Sunday’s Grammy Awards seemed to have something for most people.
The show is often targeted as far away from music lovers, awarding some of the biggest honors to the winners that have been discussed and debated across social media.
On the night of Beyoncé break record For the most wins in the awards ceremony’s history, things feel a little different.
That’s not to say there weren’t any surprises. Even Bonnie Raitt looks taken aback by her Song of the Year Award. And Bey fans are certainly disappointed that Album of the Year goes to Harry Styles (though most people can’t help but love him, even if they’re pulling for someone else).
This year just feels more inclusive.
In 2020, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which hosts the program, addresses allegations of a lack of diversity and is a “men’s club”. They announced a series of initiatives to tackle this issue and expanded their membership to make the issue more diverse.
On Sunday, the program epic hip hop tribute, marking 50 years for the genre with an all-star lineup spanning decades in hip hop history, produced some of the show’s most memorable moments. Lizzo gave one of the most outstanding speeches of the nightcelebrates positivity in popular music, including themes of body integration.
bad bunny earned the award’s first Album of the Year nomination for a project entirely in Spanish. He was the show’s opening performer and eventually won Best Música Urbana Album for his work, “Un Verano Sin Ti.”
On a night that also featured 23-year-old Black jazz singer Samara Joy winning Best New Artist, and Sam Smith and Kim Petras making Grammy history as transgender duos and the first non-binary to win the Best Duo category, it feels like some steps have been taken.
CNN’s Matt Meyer contributed to this post.
