Each year the Recording Academy hosts perhaps one of the biggest nights in the music industry, The Grammy Awards. This year’s Grammys took place on the night of Feb. 2 with several historical victories and moments taking place. After a long year of hit songs and albums being released again and again, each category of awards was filled with incredibly talented nominees and the academy voters had some tough decisions to make.   

The night began as it always does with each guest and nominee walking the red carpet into the arena. People online were already forming opinions about each celebrity on the carpet and what they chose to wear. Perhaps the most discussed outfits of the night were those of Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori who showed up in a sheer bodysuit and black coat to match her husband’s all black outfit. West was not invited to the event despite being a nominee and was quickly escorted away from the venue.  

After everyone had walked the carpet, the event officially began with Host Trevor Noah giving a speech about the “spirit” of Los Angeles post a multiple weeklong fight against wildfires. This topic was discussed many times throughout the night as performers and nominees dedicated their successes to the victims of the fires and encouraged viewers to donate to those in need.  

There were several performances by various artists throughout the night. This included Billie Ellish and her brother Finneas performing her Grammy nominated song “Birds of a Feather.” Sabrina Carpenter also had a successful year and had the opportunity to show off her Grammy nominated songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” in a very theatrical performance.   

After these performances, the newly successful rapper Doechii made history as the third woman to have ever won the Grammy for Best Rap Album. She later proved herself to be the right choice by putting on an extravagant and unique performance of her songs “CATFISH” and “DENIAL IS A RIVER.”  

Another notable win of the night was Sabrina Carpenter for Best Pop Vocal Album. The pop singer has been in the industry for years trying to make a name for herself and has quickly risen to fame in the past year and is finally getting her followers.  

Another artist who has been working in the industry for some time now but has only recently risen to fame is Chappell Roan. Chappell Roan was introduced sweetly by friend and former Grammy award winner, Olivia Rodrigo, and performed her hit song Pink Pony Club. Shortly after this, she was awarded Best New Artist and used her speech to advocate for developing artists’ labels to support their health care and provide a livable wage.  

Yet another historical moment of the night was Taylor Swift presenting the award for Best Country Album to Beyonce. Beyonce winning this award was a special moment in itself but having Swift present the award was even more important given their award show history. Beyonce also went on to make even more history by finally taking home the award for Album of the Year.  

The most surprising moment of the night was The Weeknd’s surprise performance following a longtime boycott of the Grammys. This performance was then followed by CEO Harvey Mason Jr. speaking about the changes they have made to address their past criticisms.  

Another notable moment of the night was the “In Memoriam” segment, which honored many artists and creatives in the music industry who recently passed. The segment began with a special tribute to member of One Direction, Liam Payne. This segment was also paired with various tribute performances by current musicians covering songs by those being honored.  

These are just a few of the most notable moments of the Grammy awards night, but there were countless other historical moments that took place that evening. Each year, the Grammys stir up the biggest conversations in music, but this year will go down as one for the books. Each category was filled with insanely talented nominees, every performer was unique, and each winner made history, which is what the Grammys are all about. 

Nora Lee is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at nora.lee@und.edu.