By DJ Harding –
The 65th Grammy Awards took place on February 5th. In what was history for many artists and people that night. With Performances from Bad Bunny, Brandi Carlile, and Harry Styles, who all won Grammys tonight as well. Stevie Wonder performed with Smokey Robinson as well.
During the Pre-Show Beyoncé won 2 Grammys, putting her 2 shy of the most Grammys won by any individual. She would win those 2 GRAMMYs as James Corden would present the award that would make history as Beyoncé won her 32nd Grammy. The most Grammy awards by a single individual. She said “I’m emotional just trying to receive the moment”
Another historical moment came when 30-year-old singer Kim Petras made history Sunday night at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards by becoming the first transgender woman to win a GRAMMY Award. Petras accepted the GRAMMY and gave a powerful speech. “Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award,” she said, prompting the crowd to roar. “I just want to thank all the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked these doors for me so I can be here tonight. Sophie, especially my friend who passed away two years ago, who told me this would happen and always believed in me.” Petras and Smith won best pop duo/group performance for their song unholy, which they would later perform.
The Night also had its 3rd Black women ever and 18th person ever to complete the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) as Viola Davis would win a Grammy for her book and making her acceptance speech said “ I wrote that book for 6 years old me”
We also had an HBCU make history as the Tennessee State University marching band won a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album, being the first college band to be nominated and win in that category.
Dr.Dre received the Dr.Dre global impact award “ I’m extremely moved by this award” he would go on to point out it’s the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and acknowledged he wouldn’t be here without it as he’s spent 40 years in hip-hop which elevated him to stardom. Hip-hop’s 50th anniversary would then get a tribute performance featuring tons of artists from many eras, including Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Lil Baby, Glorilla, and Lil Uzi Vert.
The first lady was asked by the Recording Academy to present the two awards, including a new Special Merit award: ‘Best Song for Social Change.’ It recognizes a song that speaks to social injustice in a meaningful way. The social change award went to Iranian singer Shervin Hajipour, whose song ‘Baraye’ is described as the anthem of the Mahsa Amini protests. Mahsa Amini was arrested for wearing her hijab ‘improperly’ and died while in police custody.
Song of the Year went to Bonnie Raitt, who won for her song Just Like That. Record of the Year would go to Lizzo who also has a performance earlier and when accepting her award she said “I want to see change so I had to make that change” this referring to the body positivity that comes from her songs. She would end her speech thanking Beyoncé calling her the artists of our lives.
Samara Joy would win the best new artist as Harry Styles would win his 2nd Grammy of the night for Album of the Year. As Jay-Z would give a performance to wrap up the night
Crime Trackers New York / New Jersey 