PHARRELL A ‘HAPPY’ WINNER AT THE GRAMMYS.
Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” won record and song of the year, beating out Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” and Sia’s “Chandelier.”
Smith, who also won best new artist and pop vocal album for “In the Lonely Hour,” performed with Mary J. Blige. He said he only found success in music once he found his own voice.
“I just want to say that before I made this record, I was doing everything to try to get my music heard ... I tried to lose weight and I was making awful music. It was when I started to be myself that the music flowed,” he told the crowd.
Taylor Swift presented the best new artist to her friend.
“As a former loser of best new artist ... it’s gonna be fine. Just shake it off,” Swift said before announcing the winner.
Pharrell Williams’ two-yearold song is still bringing him happiness: The performer, who won four Grammys last year, won three awards Sunday and is still a contender for album of the year.
The singer-rapper-producer won best pop solo performance for a live version of “Happy,” released in 2013. He also won best music video for the song as well as best urban contemporary album for “GIRL,” beating Beyonce.
“I am going to moonwalk my way off the stage right now,” said Pharrell, wearing a blazer and shorts.
Beyonce and Rosanne Cash also won three awards, while Smith was a four-time winner.
Pharrell’s performance of “Happy” was dramatic with background dancers in black, musicians in yellow and a choir in white.
When the chorus was supposed to come in, Lang Lang played the piano skillfully. Hans Zimmer also played the guitar.
Madonna, dressed as a matador, performed “Living for Love” on top of platform surrounded by a plethora of background dancers wearing bull masks. A choir did most of the singing, while Madonna danced and the audience at the Staples Center clapped in unison. She ascended into the air as the performance finished.
Kanye West performed on a nearly pitch-black stage, with a light glowing from under his feet (he also sported the new sneakers he designed). He sang the new song about his late mother, “Only One,” which features Paul McCartney.
Annie Lennox was a powerhouse when she sang “I Put A Spell On You” and joined Hozier for “Take Me to Church,” nominated for song off the year.
Beyonce won best R&B song and R&B performance for “Drunk In Love” and surround sound album for “Beyonce.”
“This has been such an incredible year,” she said, thanking her “beloved husband” and “my daughter who is watching.”
In one of 23 performances set for the awards show, AC/ DC kicked off the show with a performance of their latest single, “Rock or Bust,” and then transitioned into the classic “Highway to Hell.” It earned a rousing applause from Pharrell, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, who wore devil horns.
The late Joan Rivers won best spoken word album for “Diary of a Mad Diva,” and her daughter, Melissa Rivers, was on hand to accept the award.
“If my mother was here tonight, she would not only be honoured and thrilled to be holding her first Grammy, she would most likely have it copied and on the air on QVC by 11,” Melissa Rivers said to laughter.
Album of the year was awarded to Beck for “Morning Phase.”