2019 Grammy Awards: A Comprehensive (and maybe a little subjective) Guide
March 12, 2019
Before the Grammys even began on Sunday, February 10th, it was already marked with drama. Days before the show and days after releasing her second album in under a year, Ariana Grande pulled out of performing two new hits. In addition, three hip-hop artists, Drake, Childish Gambino, and Kendrick Lamar declined invitations to perform at the event. “The fact of the matter is, we continue to have a problem in the hip-hop world,” said Ken Ehrlich, producer of the Grammys. Taylor Swift also declined an invitation to perform, citing her busy schedule with her involvement in the live-action adaptation of “Cats.”
On that note, the Grammys commenced. The show opened with a theatrical version of Havana performed by Camila Cabello. She travelled through a multi-level, multi-room set as she sang the lyrics familiar to anyone who has listened to the radio over the past year and a half. Young Thug made an appearance to rap his portion of the song donning sparkly silver dress shoes. Soon after, Ricky Martin appeared on stage with Latin riffs filling the stage. The performance was visually appealing with many different colors and skilled dancers, but Cabello was lost when the camera panned out. The performance may have been a bit easier to follow with fewer dancers cluttering the stage.
After the opening performance, the host, Alicia Keys, took the stage and pointed out the “love in the building” in a more casual green dress, breaking some of my preconceived notions for award show apparel. With the help of high-profile stars like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, the immediate theme of the 61st Grammys was the inclusivity and love music allows us to share.
Shawn Mendes then took the stage playing a stripped down, orchestral version of his hit “In My Blood” on a smoldering piano. He then grabbed his iconic guitar as Miley Cyrus joined him to continue his song. Their harmonies and matching black outfits held my attention. Yes, I am partial to Shawn Mendes as a superfan, but he truly never ceases to impress with his live vocals. Miley Cyrus’s natural talent shown through as the unlikely duo revealed itself to be the exact harmonious sound we all did not know we needed.
The first Grammy for Pop/Duo group went to the hit Shallow from the recent picture “A Star is Born.” Lady Gaga’s reception of the award was truly genuine as she teared up upon ascending onto the stage. In her acceptance speech, Gaga gracefully thanked God and Bradley Cooper, then went on to acknowledge the importance of mental health awareness, a main theme in the song’s film.
The next performer to take the stage was country singer Kacey Musgraves who crooned her hit “Rainbow” in a sleek white dress. The performance was simple with just singer and accompanying piano. Though it could be considered lackluster for a prestigious awards show, I enjoyed the lack of glitz and glam and the focus on the song instead of the production around the performer.
Janelle Monae appeared directly after. Her stage presence was evident right away with her performance of the catchy “Make Me Feel.” Her dancers seemed to multiply behind her but their stark white outfits next to her black romper made her easy to identify.
Next was Song of the Year. Childish Gambino took home the award for his song “This is America,” but was not present to accept the award.
Post Malone and Red Hot Chili Peppers performed next. Post Malone began with a seated, solo guitar performance of his slow song “Stay.” The energy was heightened with his song “Rockstar.” He was finally joined by Red Hot Chili Peppers as they collaboratively performed the band’s hit “Dark Necessities.” We’ve seen Post Malone perform alongside established bands in the past. At the last VMAs, Post Malone closed the show with a surprise act with Aerosmith.
The next segment of the show was dedicated to paying homage to Dolly Parton. Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry, and Parton took the stage. Miley Cyrus then replaced the other two women to perform a duet of the legendary, fan-favorite “Jolene” alongside Parton. Maren Morris joined the two for a cover of Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush.” The trio’s natural talent was showcased outrightly with little background instrumental. Dolly Parton then sang her newest single for the Netflix Original “Dumplin’” entitled “Red Shoes” to a roaring crowd. The 73-year-old was not lacking in vitality and stage presence as she revealed that she was actually wearing red shoes. Just when the performance was seemingly over, she was re-joined by the stars who she sang with earlier to belt out her famous “9 to 5.”
Following a quick commercial break, Alicia Keys re-appeared in a low-cut black top and sparkly pants, an outfit closer to the normal statement looks of award shows. She introduced H.E.R. as the next singer to take the stage with little visual noise accompanying her. She sang “Hard Place” while playing an electric guitar.
The outspoken Cardi B was up next. She rapped to her recent hit “Money.” Her outgoing demeanor was prevalent on stage as she captivated the immediate and TV audience. She channeled an eccentric nightclub crooner in a performance new to Cardi B. Her usual apparel is a bit more revealing than the sparkly dark full-length, morphsuit-like unitard she wore on stage at the Grammys.
Kacey Musgraves took home Country Album of the Year for her “Golden Hour” following Cardi B’s performance.
In an interlude before the next spectacle, Alicia Keys stunned while playing not one but two (!!) pianos! She played a small medley of songs including her own rendition of “Lucid Dreams” and “Unforgettable” and “Use Somebody.” She alternated pianos as she seamlessly switched songs, finishing with her own smash-hit “Empire State of Mind.”
Dan + Shay followed with “Tequila” showcasing their talent. They followed their performance by presenting Best Rap Song to Drake for “God’s Plan.”
Diana Ross was recognized next as a successful Motown artist. Ross’s nine-year-old grandson introduced her and she was revealed in a poofy red dress. The crowd was in awe with the talent and character she brought to the Grammy stage.
Lady Gaga was next up for a solo version of “Shallow.” She began with some interesting dance moves that resembled choreographed convulsions, but her vocals made up for her lacking coordination. But maybe her quirky movements are just her!
Keys’s next ensemble was a loosely fitting black leather jumpsuit with a diamond necklace.
Travis Scott rapped “NO BYSTANDERS” inside a cage as a large entourage surrounded and climbed around him. The moshpit on the periphery of the stage was awkward and out of place and Scott himself could not be seen clearly.
Smokey Robinson and Alicia Keys sang a brief portion of “Tracks of My Tears” acapella, but their voices wove together beautifully. Jennifer Lopez took over with her own version of “Dancing in the Street” fading right into “Please Mr. Postman” and then other Motown hits. Smokey Robinson joined her for the classic “My Girl.” The high-energy collection of hits restored some audience captivity and interest.
H.E.R. took home the Grammy for R&B Album of the Year for her EP. She was the first award winner with a speech long enough to set off the dismissive music, but she blew right through it with gratitude for her team rather than regrets regarding her speech length.
Kelsea Ballerini introduced the impressive Brandi Carlile who at that point in the night had already won three Grammys and still had a few additional nominations. She sang “The Joke,” a song new to me though I thoroughly enjoyed her strong vocals and confidence as she performed. When the camera cut to Post Malone, he seemed to like what he heard as well.
Sisters Chloe and Halle performed “Where Is the Love” in distinct black gowns. Their ranges matched nicely as they created a vocally complex delivery of the song in honor of Donny Hathaway.
Best Rap Album was awarded to Cardi B for “Invasion of Privacy.” She was in shock and could barely talk after receiving the Grammy. Her shaking voice was out of character as she thanked her team, album collaborators, and infant daughter Kulture. She was joined on stage by Offset after they recently got back together. She even thanked him as “you husband, thank you.”
Dua Lipa and St. Vincent were introduced by Wilmer Valderrama (a.k.a. Handy Manny). St. Vincent began with her own “Masseduction” and then Dua Lipa joined her for her own “One Kiss.” St. Vincent offered vocals as well as her electric guitar riffs as they ended their stage time with Dua singing “Masseduction” and St. Vincent finishing off “One Kiss.”
Dua Lipa was crowned Best New Artist. She beamed as she thanked the artists she was nominated with, her fans, her team by name, and her family. She finished by inspiring others to follow their dreams. Her speech was cut off as the Recording Academy deemed it too long.
Yolanda Adams, Fantasia, and Andra Day came together to sing Aretha Franklin’s “A Natural Woman” in her honor. This moving performance was the final one of the evening.
Alicia Keys reappeared a final time in a red jumpsuit with corresponding cape to present Record of the Year. The winner was Childish Gambino, who was not present, but this was his second Grammy of the evening.
Kacey Musgraves took home Album of the Year for “Golden Hour.” This was her second Grammy of the night after winning Country Album of the Year as well. She beat out popular competitors like Cardi B and Post Malone.
Overall, the Grammys were a lackluster, semi-waste of three and a half hours. There was a lack of smooth transitions, few live awards given, and too many performances. It lacked the controversial comments that awards shows are known for. For anyone who missed them, I encourage you to go on Youtube to watch Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus’s performance and the Dolly Parton Tribute. Other than that, you did not miss too much.
For a full list of Grammy winners, click the link below:
https://pitchfork.com/news/grammys-2019-winners-the-full-list/