If you skipped out on the Grammy Awards this year, you missed some really awesome performances (and moments). The annual music event went down at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 14. This year, the Grammys had a noticeably fresher touch to it — perhaps thanks to the talented Jesse Collins. The 3-plus hour show was a little bit different…and dare we say better?
Of course, the celebs made sure to implement social distancing and wear face masks, and you would think that would water down the event, but that was not the case, at all. Digital backdrops, colorful smoke schemes, and old-school band stages were riddled throughout the awards show, along with some Oscar-worthy tidbits of artist spotlight moments and spicy pre-recorded performances.
Artists that graced the stage included Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, DaBaby and Roddy Ricch, Doja Cat, and many more. Not one performance (not even the sluggishly bland routine rationing to Taylor Swift) was bad. Every single performance offered entertainment value and as Bonnie Raitt would say, “Something to talk about.” Let’s get into some of the highlight moments of the night.
First up, the Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez performance of their hit single “Dakiti.” The song already gives off a party vibe, so when Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez joined together on the stage with their uplifting energy, all you could do was dance along and enjoy.
Dua Lipa gave a very spicy performance of “Levitating” with DaBaby, and “Don’t Stop Now.” The singer graced the stage looking like a flawless Victoria’s Secret model, hitting every beat of her choreography. Her performance was exciting and definitely left me wanting more.
Silk Sonic might just be my new favorite R&B duo of 2021. Bruno Mars and Anderson. Paak, two powerhouse crooners, sound immaculate as a group. Not only did they bring back good ole fashion rhythm and blues with their heart fluttering delivery of their single “Leave the Door Open,” but they took it to the next level by wearing the mid-1900 style outfits with a simplistic set to match. It was beautiful.
Mickey Guyton, one of the most impactful, Black female country singers of our time, gave a beautifully, graceful performance of her song “Black Like Me.” No gimmicks, no games, Guyton stood in front of a mic as she effortlessly belted out a message that was painful, but needed to be heard.
In my opinion, the night belonged to Megan Thee Stallion. The Houstonian gave a classy ratchet or clatchet performance of her hit singles “Body” and “Savage” before dropping in on Cardi B’s “WAP” set.
Now, normally I can be a prune and can do without all the explicit sexuality, but I must say that Megan not only proved (once again) that she is indeed talented, but she lived in her “IT” factor. In fact, she owned “IT.” Megan did that, and anyone who differs in opinion may not be a fan of hip hop, period. Or, they secretly admire her, but can’t seem to express themselves any other way but through hate and envy.
Why do I say that? The woman had both tap dancing and twerking in her set. On top of that, she rapped and sounded great. Lastly, she acknowledged the influence of Beyonce — something some folks find it difficult to do given their covert jealousy. It was more than nice to see the female support and empowerment happening between the ladies.
Beyonce was another great highlight of the well-paced show. She didn’t perform, but she certainly gave us fans what we were looking for — that bright smile and southern swag to let us know she’s still poppin’. Dawning all black, she sat next to her matching husband Jay-Z, as she casually broke a couple of records. Accepting the award for Best Rap Performance, Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion became the first pair of women ever to win in that category.
Beyonce’s win for the Best R&B performance for “Black Parade” made her the only artist to win the most Grammys with 28 awards to place in her awards showcase den.
Her daughter, Blue Ivy, also made headway winning her first ever Grammy award for Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl.” Go Blue!
The Grammys felt like an exclusive party that we all were invited to and had to be one of the best in years. Maybe, I feel this way because of being in the house throughout 2020. Who knows? But, I wasn’t the only one excited to see the performances. Post Malone was also on the party bus as he showed his very. enthusiastic support for Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s set!
