This year’s Grammy Awards was a memorable night where social justice, the power of music, Black excellence, and LGBTQIA+ representation took center stage.
A night in which Global Citizen artists like Lizzo, BeyoncĆ©, TEMS, Kendrick Lamar and more took home the honors. From historic victories for Black musicians to queer representation and stardom, we look back at the moments that marked the night. Let’s. A platform that respects marginalized communities.
1. Iran’s protest anthem wins Best Social Change Song.
Social justice and the power of music shine as Iranian singer Sherbin Hajipour wins Best New Social Change Song Award for his powerful song “Balayeh,” which became the anthem of Iran’s Mahsa Zina Amini protest movement. Collected.
The song went viral after 25-year-old Hajipour shared it on her Instagram page and was viewed 40 million times around the world last year. The song was inspired by an Iranian tweet following the tragic news that Mahsa Zina Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, was arrested by Tehran’s so-called morality police and beaten to death. made.
In announcing the award, US First Lady Jill Biden described the song as a “powerful and poetic call for freedom and women’s rights.”
Hajipour was unable to attend the ceremony as he is currently on bail awaiting trial on charges that carry a sentence of up to six years in prison and a ban on leaving Iran.
2. Viola Davis received EGOT status.
It’s impossible not to mention Viola Davis, an actor who has championed diversity in film at every turn as a prominent black figure in Hollywood.
At this year’s Grammy Awards, queen The star has officially become a member of the “EGOT” club. This is an acronym for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winners.
This is Davis’ first Grammy Award, for the audiobook of her memoir. find mewinner of Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording.
3. BeyoncƩ gave a shoutout to the queer community.
Throughout her career, BeyoncĆ© has used her music and platform to advocate for women and girls through female empowerment songs such as “Run the world (girls).”
But during her heartwarming acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards, it was the queer community that took center stage. renaissance The singer paid tribute to the house, dance and electronic genres and paid tribute to their contributions.
“I want to thank everyone in the queer community for their love and for inventing this genre. God bless you.”
The pop icon collaborated with and sampled numerous queer artists on the album, including Big Freedia, Syd, Honey Dijon, Ts Madison, Moi Rennie, and Kevin Abianth.
renaissance Additionally, her song “Cozy,” which samples Madison’s viral video “Bitch I’m Black” and features production by Dijon, entered the U.S. Top 40, making her the first transgender woman to do so.
4. BeyoncƩ made history as the most lifetime Grammy winner of all time.
BeyoncĆ© not only thanked marginalized communities in her acceptance speech, she’s also making history.
The 32-time Grammy-winning R&B singer and pop superstar has become the most lifetime Grammy-winning artist in history, surpassing the late classical conductor Georg Solti, who won 31 Grammys.
5. Lizzo became the first black woman to win Record of the Year this century.
Black history was brought to our television screens when Lizzo won Record of the Year at this year’s Grammy Awards, making her the first Black woman to win the award this century. Whitney Houston won in 1994 for her performance of āI Will Always Love You.ā What a great way to start Black History Month in the United States and Canada.
Lizzo is the first black woman to win Record of the Year. #Grammy Awards this century. pic.twitter.com/F0RmGzbacM
ā Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) February 6, 2023
6. Kim Petras and Sam Smith are the first transgender women and non-binary artists to win the award.
This year’s Grammy Awards marked another historic moment celebrating LGBTQIA+ representation and contributions to the music industry. Kim Petras and Sam Smith won Best Pop Duo/Group Collaboration for their song “Unholy,” making Petras the first winner of Best Pop Duo/Group Collaboration. -First transgender woman to win a Grammy in this category.
The artists wore eye-catching red outfits and walked on stage together, hand in hand, before Smith stood behind Petras and handed her the microphone. āSam was kind enough to accept this award for me because I am the first transgender woman to receive this award,ā Petras said.
In his acceptance speech, Petras thanked transgender artists who paved his way and paid tribute to Grammy-nominated producer Sophie, who passed away in 2020.
“Because I can’t be here tonight, I want to thank all the amazing transgender legends before me who kicked the door open for me,” she said.
7. Trevor Noah emphasized the power of music to transcend division.
The “Most Prolific Host” returned as host of the Grammy Awards for the third time on Sunday night, and he did not disappoint.
Trevor Noah not only cracked jokes and introduced Adele and Dwayne Johnson after finding out they were each other’s biggest fans, but in the darkest of situations in the world, people despite their differences He took some time to talk about the power of music to unite people. times.
āIn the 1950s, black kids and white kids rejected racism and instead fused R&B, country, and even gospel into rock and roll,ā the comedian said. “In the 1980s, a young black rapper from Queens and a white Jewish boy from a New York University dorm got together and created the greatest hip-hop of all time. They were different, and together they created a powerful new sound. Ta.”
He continued: āMusic is more than just a harmony of sounds. It is the harmony of human beings of different races, genders, religions, identities and sexual orientations, rejecting division and finding moments of joy, unity and harmony. , thatās what music is all about.ā
8. It was a historic night for African music.
Ahead of the 65th Grammy Awards, Africa has already celebrated nine artists who have been nominated for the prestigious music awards. However, the awards saw four artists win Grammys in their respective categories, and celebrations continued across the continent.
Global Citizen and Nigerian singer TEMS won the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for their contributions to the hit song āWait for U,ā a collaboration between musicians Future and Drake.
South African artists Zekus Bantwini, Nomcebo Zikode and Wouter Kellerman also won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for their collaborative song “Bayethe”.
9. Kendrick Lamar wins āRap Album of the Year.ā
Kendrick Lamar wins 2023 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album Mr. Moral & big steppers.
The rapper, who is the most nominated male artist at the 2023 Grammy Awards, was presented with the award by Cardi B.
Featuring songs such as “Mother I Sober” and “Auntie Diaries,” the album touches on many social issues such as domestic violence, race, gender, and addiction.
10. Hip-hop received epic praise.
Featuring performances from The Roots, Run DMC, Queen Latifah and many more, the Grammys celebrated 50 years of hip-hop with a historic segment showcasing hip-hop’s rich history and continued global influence.
“For 50 years, hip-hop has not only been a defining force in music, but a major influence on our culture,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. āHis contributions to art, fashion, sports, politics and society cannot be overstated.ā