By: Dio Anthony Category: MUSIC Date: 27.Jan.2014
The Grammys Were Fun this Year; Here’s Why
The 56th annual Grammy Awards took place last night in Los Angeles, Ca. And while they say that it’s “music’s biggest night,” I would like to think such a statement is up to debate. But with all that talent, and star power under one roof, there’s no denying that last night, there might’ve been truth to the show’s age-old-phrase. With a performance roster including Beyoncé, Lorde, Pink, and national treasures, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the night seemed poised to bring the fun—and it really did.
Highlights:
For starters, the fist visual we were introduced to was none other than the ever-so-sexy Beyoncé, hair soaking wet, with no prop on stage other than a simple black chair, performing her hit Drunk in Love. Before we go on, lets take a moment to remember: this record came from Yoncé’s self-titled album—you remember, the one she released without a single ounce of press. Not only did it soar to #1 within hours of its release, but evidently, it also garnered her a prime spot in the Grammy’s set list as the night’s opener. By the way, we’re lovin’ B’s new do. We’re sure girls nationwide will be sporting a similar, if not identical, look by the end of this week. That’s what happens when you’re Beyoncé. However, beeping out half of the “We woke up in the kitchen saying how the hell did this shit happen..” verse was kind of lame, CBS. We get it, but nixing out our favorite part of the song? We’ll live though. With the support of Queen B by outside anything is possible.
– Taylor Swift jamming out with her friend during Beyoncé’s opening performance was definitely a highlight of the night. And good foreshadowing to what they Grammys were this year—FUN.
– Oh Lordy Lorde. The 16-year old New Zealand teenager rocked her performance—better than you’d think a 16-year-old teenager from New Zealand would. Girl was feeling the music more than possibly anyone else in the crowd, or those watching at home. So in tune, so connected. Forget what her lyrics are saying and get this girl a crown.
– Hunter Hayes lit up the stage with his inspirational song. I felt like he was speaking to a younger version of myself. Hayes belted it out for all the teens and preteens the world-over, simply by saying that, one day, “All this pain will be invisible.” He’s definitely one to watch out for.
– Taylor Swift’s performance showed us that sometimes all you need is a piano and a really pretty but maybe forgiving dress. Already a nine-time Grammy winner, this chick isn’t stopping, and why would she? Swifty is the queen of hearts, broken hearts and all. I’d like to know, who was that song about Tay? Harry Styles? Please, let it be Harry Styles! P.S. What was that look at the end of the performance though? Just maybe little too serious?
– Two out of four Beatles is better than none at all. The presence of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr alone can prove to be an immediate highlight. Thought both did perform their respective works, they could’ve sat still in their seats throughout the entire show, and we would’ve been just as content.
Kendrick Lamar & Imagine Dragons’ performance took place right when the show was about to hit the two hour mark. These guys brought us back up. Something like a Grammy shot to the heart.
Daft Punk, Pharell, and Stevie Wonder’s performance of “Get Lucky” literally shook the house. Not one celebrity in the theater was sitting in their seat during this song, and rightfully so. This may never happen again. Ever. P.S. What was up with Pharell’s hat—or hats for that matter.
Probabaly the biggest event of the night was Macklemore’s performance of “Same Love,” featuring Mary Lambert, presented by Queen Latifah. It’s safe to say this moment stole the night, with a surpirse chime by Madonna. As if it wasn’t perfect enough, 100 couples wed during his performance—an undeniably groundbreaking gesture by the Academy of Music. Simply put, it was beautiful, and will go down in Grammy history. This song makes us really happy that Macklemore took home as many Grammys as he and Ryan Lewis did. Well deserved. Keep blazing trails.
Most Exciting Wins:
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Best New Artist. These guys are just cool; thought they might have been upstaged by that amazing green suit Macklemore was wearing. However, I really wish Ryan Lewis would’ve said more—or anything at all for that matter.
Daft Punk & Pharell Williams, Best Group Performance w/ “Get Lucky.” + Record Of The Year. After hearing this song as often as I did in the past year, I think it was only appropriate for them to win. However, seeing Daft Punk on stage, with those super cool, yet ridiculous masks on, was a bit odd. I don’t know if the world will ever truly get used to it, as much as they act like they have.
Lorde, Best Pop Solo Performance. Lorde was wrong! She’s a Royal after all! I don’t know what I liked better; the fact that she won, or her reaction to her actually winning. No offense to Beyoncé, but yes Lorde, I will call you Queen Bee.
Bruno Mars, Best Pop Vocal Album. Unorthodox Jukebox is not only a magnificent name for a record, but it was also a great album overall. Also, loosing to a 16-year old couldn’t be fun, so this win definitely took care of the would be scars Bruno Mars would’ve had if he had gone home empty handed.
In closing, the Grammys took a departure from their usual mellow tone. However, all the performances and surprise wins didn’t make up for how long the program was. A four-hour award show is a bit more than what I’d like to commit to. Especially when Katy Perry doesn’t win a single award. What was up with that?