With the eventful Oscars happening just last Sunday, another award show followed just a week later. On April 4th, 2022, the recording academy hosted the 64th annual Grammys. With The Grammys starting in 1958 with only 28 categories recognized, the current Grammys awards consist of 84. The host of this year’s and last year’s show, Trevor Noah – a late-night show host and comedian –  strongly delivered on his hosting duties. He poked fun at famous faces, such as Justin Bieber and Kanye West, who were not allowed to perform at the Grammys because of  “concerning online behavior.” Noah even took a jab at Will Smith, who a week earlier slapped Chris Rock, creating a viral buzz that continued into this week’s award show.  

Highlights of this musical night included an appearance from the President of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky appeared and pleaded with the musicians for support through the ongoing war with Russia. A tribute from singer John Legend followed his speech, singing “Free,” images from the brutal fight and suffering played overhead.  Performances also consisted of a small rendition of “Somewhere” from the remake of West Side Story, the iconic BTS performing their hit Butter, H.E.R. and Lenny Kravitz performing “Are You Going to Go My Way,” and Batiste – this year’s album of the year winner – performing “Freedom.” I’d like to especially note that Tik Tok’s own Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow won a Grammy for best musical theater album for their composition of  “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical,” showing that anyone can be the “diamond of the season.”  

Overall, the Grammys were a breath of fresh air following last week’s intimidating Oscars. And although this award show may not have been on many people’s radar, it was one that held value and took a stand for the people of Ukraine. With the president’s appearance bringing a serious note to the night’s entertainment, he reminded viewers that, “Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals. Even to those who can’t hear them. But the music will break through anyway. We defend our freedom. To live. To love. To sound.” 

Winners of the 2022 Grammys 

GENERAL 

Album of the Year: We Are by Jon Batiste  

Record of the Year: Leave The Door Open by Silk Sonic  

Song of the Year: Leave The Door Open by Silk Sonic 

New Artist: Olivia Rodrigo 

POP 

Best Pop Vocal Album: Sour by Olivia Rodrigo 

Best Pop Solo Performance: drivers license by Olivia Rodrigo 

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Kiss Me More by Doja Cat ft. SZA 

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Love for Sale by Tony Bennet and Lady Gaga 

R&B 

Best R&B Song: Leave the Door Open by Silk Sonic 

Best R&B Performance: (TIE)  Leave The Door Open by Silk Sonic, Pick Up Your Feelings by Heaux Tales 

Best R&B Album: Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sillivan  

Best Progressive R&B Album: Table for Two by Lucky Daye 

Best Traditional R&B Performance: Fight For You by H.E.R. 

RAP 

Best Rap Song: Jail by Kanye West ft. Jay-Z 

Best Rap Album: Call Me If You Get Lost by Tyler, The Creator 

Best Rap Performance: Family Ties by Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar 

Best Melodic Rap Performance: Hurricane by Kanye West ft. The Weeknd & Lil Baby

ROCK 

Best Rock Song: Waiting On A War by Foo Fighters 

Best Rock Album: Medicine At Midnight by Foo Fighters 

Best Rock Performance: Making A Fire by Foo Fighters 

Best Metal Performance: The Alien by Dream Theater  

COUNTRY 

Best Country Song: Cold by Chris Stapleton 

Best Country Album: Starting Over by Chris Stapleton 

Best Country Solo Performance: You Should Probably Leave by Chris Stapleton 

Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Younger Me by Brothers Osborne 

Claire Arneson is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].