CBS and Trevor Noah hosted the 68th Grammy Awards for the final time on Sunday, which was filled with unforgettable performances and impactful speeches. The event took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, and it was full of surprises and snubs.
The show opened with Bruno Mars and Rosé playing a more rock-influenced version of their hit single “APT.” After Noah’s comedy-filled opening monologue, Sabrina Carpenter took the stage to perform her hit “Manchild.”
Rap Album of the Year, presented by Queen Latifah and Doechii, was the first award given. Kendrick Lamar won it for his project “GNX.” This award made Lamar the most Grammy-awarded hip-hop artist ever.
One of the more unique performances of the night came before the Best New Artists Award. All the nominees performed back-to-back, integrating various parts of the arena into their performances.
The Marías started with their song “No One Noticed," followed by Addison Rae performing “Fame Is a Gun.” Then KATSEYE amped up the energy with “Gnarly.” Leon Thomas then showed off his guitar skills during “MUTT,” and Alex Warren matched the drama of his song “Ordinary” with a full choir and orchestra.
After, Lola Young flexed impressive vocals and piano skills while performing “Messy,” and Olivia Dean performed her hit “Man I Need.” A bedazzled Sombr wrapped up the performance with his song “12 to 12.”
Chappell Roan, the previous year’s winner, presented the award to Dean, who gave a powerful speech.
“I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” Dean said. “... I am a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Bad Bunny also delivered an impactful speech after winning the Best Música Urbana Album award.
“ICE out,” Bad Bunny said. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans … If we fight, we have to do it with love.”
Mars performed again later in the show. This time, he sang his lead single, “I Just Might,” from his upcoming album, “The Romantic.”
Carole King presented Song of the Year. The award went to Billie Eilish for her song “WILDFLOWER.” She also made a political statement during her acceptance speech.
“No person is illegal on stolen land,” Eilish said.
Another album of the year nominee, Tyler, the Creator, performed one of the less popular songs off his album, “Chromakopia,” “Thought I was Dead.”
The first half of the performance was in black and white, and afterward, he performed “Sugar on my Tongue” from his latest album, “DON’T TAP THE GLASS,” and the screen transitioned to color.
This year featured multiple tribute performances. Reba McEntire made her Grammy performance debut alongside Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson, playing “Trailblazer” for the In Memoriam Tribute. That was followed by an Ozzy Osbourne tribute, featuring Post Malone, Slade, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith and Duff McKagan honoring other rock legends lost this year.
Ms. Lauryn Hill made her return to the Grammy stage for a tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, as well as other hip-hop and R&B contributors. Hill was joined by an all-star lineup, including earlier performer Leon Thomas, previous Album of the Year winner Jon Batiste and former Fugees band partner Wyclef Jean.
Harvey Mason Jr. delivered a speech about all the genres awarded during the evening and the role they play. He then introduced Cher for the final lifetime achievement award of the night and also as the presenter of Record of the Year. Lamar won another award for his collaboration with SZA, “luther.”
This song was a tribute to Luther Vandross, and Lamar mentioned this in his speech, sharing when they got the clearance for the sample, “We’re somewhat worthy to be as great.”
Pharell Williams performed alongside Malice and Pusha T, better known as Clipse. The three performed “So Far Ahead” and had a full choir accompanying them, a classic move for Williams.
The night finished out with Album of the Year, presented by Harry Styles. After losing to Styles in 2023, Bad Bunny received Album of the Year for his project “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.”
This makes “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” the first ever fully Spanish-Language Album of the Year winner. He will follow up this award on Feb. 8, performing at the Super Bowl in San Francisco.
He gave his speech almost entirely in Spanish, giving credit to his mom, Puerto Rico and everyone who believed in him. He only spoke one English line in his speech.
“I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams,” Bad Bunny said.
With Noah moving on from hosting and CBS ending their broadcasting partnership, the future of the Grammys is somewhat cloudy. Whatever happens next, both ended on a high note with this ceremony.
