The 66th annual Grammy Awards, taking place on Sunday, February 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, was a big night for young women, as an emphasis on female representation was made following critics of the Recording Academy (the organization behind the Grammys) for failing to adequately recognize women. In recent years, the Grammys have also worked to bring in a younger, more diverse membership, with the intention of making the voting process more transparent and fair.
In taking album of the year for "Midnights," Taylor Swift became the first artist to win the Grammys’ top prize four times, beating a trio of male legends – Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon – who had three. Earlier in the night, Taylor Swift used her 13th Grammy win on Sunday to announce her new album, "Tortured Poets Department," will arrive on April 19. "I know that the way that the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans," she said in her speech.
One of the night’s biggest awards, record of the year, went to Miley Cyrus for "Flowers," her second-ever Grammy and second of the night. "This award is amazing. But I really hope that it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday," she said in her speech.
Victoria Monét won best new artist. "Thank you to the champagne-servers tonight," Monét started her acceptance speech. "Thanks to my mom, a single mom raising this really bad girl." Then she started to cry, telling the room that this award was "15 years in the making."
Billie Eilish won song of the year for writing the "Barbie" hit, "What Was I Made For?"
It was just one of several standout moments from Sunday's show, broadcast live from Cypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.
Karol G made Grammy history Sunday by becoming the first female performer to win best música urbana album for her blockbuster "Mañana Será Bonito" record. "This is my first time at the Grammys," she told the audience in English. "And this is my first time holding my own Grammy."
Performances were many. Olivia Rodrigo brought her bloodsucking ballad "vampire" – or in this case, bloodletting, as red liquid dripped from the walls behind her. Joni Mitchell, 80, made Grammy history by performing "Both Sides Now" from her 1969 album "Clouds"; Travis Scott did a medley of "My Eyes," "I Know?," and "Fein." Burna Boy was joined by Brandy and 21 Savage and did "On Form," "City Boys," and "Sittin’ on Top of the World."
A long and touching In Memoriam segment celebrated many of the musical greats lost in the year. Stevie Wonder performed "For Once in My Life" and "The Best Is Yet To Come" in honor of Tony Bennett; Annie Lennox delivered "Nothing Compares 2 U" for Sinéad O’Connor. "Artists for ceasefire, peace in the world," Lennox said at the end of the song, her fist extended in the air.
Afterward, Luke Combs’ delivered a heartfelt rendition of "Fast Car" with Tracy Chapman – his cover of the Chapman classic has dominated country radio and won him song of the year at the 2023 CMAs. In 1989, Chapman won best pop vocal performance, female for the song.
Four-time Grammy host – and two-time nominee – Trevor Noah greeted an excited crowd, starting things off with a kiss on the cheek from Meryl Streep. "The Grammys are gonna win an Oscar," he joked about the moment.
Jay-Z was awarded the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and used his speech to talk about the hip-hop greats that came before him – heavily hinting at the Grammys history of placing rap on the back burner – or at the very least, not in the televised version of the show. "We want you all to get it right," he said. "At least get it close to right," before switching focus to Beyoncé. "Most Grammys never won album of the year. How does that work?"
The first of three new categories in 2024, best pop dance recording, was given out shortly afterward and went to Kylie Minogue for "Padam Padam" – her first win in 18 years.
Killer Mike won three awards in quick succession Sunday night but somehow ended up in police custody before the main Grammys ceremony began. Police spokesperson Officer Mike Lopez said Mike being detained stemmed from an altercation inside the arena around 4 p.m. In a video posted by the trade website The Hollywood Reporter, Mike was escorted in handcuffs by Los Angeles police. The rapper had won his first Grammy in 21 years for best rap performance featuring André 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane for "Scientists & Engineers." Soon afterward, they won for "best rap song." Killer Mike also took home best rap album for "Michael," cheering, "It is a sweep! It is a sweep!"