Jon Batiste crowned Grammys king
LAS VEGAS: Industry watchers had tipped pop superstars as the likely big winners at Sunday’s Grammys – but jazzman
Jon Batiste instead was crowned king, taking home five awards including the prestigious Album of the Year prize.
At the star-studded gala, held for the first time in Las Vegas, Silk Sonic – the 70s revival project of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak – won all four of their potential prizes, including both Record and Song of
The Year for their single “Leave The Door Open.”
Olivia Rodrigo didn’t win as many awards as predicted
– but the Filipino-American pop phenom did scoop the coveted prize for Best New Artist, and two trophies in the pop category.
That meant the winners of all four top Grammys were people of color – a milestone for the Recording Academy, which for years has faced criticism that it disproportionately honored white men.
“I just put my head down and work on the cra every day,” Batiste, born into a prominent New Orleans musical dynasty, told the audience as he accepted the night’s final prize.
“It’s more than entertainment for me – it’s a spiritual practice.”
The night was heavy on performances but also held a number of somber moments – most notably when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a pre-taped plea for support.
Zelensky’s message led into a performance by John Legend of the song “Free,” with the help of Ukrainian singer Mika Newton, musician Siuzanna Iglidan and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk.
“On our land, we are fighting Russia, which brings horrible silence with its bombs. The dead silence,” Zelensky said.
“Fill the silence with your music, fill it today to tell our story.”
Bieber, Eilish, Lil Nas X shut out
Despite being among the night’s most nominated artists, pop juggernauts Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber and Lil Nas X were shut out completely.
But they all staged impressive performances: Eilish belted out “Happier Than Ever” in a lightning-backed downpour, Bieber delivered a crooned-up version of “Peaches,” and Lil Nas X hosted an unabashed celebration of sexuality and queerness set to a medley of his songs including “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).”
Rodrigo also gave a searing rendition of her viral teen breakup hit “drivers license,” showcasing her impressive vocals against a set mimicking a gloomy night in suburbia.
“This is my biggest dream come true,” the 19-year-old said as she accepted the gramophone for Best New Artist.
Lady Gaga performed a few zippy standards from “Love for Sale,” her hit duet album with Tony Benne , who introduced her in a brief video message.
Big winner Batiste also performed, showcasing his elasticity as an artist by starting at the piano for a classical piece before transitioning to a rhythmic dance number.
The night’s leading nominee with 11 nods, Batiste had already scooped four ahead of his big sleeper win for the year’s best album.