The Grammy Awards is music’s biggest night. It’s the event of the year with performances and appearances from America’s famous chart toppers. It’s the night when music’s biggest artists — young and old, rising stars and legends — gather together to celebrate and honor those who have created the beautiful art of music.
This Sunday was a ceremony to remember. Taylor Swift started the night with her Grammy nominated song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” She was accompanied by a crowd of Alice and Wonderland-inspired circus freaks including men on stilts, a white rabbit and mimes who jumped out from boxes. This year, the event was hosted by American Rapper LL Cool J. He began his gig by giving a beautiful speech about his own personal journey — being inspired by Michael Jackson and his grandmother who always taught him to “dream, dream, dream.”
Famous faces filled the stage throughout the evening. Presenters included Johnny Depp, Ellen DeGeneres, Beyonce and Carly Rea Jepsen. And the musical performances were enchanting. Ed Sheeran and Elton John sang a beautiful rendition of “A Team.” The duo seemed like an odd choice at first, but when the two musicians took the stage, it was nothing but glorious. Maroon 5 joined Alicia Keys in singing “Girl on Fire,” which was opened by Keys, impressively, playing the drums herself in the opening. Sting, Bruno Mars, Rihanna and Ziggy Marley came together to tribute Ziggy’s brother Bob, which turned out to be a really good, upbeat and uplifting performance.
The performances were definitely the best part of the ceremony. Grammy-nominated Mumford & Sons sang their hit “I Will Wait.” The band played in their signature formation: a single file line, madly strumming their instruments while singing heavenly harmonies. Justin Timberlake made his return to the Grammy stage with his new song “Suit and Tie.” The screen turned sepia to highlight the snazzy jazz band and the always-classy Timberlake and Jay-Z, who both wore, you guessed it, suits and ties.
One of the night’s best/coolest performances was Carrie Underwood. While the country singer wore a blank, silver ball gown, images of swirly blue lights and glittery starry nights were projected on to the dress she wore. She sang “Blown Away,” which she had won best country solo for earlier in the night. She humbly accepted her award and ended her speech by thanking the Lord, “Glory to God.” But she wasn’t the only “American Idol” winner to receive a Grammy that night. Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” won Best Pop Vocal Album. This isn’t surprising, considering the pipes on that woman, which we got to hear when she paid tribute to the late Patti Page and Carole King. Adele won best female pop performance. She kept her acceptance speech sort due to the number of speeches she had to give last year (six, to be exact). Yes, last year Adele won six well-deserved Grammys.
While Adele dominated the Grammys last year, fun. stole this year’s show. The band’s hit single “We are Young” won Best Song of the Year. The group accepted the award excitedly. As each member said their thank yous, lead singer Nate Ruess danced happily behind them. They also received a Grammy in the category of Best New Artist, which was followed by a speech that included Ruess saying, “I gotta pee so bad”.
Not only did the band win their share of awards, they also performed very well. Backed by a pile of cardboard buildings and skylines, fun. sang their newer single “Carry On.” As they built up the song, rain came pouring down from the Staples Center ceiling, drenching the band. Lighting struck, and band used their arms to wipe their faces and continued to jam. It was a great performance, and it was surely a special night for the band.
