Despite the restrictions posed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 Grammys still provided a show packed with electrifying performances and memorable moments.
With previous award shows broadcasting from different locations, the Grammys and host Trevor Noah made a valiant effort to bring a sense of normalcy by incorporating a limited live audience consisting mainly of nominees and performers and creating smooth transitions from the indoor and outdoor venues.
Kicking off the show, Harry Styles delivered an upbeat, groove-filled performance of his song “Watermelon Sugar.”
Styles also picked up his first Grammy, winning the award for “Best Pop Solo Performance.”
Speaking in the Grammy’s TV/ Radio Room, Styles called his Grammy win the “sweet icing on the cake” and thanked his fans for their continued support.
Megan Thee Stallion won big, nabbing three Grammys for “Best New Artist,” “Best Rap Performance” and “Best Rap Song,” the latter two for her hit song “Savage” featuring Beyonce.
While accepting their award, Stallion praised Beyonce and shared how the singer’s career and work ethic inspired her as a child.
Stallion also took the stage to perform her songs “Body” and “Savage and joined Cardi B to perform “WAP,” which featured a larger-than-life set consisting of a giant stiletto heel and a massive purple bed.
Beyonce, who won the award for “Best R&B Performance” for “Black Parade”, made history as the most decorated Grammy-winning female artist of all time.
“I am so honored, I am so excited,” Beyonce said during her acceptance speech. “This is so overwhelming. I’ve been working my whole life, since nine years old and I can’t believe this happened.”
She is now tied with music icon Quincy Jones with 28 Grammy wins.
Taylor Swift, who performed a medley of songs from her 2020 albums “folklore” and “evermore,” also made history by becoming the first woman to win “Album of the Year” three times.
In addition to performing her hit song “Everything I Wanted,” Billie Eilish took home the Grammy for “Record of the Year” which she previously won last year for her song “Bad Guy.”
Performing live for the first time as their newly formed band Silk Sonic, Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak paid tribute to classic 60s and 70s R&B groups with a soulful performance of their newly released song “Leave the Door Open.”
Other performers included Dua Lipa, who also won her first Grammy for “Best Pop Vocal Album”, DaBaby, Post Malone, HAIM, Black Pumas, Bad Bunny, Lil Baby, Mickey Guyton and BTS.
In addition to the show-stopping performances, the Grammys took the time to acknowledge the workers and smaller venues that were affected by the pandemic and shed light on the contributions of women and the important impact of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
With the Grammys now in the rearview, the highly anticipated 2021 Oscars ceremony is up next and is scheduled to air April 25.
