Silk Sonic, Olivia Rodrigo, Jon Batiste, and Chris Stapleton were some of the big winners at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards show, which also included an emotional speech from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos,” Zelensky said in his virtual remarks. “They sing to the wounded. In hospitals.” He added that “the music will break through anyway” and spoke of his country defending its freedom “to live, to love, to sound.”
John Legend then performed his song “Free” along with Ukrainian singer Mika Newton and Ukrainian-American musician Siuzanna Iglidan. Ukrainian poet Lyuba Yakimchuk also was part of the performance.
Silk Sonic, is the super duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak, won two of the night’s marquee awards — song of the year and record of the year — for “Leave the Door Open.” That also won the best R&B song and tied for best R&B performance.
Rodrigo was named best new artist, and she also won best pop vocal album (“Sour”) and best pop solo performance (“Drivers License”).
Stapleton cleaned up in many of the country categories, including best country album (“Starting Over”), best country song (“Cold”), and best country solo performance (“You Should Probably Leave”).
Batiste, who came into the show with the most nominations (11), won five Grammys and took home the last award of the night as “We Are” which won album of the year.
Sunday night’s show, which took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, was initially supposed to take place in Los Angeles in January. But it was pushed back and moved because of Covid-19 concerns. As usual, it featured many live performances from top acts across a variety of genres.
Trevor Noah of “The Daily Show” hosted the event for the second straight year.
John Legend performs his song “Free” with Ukrainian singer Mika Newton, left, and Ukrainian-American musician Siuzanna Iglidan.Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyThe performance of “Free” was preceded by a video from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky implored those listening to “tell the truth about war. On your social networks. On TV. Support us in any way you can. Any. But not silence.”Chris Pizzello/Invision/APCarrie Underwood performs “Ghost Story” during the show.Chris Pizzello/Invision/APSZA, left, and Doja Cat accept the Grammy for best pop duo/group performance (“Kiss Me More”). Doja Cat joked about how she just barely made it back from the bathroom on time. Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyFrom left, H.E.R., Travis Barker, and Lenny Kravitz perform together. Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyJustin Bieber plays the piano while performing his song “Peaches.”Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyJon Batiste performs “Freedom.”Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyFrom left, Ben Platt, Rachel Zegler, Cynthia Erivo, and Leslie Odom Jr. sing during the annual In Memoriam segment, which pays tribute to people who recently died. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ImagesChris Stapleton holds several of his Grammys in the press room. He won best country album (“Starting Over”), best country song (“Cold”), and best country solo performance (“You Should Probably Leave”).John Locher/Invision/APOlivia Rodrigo gets a hug after winning the Grammy for a best new artist. Mario Anzuoni/ReutersLady Gaga paid tribute to Tony Bennett with a couple of songs: “Love for Sale” and “Do I Love You?”Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty ImagesJazmine Sullivan accepts the award for best R&B album (“Heaux Tales”).Chris Pizzello/Invision/APLil Nas X, flanked by backup dancers, performs a medley of songs during the show. Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyJoni Mitchell left, and Bonnie Raitt speak on stage before introducing Brandi Carlile. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ImagesCarlile performs her song “Right on Time.”Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ImagesLil Nas X takes a selfie with Lady Gaga. Francis Specker/CBSChrissy Teigen attends the show with her children, Miles, and Luna. Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyBTS performs its song “Butter.”Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyDua Lipa left, and Megan Thee Stallion present an award during the show. Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyBillie Eilish performs her song “Happier Than Ever” with help from her brother, Finneas. He also co-wrote the song. Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyAymée Nuviola performs “La Gota Fria” on a rooftop stage in Las Vegas. David Becker/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyLeon Bridges left, and Batiste greet each other at the show. Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyJ Balvin performs “In da Getto.”Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ImagesRodrigo performs her hit song “Drivers License” in the show’s first hour.Chris Pizzello/Invision/APHost Trevor Noah delivers the show’s opening monologue. Noah, who also hosted the show last year, referenced last week’s Oscars moment when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. “We’re going to be dancing. We’re going to be singing. We’re going to be keeping people’s names out of our mouths,” Noah joked. Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyBTS poses on the red carpet before the show. See more red carpet photos. Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
