It may have been a man (Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover) who won for Song and Record of the Year for “This Is America”—the first time a rap tune accomplished the feat—but women were front and center at the Grammy Awards that aired on CBS on Feb. 10.
Country singer Kacey Musgraves won four awards, tying Gambino, while lesbian musician Brandi Carlile nabbed three awards. Cardi B made history as the first solo female to win best rap album, and British pop singer Dua Lipa was named best new artist. In addition, Lady Gaga won three prizes, including best pop performance for “Joanne” and best pop duet for “Shallow,” from the Oscar-nominated movie A Star Is Born. Ariana Grande won for best pop album for Sweetener—but was a no-show after a very public flare-up with Grammy honchos over her song choice for a planned performance.
Another out musician/songwriter, St. Vincent (real name: Annie Clark) won best rock song (along with Jack Antonoff) for “Masseduction.”
The tone was set when the ceremony started with a group of women—including Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Jada Pinkett Smith and Gaga—describing the role of music in their lives.
Tributes to Aretha Franklin (by Audra Day, Fantasia and Yolanda Adams) and Dolly Parton took place, with the latter performing with a group of singers that included Molly Cyrus and Katy Perry, among others. In addition, Diana Ross spoke of the power of music as she performed her own tribute.
Also, Alicia Keys hosted, stunning the audience at one point when she performed while simultaneously playing two pianos.