The 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles offered a mix of unforgettable performances, surprising wins, and quirky moments. From legendary stars making a comeback to rising artists stealing the show, music lovers were treated to a night full of highs and lows.
Cher’s Chaotic Comeback
Cher returned to the Grammys for the first time in 18 years to receive a lifetime achievement award and present Record of the Year. Her appearance was heartfelt but a bit messy. She delivered a moving speech about following your dreams but accidentally walked off before announcing the nominees.
When she returned, she mistakenly said Luther Vandross had won. She quickly clarified that she meant Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” which samples the late soul singer. Host Trevor Noah laughed it off, saying, “I love live television.”
Opening Rock Performance by Bruno Mars and Rosé
The ceremony kicked off with a high-energy performance of “APT” by Bruno Mars and Rosé. Despite being up for several awards, the song didn’t win any. Noah explained that the track was inspired by a popular South Korean drinking game. He joked that Americans now had their own version: “Every time you turn on the news, you drink.”
Pharrell Williams Receives Global Impact Award
Pharrell Williams, the mastermind behind hits like “Milkshake” and “Happy,” earned the Grammys Global Impact Award. Dressed in a pink tux, he dedicated the award to everyone who believes in the power of Black music. He admitted performing a montage of his hits felt “like listening to your voicemail on loudspeaker.”
Yungblud Wins Best Rock Performance
British singer Yungblud won Best Rock Performance for his live rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Changes,” recorded during Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert in Birmingham. He called the win “bittersweet” following Osbourne’s passing. Yungblud shared that his hotel room had a picture of Osbourne above the fireplace as a “good luck charm.”
Sharon Osbourne praised the tribute performance, while Jack Osbourne joked that his father “hated awards shows.”
Sabrina Carpenter’s Flight of Fantasy
Sabrina Carpenter stole the spotlight with a theatrical take on her hit “Manchild.” Dressed as an airline pilot, she danced through baggage claim and interacted with a series of comedic characters. She even ended the performance by pulling a dove from a top hat. Despite the surreal setup, her performance landed perfectly, showcasing her charm and creativity.
Leon Thomas’s Mother Accepts Early Award
Leon Thomas won Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Vibes Don’t Lie,” but he was rehearsing for his medley performance. His mother, Jayon Anthony, accepted the award on his behalf. Thomas returned to collect his second award for Best R&B Album, “Mutt,” later in the evening.
