. Truly whetting appetites for that show, Wonder emerged from the shadows at the end of the song for an excitedly received harmonica solo. 
 
The GRAMMYs took a trip to Nashville, Tenn., next for <a href="/artists/eric-church/10938">Eric Church</a>'s "Give Me Back My Hometown." Then it was just left of Nashville for Best New Artist nominee <a href="/artists/brandy-clark/17797">Brandy Clark</a>'s teaming with Dwight Yoakam for her "Hold My Hand," to which Yoakam contributed haunting background vocals. 
 
The camera then shifted quietly to three silhouetted figures, in what is quickly becoming an iconic pose, for a debut performance of "FourFiveSeconds," <a href="/artists/rihanna/5943">Rihanna</a>'s new single with <a href="/artists/paul-mccartney/4678">Paul McCartney</a> and West. The trio represented almost unprecedented star power and the song was captivatingly striking in its stark presentation. 
 
After Smith (who emerged as the night's top winner with four GRAMMYs) and Blige's roof-raising performance of "Stay With Me," Colombian singer/songwriter <a href="/artists/juanes/9195">Juanes</a> hit the stage for a performance of his reggae-tinged "Juntos," en español. 
 
Actress Kristen Wiig served as the face of<a href="/artists/sia/15372"> Sia</a> for the latter's performance of "Chandelier," miming a comic version of the song's GRAMMY-nominated music video with young dancer Maddie Ziegler, while Sia earnestly sang from a corner of the set, in her customary back-to-the-audience stance. 
 
Album Of The Year winner <a href="/artists/beck/292">Beck</a> teamed with <a href="/artists/coldplay/10952">Coldplay</a>'s Chris Martin for a Crosby, Stills, Nash &amp; Young-inspired version of his acoustic gem "Heart Is A Drum." Though backed only by acoustic instruments, the song's tale of heartbreak and acceptance had an electric impact. 
 
"We live in complicated times," said Gwyneth Paltrow in introducing <a href="/artists/beyonce-knowles/12474">Beyoncé</a>'s take on the gospel standard "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," "and now more than ever we need understanding and to acknowledge the feelings of others.” 
 
Looking angelic in a white dress that gave the appearance of wings, Bey took the crowd to church literally, as Hozier had done metaphorically earlier. 
 
The 57th GRAMMY Awards closed poignantly with <a href="/artists/john-legend/16994">John Legend</a> and <a href="/artists/common/1332">Common</a>'s stunning Selma theme, "Glory." The performance not only came two weeks prior to their Oscar turn, but taken together with Beyoncé’s preceding tour de force vocal performance, the finale drew a connection in the battle for equal rights from the '60s to the present — capping the night's powerful message about music's ability to stir people to greater awareness and action. 
 
&nbsp;

Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2014

57th_cover

See all GRAMMY award winners and nominees for the 57th GRAMMY Awards, presented in 2014.

56th Annual GRAMMY Awards

Reuniting legends, creating unparalleled GRAMMY Moments and giving new artists a global platform are all part of what makes the GRAMMYs a truly unique celebration of music. But this year the GRAMMY stage served as an opportunity to display music's power to unleash "whoever we are and whoever we dream about being," as host [LL Cool J](/artists/ll-cool-j/4008) said in his opening remarks.

Following a steamy performance of "Drunk In Love" by power couple Beyoncé and Jay Z, Macklemore &amp; Ryan Lewis made their first appearance on the GRAMMY stage to accept the first award of the night for Best New Artist. After catching their collective breath, Macklemore thanked their fans, "the people that got us on this stage," while acknowledging their independent roots.\

\

"We made this album without a record label," said Macklemore. "And we appreciate all the support."

The Seattle rap duo ended their GRAMMY debut on top, garnering a total of four trophies. The duo were later joined by singer/songwriter Mary Lambert and Trombone Shorty for a performance of their GRAMMY-nominated anthem of equality, "Same Love." The performance marked a historic moment for the GRAMMY Awards as Queen Latifah took the stage mid-set to officiate a live marriage ceremony for 33 diverse couples, which was capped with an appearance by Madonna. Madge gave new meaning to the chorus to her "Open Your Heart," proving that while music unleashes independence, it also promotes harmony.

"When we say music has the power to bring people together at the GRAMMYs, we mean it," said Latifah.

Fellow GRAMMY newcomer Lorde performed her hit "Royals," which took Song Of The Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. The 17-year-old singer/songwriter was clearly shocked: "This is the one thing that I did not expect the most about tonight," she said while accepting the latter award.

Further demonstrating music's power to unleash individuality, Hunter Hayes debuted his new single "Invisible." The inspirational piano-driven ballad was colored with several onscreen quotes, including one by John Lennon: "You don't need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are. You are what you are."

Country singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves nabbed the first two GRAMMYs of her career for Best Country Song for "Merry Go 'Round" with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, and Best Country Album for Same Trailer Different Park. Musgraves made her individual mark on the GRAMMYs when she brightened the stage for a performance of "Follow Your Arrow," a song about doing "whatever you want."

One of the most talked about — and tweeted — performances of the night was the teaming of Imagine Dragons, who won their first GRAMMY for Best Rock Performance for "Radioactive," with rising rapper Kendrick Lamar. On a smoke-filled stage, the collective delivered a colorful mashup of "Radioactive" and Lamar's "m.A.A.d city" — an appropriate welcome to a new generation of GRAMMY performers.

But being in with the new does not mean out with the old — or in this case, legendary. Newly minted Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard were accompanied by Blake Shelton for a medley of classics such as "Okie From Muskogee" and "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" that had everyone from Musgraves to Jay Z and Beyoncé swaying in the audience. Daft Punk  and Pharrell Williams — both of whom also topped the winners list with four each, including Album Of The Year for Random Access Memories and a Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical win for Williams — teamed with Nile Rodgers and Stevie Wonder for a mashup of the Chic classic "Le Freak" and "Get Lucky." The latter earned Rodgers two of his first three career GRAMMYs for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Record Of The Year.

Additionally, Jay Z and Justin Timberlake won Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Holy Grail," which Jay Z accepted on their behalf and dedicated to his daughter Blue Ivy. Bruno Mars took home Best Pop Vocal Album honors for Unorthodox Jukebox, which he dedicated to his late mother Bernadette, who died in June 2013.

On a satellite stage, 2014 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Carole King and Sara Bareilles went head-to-head on piano for a performance of Bareilles' "Brave" and King's "Beautiful." More all-star collaborations ensued. Robin Thicke joined Chicago to perform the latter's "Beginnings," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" and "Saturday In The Park" and his "Blurred Lines," which earned Thicke his first nominations as an artist. GRAMMY winner Keith Urban and first-time winner Gary Clark Jr. joined for a performance of Urban's "Cop Car" that showed off each individual's guitar prowess. Pink made sure no one forgot her high-flying acrobatic skills as she took to the air to perform "Try" before Fun.'s Nate Ruess joined to deliver their GRAMMY-nominated hit "Just Give Me A Reason."

The spotlight was on John Legend as he took a seat behind the piano for a soulful performance of his romantic ballad "All Of Me," which appeared to be dedicated to his new bride, Chrissy Teigen. Taylor Swift went for a no-frills performance, looking glamorous at the piano for her "All Too Well." Meanwhile, fellow singer/songwriter Katy Perry proved she has a dark side, opening encased in a crystal ball for an enchanting performance of her hit single about playing with magic, "Dark Horse," featuring Juicy J.

Though the evening was highlighted by new artists taking home their first GRAMMY gold, as David Grohl remarked while accepting the award for Best Rock Song for "Cut Me Some Slack" with Paul McCartney and former Nirvana bandmates Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear, "If it wasn't for the Beatles, we wouldn't be here." Celebrating the 50th anniversary of their U.S. debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show" this year, remaining Beatles McCartney and Ringo Starr took the stage, likely reminding some of the younger artists in the audience why they chose their individual paths. After a solo performance by Starr of his chestnut "Photograph," the drummer joined McCartney for the latter's new "Queenie Eye." (Two weeks later, the pair would team again for the successful tribute "The Beatles: The Night That Changed America — A GRAMMY Salute," which celebrated their historic performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" 50 years ago.)

From one surprise teaming to another, Metallica took the stage with the GRAMMY Cultural Ambassador to China, pianist Lang Lang. Following an introduction from Oscar winner Jared Leto, who cited Metallica as a "great rock band who have stayed true to themselves," the group delivered a unique performance of their past GRAMMY winner "One" that had frontman James Hetfield going guitar-to-piano with Lang Lang. The pianist returned shortly after to pay tribute to the late Van Cliburn during the In Memoriam segment, which also featured Miranda Lambert and Billie Joe Armstrong teaming for a tribute to the late Phil Everly with the Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved."

The 56th telecast took its final bow with one last memorable GRAMMY Moment that literally rocked. Fleetwood Mac guitar master Lindsey Buckingham and Grohl joined Nine Inch Nails and Queens Of The Stone Age for NIN's "Copy Of A" and QOTSA's "My God Is The Sun."

Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2012, through Sept. 30, 2013

56gr_poster_final

55th Annual GRAMMY Awards

While many past GRAMMY telecasts have turned into colorful coronations of artists who enjoyed larger-than-life years (<a href="/artists/michael-jackson/13202" target="_blank">Michael Jackson</a>'s eight GRAMMYs in 1983, Santana's eight in 1999, <a href="/artists/beyonce-knowles/12474" target="_blank">Beyoncé</a>'s six in 2009, and <a href="/artists/adele/528" target="_blank">Adele</a>'s six in 2011), the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards spread the wealth among a crop of younger artists who set the stage for the century's second decade in music.

Roots-influenced rockers the <a href="/artists/black-keys/8120" target="_blank">Black Keys</a> won three awards in the Rock Field (and guitarist/singer Dan Auerbach added one more for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical.

Rap stalwarts <a href="/artists/jay-z/9815" target="_blank">Jay-Z</a> and <a href="/artists/kanye-west/6900" target="_blank">Kanye West</a> won three GRAMMYs each, all for their collaborations on Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Songwinner "N****s In Paris" and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration winner "No Church In The Wild" (featuring Frank Ocean and The-Dream).

Then came more relative newcomers: Skrillex added three GRAMMYs to his three from last year; <a href="/artists/gotye/2402" target="_blank">Gotye</a> rode "Somebody That I Used To Know" (featuring <a href="/artists/kimbra/3581" target="_blank">Kimbra</a>), which became the most idiosyncratic radio hit of 2012, to three awards, including Record Of The Year; <a href="/artists/fun/15812" target="_blank">Fun.</a> won their first two GRAMMYs for Song Of The Year for "We Are Young" (featuring <a href="/artists/janelle-monae/4464" target="_blank">Janelle Monáe</a>) and Best New Artist; and Mumford &amp; Sons, one of the trailblazers for the new wave of acoustic roots artists, won Album Of The Year for Babel.

Some of the winning artists were so new, they took other winners by surprise.

"Miguel, I don't know who the hell you are, but we need to sing together," shouted <a href="/artists/kelly-clarkson/11249" target="_blank">Kelly Clarkson</a> while collecting her Best Pop Vocal Album GRAMMY for Stronger, referring to <a href="/artists/miguel/4571" target="_blank">Miguel</a>'s brief slow jam of his Best R&amp;B Song winner "Adorn" (on which he teamed with Wiz Khalifa). "That was the sexiest damn thing I've ever seen."

It was more than a fresh breeze that blew over the 55th GRAMMYs, it was arguably a wind of change.

Still, the telecast remained music's biggest melting pot, with performances that brought innumerous ingredients to the stew, starting with one that was a virtual stew all on its own. With nose-thumbing clowns, a wheelchair-bound Mephisto and scary puppeteers, <a href="/artists/taylor-swift/15450" target="_blank">Taylor Swift</a> turned in the most threatening "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" ever.

British singer/songwriter <a href="/artists/ed-sheeran/6178" target="_blank">Ed Sheeran</a> teamed with the head of his management company, <a href="/artists/elton-john/12074" target="_blank">Elton John</a>, for a strong reading of the former's Song Of The Year-nominated "The A Team," the tale of a homeless addict.

Fun. brought drama to "Carry On," their song of perseverance, in the form of both their anthemic ambition and a rainstorm of real water that drenched their set.

<a href="/artists/miranda-lambert/4851" target="_blank">Miranda Lambert</a> and Dierks Bentley, met under a large blue tree for intimate duets of her "Over You" and his "Home."

Mumford &amp; Sons gave a jolt to the crowd with their endlessly energetic "I Will Wait." The way they attacked their acoustic guitars would have made Pete Townshend proud.

Breaking a seven-year hiatus from live music performance, Justin Timberlake hit a sepia-toned stage for a suave medley of his new "Suit &amp; Tie" (on which he was joined by Jay-Z) and "Pusher Love Girl" from his 2013 album, The 20/20 Experience.

In another unique pairing, <a href="/artists/maroon-5/13090" target="_blank">Maroon 5</a> and <a href="/artists/alicia-keys/12104" target="_self">Alicia Keys</a> teamed for the former's "Daylight" and the latter's "Girl On Fire," both songs that kindle with power and emotion.

<a href="/artists/rihanna/5943" target="_blank">Rihanna</a> was joined by Mikky Ekko for "Stay," a song he co-wrote and on which he is a featured vocalist. With Rihanna in a simple black dress on a no-frills stage, the song's message of passion over logic bore through.

The Black Keys wasted no time revving up "Lonely Boy." The rocker, which owes a debt to rockabilly, swamp rock and electric blues, was punctuated by the New Orleans piano of Best Blues Album GRAMMY winner Dr. John and a pinch of Dixieland from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Clarkson returned for a vocal salute to two giant female artists, both of whom received Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2013. First up was "Tennessee Waltz" in honor of Patti Page, followed by "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)," co-written by Carole King.

The tributes continued with a nod to Bob Marley, who was the subject of the Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media-nominated Marley. Two of the performers, like Marley, hail from tropical islands: <a href="/artists/bruno-mars/5082" target="_blank">Bruno Mars</a> from Hawaii and Rihanna from Barbados. Also joining was Sting, whose music with the Police owed a debt to reggae and ska. Mars began with his own "Locked Out Of Heaven" followed by the similar-sounding Police chestnut "Walking On The Moon." Rihanna emerged with Ziggy and Damian Marley for their father's "Could You Be Loved."

<a href="/artists/lumineers/14762" target="_blank">The Lumineers </a>played a shortened version of their inescapable hit "Ho Hey" before introducing <a href="/artists/jack-white/15627" target="_blank">Jack White</a>. The latter played "Love Interruption" with his all-female band the Peacocks. He then segued into the harder "Freedom At 21" with male backers the Buzzards. By the time he finished the tumult, he had thrown and stepped on his guitar, leaving a sonic residue of decaying feedback.

<a href="/artists/hunter-hayes/9010" target="_blank">Hunter Hayes</a> played a portion of his hit "Wanted" solo on piano before bringing out fellow country star <a href="/artists/carrie-underwood/10381" target="_blank">Carrie Underwood</a> for a stripped-down version of her Best Country Solo Performance winner "Blown Away." Underwood's awe-inspiring vocals were matched by her billowy dress, which doubled as a projection screen to depict the heartbreak of the song.

The 2013 In Memoriam segment was bookended by two memorable tributes. The first featured pianist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke and sax player Kenny Garrett honoring the late Dave Brubeck with the timeless, and time-challenging, "Take Five" along with "Blue Rondo À La Turk."

Following the segment, an all-star cast including Zac Brown, T Bone Burnett, <a href="/artists/alabama-shakes/14656" target="_blank">Alabama Shakes</a>' Brittany Howard, Elton John, Mumford &amp; Sons, and Mavis Staples sang a gritty "The Weight" in honor of Levon Helm, who sang the original with the Band.

Juanes added a verse of español to the proceedings with a loving acoustic Spanglish rendition of Elton John's "Your Song," before introducing <a href="/artists/frank-ocean/15669" target="_blank">Frank Ocean</a>. The first Best Urban Contemporary Album winner sang his elegiac "Forrest Gump" backed by running-sequence footage similar to the film of the same name.

After the show's most somber performance, the 55th GRAMMYs rode out on a burst of old-school rap energy, with GRAMMY host LL Cool J teaming with Chuck D, Travis Barker, Tom Morello, and DJ Z-Trip for his own "Whaddup" and a brief tribute to fallen Beastie Boy Adam Yauch with "No Sleep Till Brooklyn."

Eligibility Year: Oct. 1, 2011, through Sept. 30, 2012

55th_poster

GRAMMY Awards Time Capsule

Awards Row

Featured Article Card: Ant Clemons Sunshine

2025 GRAMMYs To Take Place Sunday, Feb. 2, Live In Los Angeles; GRAMMY Awards Nominations To Be Announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

The 2025 GRAMMYs return to Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 2. Nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced Friday, Nov. 8. Learn more about the key dates and deadlines ahead of Music's Biggest Night.

Body Text: 2025 GRAMMYs Key Dates Announcement

Music's Biggest Night is back! The 2025 GRAMMYs will take place **Sunday, Feb. 2**, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Recording Academy announced today. The 2025 GRAMMYs will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on demand on Paramount+. As well, nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced **Friday, Nov. 8, 2024**. See the full list of key dates and deadlines for the 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, below.

Key dates for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season are as follows:

Sept. 16, 2023 – Aug. 30, 2024\
**Product Eligibility Period**\
*The period by which recordings are submitted for GRAMMY consideration. All releases must be available for sale, via general distribution, to the public by this date and through at least the date of the current year’s voting deadline (final ballot) to be eligible for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards.*

July 8, 2024 – Aug. 23, 2024\
**Media Company Registration Period**\
*Media companies must [apply for registration](https://www.recordingacademy.com/awards/media-company-registration-and-online-entry-process-oep) with the Recording Academy to submit recordings.*

July 17, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2024\
**Online Entry Period**\
*All eligible recordings must be entered prior to the close of the Online Entry Period, regardless of the public release date.*

Oct. 4, 2024 – Oct. 15, 2024\
**First Round Voting**\
*First Round Voting determines all the GRAMMY nominees for each GRAMMY Awards year.*

Nov. 8, 2024\
**Nominees Announced for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards**\
*Announcing the official nominees list for the 2025 GRAMMYs.*

Dec. 12, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025\
**Final Round Voting**\
*Determines the GRAMMY winners across all categories revealed on GRAMMY night.*

Feb. 2, 2025\
**2025 GRAMMY Awards**\
*Music's Biggest Night, recognizing excellence in the recording arts and sciences.*

This February, the [2024 GRAMMYs](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list) proved to be an epic, history-making night. [Women dominated the 2024 GRAMMYs](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-ways-women-dominated-taylor-swift-sza-boygenius): For the second time in four years, women won in the majority of the General Field Categories, winning [Album Of The Year](https://www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-album-of-the-year-2024-grammys-speech) ([Taylor Swift](https://grammy.com/artists/taylor-swift/15450)), [Song Of The Year](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-billie-eilish-wins-song-of-the-year-what-was-i-made-for-barbie) ([Billie Eilish](https://grammy.com/artists/billie-eilish/251741)), [Record Of The Year](https://www.grammy.com/news/miley-cyrus-wins-record-of-the-year-flowers) ([Miley Cyrus](https://grammy.com/artists/miley-cyrus/18384)), and [Best New Artist](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-victoria-monet-best-new-artist-win) ([Victoria Monét](https://grammy.com/artists/victoria-monet/287096)). Elsewhere, Taylor Swift [broke the all-time record](https://www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-album-of-the-year-2024-grammys-speech) for most GRAMMY wins in the Album Of The Year Category after winning for *[Midnights](https://www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-midnights-new-album-takeaways-songs-anti-hero-lavender-haze-reputation-lover-tiktok-3am-tracks-edition)*. [Tyla](https://www.grammy.com/artists/tyla/54172) won the [first-ever GRAMMY Award](https://www.grammy.com/news/tyla-wins-first-best-african-music-performance-award-2024-grammys) for [Best African Music Performance](https://www.grammy.com/news/best-african-music-performance-category-2024-grammys-roundtable), one of [three new GRAMMY Categories that debuted this year](https://www.grammy.com/news/three-new-categories-added-for-the-2024-grammys).

The 2024 GRAMMYs also [celebrated the return of music legends](https://www.grammy.com/news/grammys-2024-performances-speeches-icons-rising-stars), including [Tracy Chapman](https://grammy.com/artists/tracy-chapman/878), [Joni Mitchell](https://www.grammy.com/artists/joni-mitchell/11174) and [Celine Dion](https://grammy.com/artists/celine-dion/1762), and ushered in new music icons-in-the-making like Victoria Monét, [Samara Joy](https://www.grammy.com/artists/samara-joy/51872) and Tyla. Relive some of the [must-see moments](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-best-moments-must-see-highlights-videos) and [memorable, heartwarming acceptance speeches](https://www.grammy.com/news/10-acceptance-speeches-laugh-cry-smile-2024-grammys) from the 2024 GRAMMYs. And rewatch all of the performances and key highlights from the 2024 GRAMMYs all year long on [Live.GRAMMY.com](https://live.grammy.com/).

Learn more about the [upcoming 2025 GRAMMY Awards season](https://www.recordingacademy.com/awards/faq) and the [annual GRAMMY Awards process](https://www.recordingacademy.com/awards).

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/contributor

2025 GRAMMYs Announced: Feb. 2 Live In Los Angeles

Key Events - Body text mode

## 67th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS: KEY DATES

| September 16, 2023 – August 30, 2024 | Product Eligibility Period For Entries |
|----------|----------|
| July 8, 2024 – August 23, 2024 | Media Company Registration |
| July 17, 2024 – August 30, 2024 | Online Entry Process (OEP) Access Period |
| October 4, 2024 - October 15, 2024 | First Round Voting |
| November 8, 2024 | Nominees Announced for the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards |
| December 12, 2024 - January 3, 2025 | Final Round Voting |
| February 2, 2025 | 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards Show Date/Telecast |

Simple Content Card: Explore GRAMMY Awards

Explore the GRAMMY Awards

Simple Content Card

How it Works

Homepage Google Ad 4

Featured Pillar Cards Row 1

Homepage Google Ad 3

Featured Pillar Card

MusiCares

2021-musicares-health-wellness-survey-editorial-hero.png

MusiCares provides critical health and welfare services to the humans behind the music.

Musicares Red

The Recording Academy

Recording Academy_Black - gramophone only

Recording Academy Logo Black Stacked Logo

grammy.com_images-04.png

We are dedicated to celebrating, honoring and sustaining music's past, present and future.

Grammy Gold

Homepage Google Ad 5

Advocacy

Photos of protestors in front of the Capitol Hill

521243764.jpg

We fight tirelessly to champion creators’ rights, elevating important policy issues impacting music.

Membership

2022-grammys-awards-nominations-casbah_general_18_1920x1080

Photo of GRAMMY Award

We represent musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and other industry professionals.

Homepage Google Ad 6

Latin Recording Academy Pillar Card

Latin Recording Academy

2021-latin-grammys

latin_grammy_tile_logo

An international nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Latin music and its creators worldwide.

GRAMMY Museum - Featured Pillar Card

GRAMMY Museum

Photo of the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles

GRAMMY-Museum-Front-Entrance

A nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding and exploring the history and significance of music.

Homepage Content Hero

Dancehall Legend Spice Reflects On 'Mirror 25,' Her Near-Death Experience & Owning Her Own Vision

GRAMMY-nominated singer Spice is a generation's queen of dancehall, known for her risqué hits, bawdy stage shows, and bold fashion sense. On Aug. 9, she'll release 'Mirror 25' — her third studio album and another representation of the way Spice upholds dancehall culture.

Body 1: Dancehall Legend Spice Reflects On 'Mirror 25,' Her Near Death Experience & Owning Her Own Vision

GRAMMY-nominated singer [Spice](https://www.grammy.com/artists/Spice/38478) has ascended the throne, to be crowned the queen of dancehall reggae for this generation. However, she could also be called dancehall’s first lady due to her unprecedented accomplishments over the course of her 25-year career.

Known for her numerous risqué hit singles, creative videos, bawdy stage shows, social media savvy and bold fashion sense, Spice became the first hardcore female dancehall artist to receive a GRAMMY nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. At the 64th GRAMMY Awards, she received the nod for *10*, her 2021 debut album, which includes the hit ["Go Down Deh"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZizLbWxr_E) featuring [Shaggy](https://grammy.com/artists/shaggy/10082) and [Sean Paul](https://grammy.com/artists/sean-paul/5496). Spice is also the first Jamaican artist to be a featured character on an American TV series (VH1’s "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta") and the first Jamaican female dancehall artist to reach 1 billion collective views on YouTube.

Spice is the Founder/CEO of Spice Official Entertainment, through which she will release her third studio album, *Mirror 25*, on Aug. 9. In another first for a Jamaican artist, she unveiled the album cover on[ "GMA3](https://video.goodmorningamerica.com/gma3/video/queen-dancehall-spice-talks-new-album-111818121)."

Spice - 2085 Tea (Official Music Video)

Body 2: Dancehall Legend Spice Reflects On 'Mirror 25,' Her Near Death Experience & Owning Her Own Vision

The album’s 25 tracks include forays into Afrobeats, soca, R&amp;B, country and, of course, hardcore dancehall. On the album’s first single, "2085 Tea," Spice ingeniously adopts the persona of a gossip-mongering granny who’s spilling the "tea" on herself.  "I’ve gone through trauma, heartache, pain, betrayal, so I didn’t want this gossip to be about other people’s lives," Spice tells GRAMMY.com of the song. "I wanted it to be about my experiences."

Born Grace Hamilton in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Spice came from very humble beginnings. She grew up singing in the church and developed a love of performing while still in school.

In 2000 Spice made her first appearance on a major Jamaican stage show, Sting, when Ninja Man, one of the greatest, most feared opponents in verbal clashes, spotted Spice’s talent. When Spice was handed the mic, she did not disappoint. A few years later, dancehall star Baby Cham introduced Spice to his mentor, maverick producer Dave Kelly, for whom she recorded her first hit single, 2005’s ["Fight Over Man."](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A4HfYZGwSg)

In 2009, Spice’s career accelerated with her feature on [Vybz Kartel’s "Ramping Shop."](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoFi-J21jbs) With its catchy refrain, raunchy patois lyrics, and the undeniable chemistry between Spice and Kartel, "Ramping Shop" became one of the biggest and most controversial dancehall hits. Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission issued a directive to halt its play on the island’s airwaves but the ban only increased its popularity; "Ramping Shop" spent 15 weeks on Billboard’s Hot R&amp;B/Hip Hop Songs chart.   

Since then, Spice’s has released numerous explicit singles accompanied by imaginative videos including "Sheet," "Needle Eye" and "So Mi Like it" — each of which can be viewed as liberated expressions of female sexuality or "slackness" (vulgarity). However, Spice’s music also addresses topical issues such as sexism, on "Think Like A Man", and corrupt policing on "Po-Po" inspired by Black Lives Matter and featuring an impressive verse from Spice’s teenaged son Nicho. Among Spice’s most impactful songs is ["Black Hypocrisy,"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXdl3mpCbz4) prompted by a derisive social media comment about Spice’s dark complexion.

Spice has survived poverty, homelessness and in 2022, a health scare that almost brought her remarkable journey to a premature end. Ahead of the release of *Mirror 25,* which she calls "a raw open diary of her triumphs and tribulations" Spice reflected on her life, career, and spilled a little more tea, with GRAMMY.com.

*This interview has been edited for clarity.*

**Congratulations on your 25th anniversary. Does it feel like 25 years have passed since you started?**

It feels like it was just yesterday; I can vividly remember each year as I struggled to make it to this point. I remember in 1999, when Bounty Killer handed me the microphone in my community so I could go onstage and showcase my talent; in 2000 when I did my first major performance on Sting in Jamaica and Ninja Man helped me make a name for myself by calling me onstage; when Baby Cham helped me to get my first hit song, "Fight Over Man," by introducing me to Dave Kelly.

But I’m always reminded of my struggle, it has not been an overnight success. I’ve been through a lot to get to this point; to become a GRAMMY nominated queen of dancehall was not a walk in the park.

**Tell me about the songs, the topics that you’ve written about on 'Mirror 25'?**  

As the queen of dancehall, I want to make sure that I represent the genre as authentically as possible, with that hardcore dancehall sound, so the listener will know that’s a girl from Jamaica. On tracks \[such as "Gangster" with Chronic Law, featuring Ireland Boss\] you can hear the sound system, the bassline, you can almost smell the ackee and saltfish and jerk chicken.

I have a song that could go on the R&amp;B chart. I have a song about what happened in my past relationship \[["Ex Boyfriend"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2D_6sCZerM)\], which will be very relatable to women because that song asks, why do men do the things that they do to women? They can’t live without us but treat us in a manner that is degrading sometimes.  

There are dancing songs \[and\] collaborations with Jamaican women; we’re singing about our power as women. My fan base has grown tremendously so there’s an Afrobeats collaboration and we are going into the Indian market. I give all praise to Him after my near-death experience, so there’s a little bit of worship, too.  

**Towards the end of 2022 we heard rumors that you weren’t well and possibly were in a coma. Please explain what happened.**

I was in the Dominican Republic, I had breast augmentation. While I was there my hernia erupted and sent my body into a sepsis shock. 

I felt like I died because of what I went through. At one point, I had an out of body experience. I saw pictures of the sepsis that had eaten away at my skin; I shared the pictures with my fans. I was literally laying there with an open stomach, without skin. It was a traumatic experience but through the grace of God, somehow, he brought me back to normal.

**Did you fear that you wouldn’t be able to resume your career?**  

Oh, absolutely. This happened in November 2022 and for the rest of that year, and throughout 2023, I was in and out of the hospital. The sepsis also affected some of my organs. I did surgery to fix another hernia that they caused when they opened my chest up to save my life. By the grace of God, I completed my final surgery, and the hernia was repaired.

**Watching you perform on stage now, you twerk, "wine up your waist,"do splits. If we didn’t know what had happened, we would never guess you have been through such an ordeal.**

God is good, I give Him all the praise.

**The first single from 'Mirror 25,' "2085 Tea" is so cleverly written and delivered as you get your jabs in about certain people including your children’s father, "Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta" castmates and your back up dancer who allegedly had an affair with your now ex-boyfriend. How did the song come together?**

It started when I figured out what I wanted to call my album. When I look in the mirror, I do a lot of self-reflection, thinking about my past, the things I’ve managed to overcome, and I wondered, what will I be doing when I get older? So, the album’s name, *Mirror 25* birthed the idea of putting myself in 2085 and talking about what I’ve been through.  And if I’m in the future, obviously, I’m going to be an older person, so I started talking in my granny voice and I thought, *oh my God, that’s an idea*.

**I love the way you are styled for your portrayal of a granny in the video: gray wig, pearls, long skirt, and the vintage TV set, the room’s décor looks like a grandmother’s home. Were all of the things we see in the video your idea?**  

The ideas are all me, but I have a team of people that execute them. I called my makeup artist, Nosworthy Creations and asked, "How can I make my face look more wrinkled, like an older person?" She said "you can use a prosthetic, they do that in movies." So she reached out to someone who works on movie sets and they told her what to put on my face; that process took six hours to apply then dry on my face to make it appear wrinkled.  

 JD Production and \[director\] Spex found the old TV and the place that looked like an older person’s home. Empress the Glam did my hair although I’m mad at her because I wanted a little blue in the gray hair because even when I’m old, I’m going to be wearing my blue. \[*Laughs*.\]  I was so happy with the outcome, but it was a very long process.

**[Busta Rhymes](https://www.grammy.com/artists/trevor-smith-jr/1199) is featured on the country/dancehall/hip-hop track "Round Round." In June 2023, the [BET Awards](https://www.bet.com/bet-awards/video-clips/3vgvoi/bet-awards-2023-busta-rhymes-performs-his-biggest-songs) celebrated hip-hop's 50th and honored Busta; he invited you to perform as part of the tribute segment. What was that experience like?**  

I was excited to celebrate in that moment, it’s one of my greatest memories with Busta and within that segment with other Caribbean artists, I made sure I represented the Caribbean in a way that’s true to myself. Because it was BET, some people thought that I shouldn’t \[dance\] in the style that I usually do.

I’m not sure if people understand that before you appear on TV, your song and performance have to be approved. It’s not like Busta called me up from the audience; anything I did on the stage that night was rehearsed, approved. There were mixed reactions to my performance, like *oh my God, why did she dance like that?* Because that’s the way I dance and as the queen of dancehall, I’m always going to authentically represent dancehall culture.

**Tell me about recording "Round Round."** 

"Round Round" is a country western dancehall blend. \[Jamaican producer\] YowLevite, who put the riddim together said, "There’s too much going on, the riddim sounds like country, it sounds like dancehall." I said, "Give me the riddim, I’ll know what to do with it." I stayed true to myself as a dancehall artist, but I sound a little country, too. It’s unique and I thought, *who else is that unique to bring the elements of hip-hop, country and dancehall together on one song?* Busta was the only person who came to mind.

I recorded my part, sent it to him, and he said "Boss lady, it’s a big tune"; that floored me because I didn’t expect that response, he loved the track. Working with Busta, an icon, is humbling to my spirit because he is such a sweetheart, always encouraging, always pushing our Jamaican culture. I’m very honored to collaborate with him on "Round Round." People want to dance to it, it makes people happy and that makes it more fun for me.

Spice, Busta Rhymes - Round Round (Official Video)

Body 3: Dancehall Legend Spice Reflects On 'Mirror 25,' Her Near Death Experience & Owning Her Own Vision

**How do you handle criticism like what you received about your dancing on BET, the disparaging comments on social media, even the bashing from other artists?**

I call my fans "besties" because I make them feel like they are my best friends; my besties say I don’t deal well with criticism, I need to leave certain things alone. But sometimes when these criticisms get too much, I will go live and say, "Come besties, let’s talk about it." 

I address many things because if you leave many things, people will believe many things. If someone spreads a rumor about me, or if something comes out that I need to clear up, I will clear it up. It’s been 25 years, like I said, it wasn’t a walk in the park to reach here so I’m not going to sit back and let anybody tarnish my brand.

**Read more:**[The Women Essential To Reggae And Dancehall](https://www.grammy.com/news/women-essential-reggae-and-dancehall)  

**How has dancehall changed in the 25 years you’ve been doing it?**

Dancehall has evolved drastically: the creative process has changed, and new sounds were born. More people are discovering the genre on a larger scale. More artists, especially females, have a voice now.

Technology has modernized our releases, whereas in the past, I used to print CDs, walk around and hand them out to taxi and bus drivers to promote my music. Today, I’m on TikTok and Instagram with the touch of a button.

**How have you changed as an artist?**  

My fans also know me as an entrepreneur, I’ve been a businesswoman for many years. I have my clothing company, Gracie Noir, which is leisure wear, specializing in track suits for travel. I recently released a book, *The* *Navigational Yearly Planner*; I’m trying to help my fans become more organized, more business savvy, learn financial literacy. That has helped me with my record label where I have to write out everything that has to be done when releasing music.

I’ve also grown more spiritually, professionally, mentally. I’m a better person in a better state of mind, I have more knowledge on the business of music. I was stuck in a contract with VP Records for 10 of my 25 years, they didn’t release my album (hence, her debut album’s title, *10*). My \[2018\] *Captured* mixtape addresses that, because I felt like I was captured. 

I’ve learned so much about publishing, releasing music, getting it out to the DSPs. That’s why I’m so excited about *Mirror 25* because I’m releasing it on my own label, Spice Official Entertainment.

Latest News & Exclusive Videos

Dancehall Legend Spice Talks 'Mirror 25' & More

New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From ATEEZ & G-Eazy, Shawn Mendes, Latto, & More

Check out some of the new music that dropped on Aug. 9, from Elvis' hometown recordings to Katy Perry's latest bop.

Body Text 1 - NMF 8.9

As August temperatures remain hot, so does the new music. With fresh tracks spanning all genres from dance to rap, there's plenty to explore this New Music Friday.

Check out albums like NIKI's *Buzz*, [Logic](https://www.grammy.com/artists/Sir-Robert-Bryson-Hall-II/32370)'s *Ultra 85*, and [Little Big Town](https://www.grammy.com/artists/little-big-town/10623)'s *Greatest Hits*, as well as first tastes of forthcoming projects from [Kelsea Ballerini](https://grammy.com/artists/kelsea-ballerini/19558), [Katy Perry](https://grammy.com/artists/katy-perry/5726) and [Leon Bridges](https://grammy.com/artists/leon-bridges/18920). Plus, there's plenty more new songs from the likes of The Kid LAROI and beabadoobee, as well as thrilling collabs from [ATEEZ](https://www.grammy.com/news/k-pop-boy-group-ateez-first-us-stadium-tour-los-angeles-recap) and G-Eazy, and [J Balvin](https://grammy.com/artists/j-balvin/243132) and Feid.

No matter what genre you gravitate towards, there's something new to discover. Be sure to check out these 10 musical offerings before you kick off your weekend.

Video Embed Player - Shawn Mendes Why Why Why

Shawn Mendes — "Why, Why, Why" & "Isn't That Enough"

Body Text 2 - NMF 8.9

Just hours before New Music Friday hit, [Shawn Mendes](https://grammy.com/artists/shawn-mendes/243416) celebrated his 26th birthday with a gift to his fans: not one, but two new songs.

The first taste of his upcoming fifth studio album, *Shawn*, the two tracks — "Why, Why, Why" and "Isn't That Enough" — present a folkier side of Mendes' musicality, leaning into the acoustic sound of his early music but with an indie flair. Mendes also released the official video for "Why Why Why," which sees shots of the singer playing his guitar in nature transposed with footage of him performing on stage.

In celebration of the release, Mendes played an intimate show at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, New York, performing *Shawn* in its entirety two full months before its Oct. 18 arrival. He'll play five more full-album shows: London, U.K. on Aug. 13, Nashville, Tenn. on Oct. 14, Brooklyn, New York on Oct. 18, Los Angeles on Oct. 22, and Seattle on Oct. 24.

Video Embed Player - Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie, and David Guetta Cry Baby [WITH TITLE]

Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie, and David Guetta — "Cry Baby"

Body Text 3 - NMF 8.9

After scoring hits with [Clean Bandit](https://www.grammy.com/artists/clean-bandit/18807) and [David Guetta](https://www.grammy.com/artists/david-guetta/12848) respectively, [Anne-Marie](https://www.grammy.com/artists/anne-marie/53852) brings them both together for another vibrant, upbeat electronic anthem. "Cry Baby" takes inspiration from early 2010s dance music, reminiscent of the era when the genre dominated the airwaves.

Featuring a haunting whistle hook and Anne-Marie's powerful vocals layered over pulsing instrumentals from the dance giants, "Cry Baby" is a powerhouse collaboration showcasing some of the best talents in electronic music.

Video Embed Player - Polo G Hood Poet

Polo G — 'Hood Poet'

Body Text 4 - NMF 8.9

Three years after 2021's *Hall of Fame*, Polo G is back with his fourth studio album, *Hood Poet*. The album was shelved for over a year due to outstanding circumstances, but it's finally here, and rap fans couldn't be more hyped.

The four singles that teased the project include "Barely Holdin' On," "Distraction," "Angels In The Sky," and "We Uh Shoot," featuring [Lil Durk](https://www.grammy.com/artists/Durk-Banks/35965). These tracks feature a range of instrumental backgrounds, from soft piano layers to thumping beats, all showcasing Polo G's powerful and passionate vocal lines. 

Although the wait was long it was no doubt worth it, as the tracks on *Hood Poet* represent some of Polo G's finest work, from the refined production to his evocative, creative storytelling.

Video Embed Player - Katy Perry Lifetimes [WITH TITLE]

Katy Perry — "Lifetimes"

Listen To New Songs By Shawn Mendes & More

GRAMMY Homepage

Artist

Alacranes Musical

WINS*

0

NOMINATIONS*

1

51st Annual GRAMMY Awards

NOMINATION

Best Banda Album

Tu Inspiracion

View All Nominations For This Artist