At the beginning of February every year, celebrities travel from far and near to come together to celebrate the best artists of this time at the annual Grammy Award Show. Every year it begins to grow with more exceptional performances and eye-catching celebrities in unique luxury outfits. Receiving a Grammy is considered one of the highest honors in the music industry. Every young and old artist hopes to one day hold the shiny gold miniature gramophone as they stand on one of the biggest stages in front of millions around the world.
The 66th Grammy Award was hosted by Trevor Noah on February 4th, 2024 in Los Angeles. It was a night filled with memorable performances by musical icons, both young and old. Billy Joel performed his brand new single “Turn The Lights Back On,” his first single in the last 17 years. Along with Billy Joel, Joni Mitchel performed an emotional performance which was the first time she had the privilege of singing on the Grammys stage. She performed her iconic song, “Both Sides, Now” with artist Brandi Carlile. Mitchell performed in an ornately patterned armchair but still managed to encapsulate the entire audience full of artists whom she has inspired for decades. The last iconic performance of the night was put on by Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman. They put on an astonishing performance of “Fast Car” by Chapman, Combs’s cover of which has become very popular. It was an acoustic performance that highlighted the excellent songwriting of Tracy Chapman. Along with the Chapman and Combs duet, Billie Eilish performed her new song “What Was I Made For?” from the Barbie movie. Her brother, Finneas, accompanied her on the piano and with background vocals.
Katie Hickman, junior, loved every single performance that took place on the Grammy stage this year.
“Each performance this year was very interesting and enjoyable. They were very unique but my favorite was Billie Eilish. I loved the sentimental factor of her performing with her brother,” Katie said.
Several artists experienced moments that only a few people can dream of. Several singers won their first Grammy including Miley Cyrus for her song “Flowers” and Lainey Wilson for her album, “Bell Bottom Country.” Along with people winning their first Grammy, there was one significant record broken this year. Taylor Swift went into the 66th Grammys with three Albums of the Year victories under her belt. She was the only woman who had won three and was tied with three other men, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon. She received a nomination this year for her album “Midnights.” She was announced the winner by musical legend Celine Dion. This win made history. She has officially won more “Album of the Year” Grammy’s than any other artist.
Emily Rybak, junior, was so excited to see her favorite artist, Taylor Swift, make history on the biggest stage in the music world.
“I was so happy when they announced her as the winner for album of the year. I loved this album so seeing it get the recognition it deserves was a great feeling,” Emily said.
The Grammy’s continue to become more memorable each year. Artists this year were able to show the variety of music that people around the world listen to daily. History was made this year and it will continue to be made every year in the music industry.
