Kendrick Lamar Makes History, Olivia Dean Crowned Best New Artist at 68th Grammy Awards
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The 68th annual Grammy Awards, held Thursday night in Los Angeles, celebrated musical excellence while also serving as a platform for social and political commentary.Kendrick Lamar cemented his legacy as the most awarded rapper in Grammy history, while British singer Olivia Dean took home the coveted Best New Artist award.
Lamar Breaks Records, Celebrates hip-Hop’s Enduring Legacy
Lamar’s win for Best rap Album, awarded for “Mr. morale & The Big Steppers,” marked his 17th Grammy, surpassing the previous record held by Jay-Z. Accepting the award, Lamar emphasized the importance of preserving hip-hop culture, stating, “This is for hip-hop. Hip-hop has never been a genre. Hip-hop is a gorgeous struggle. It’s a beautiful lifestyle. It’s a beautiful culture. We will always be here. We will carry the culture with us.” The victory also recognized the contribution of Dutch producer Roselilah to the hit record. Lamar’s continued success follows a triumphant year at the Grammys in 2023, solidifying his position as a leading force in contemporary music.
Dean’s Rise and a Historic Win for Bad Bunny
Olivia Dean,26,was recognized as Best New Artist,marking a significant moment in her burgeoning career. Dean, who identifies as the granddaughter of an immigrant, used the platform to acknowledge her family’s journey. Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny also had a standout night, winning two awards for his album I Should Have Taken More Photos – translated as “I should have taken more pictures.” This achievement is notably noteworthy as it represents the first time a Spanish-language album has been named Album of the Year. Billie Eilish secured the award for Best Song with “Wildflower.”
political Statements and Artistic Expression
The Grammy gala was not solely focused on musical accolades. Host Trevor Noah opened the evening with pointed humor directed at former President Trump, quipping, “There’s a new drinking game in the US… Every time you turn on the news, you have to drink.” He also suggested that rapper Doechii’s song “Anxiety” had become “the new national anthem.”
A visible display of protest occurred as several attendees, including Billie Eilish, wore pins reading “ICE Out,” referencing the U.S.Immigration and customs Enforcement agency. bad Bunny directly addressed the issue in his acceptance speech, stating, “Before I thank God, I first say: ICE out!” Eilish further articulated a sentiment of solidarity, declaring, “no one is illegal on stolen land.”
First-Time Wins for Diverse Artists
The 68th Grammys also celebrated first-time winners across a range of genres. The Dalai Lama received his first Grammy in the Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category for Meditations: The Reflections Of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg earned his first Grammy for Best Music Film, recognizing his documentary Music for John Williams, a tribute to the renowned composer. A K-pop song, “Golden” from the animated film KPop demon Hunters, also secured a Grammy, following the film’s success at the Golden Globes last month. Additionally, Gloria Estefan’s Roots was awarded Best Tropical Latin Album, and The Cure won best Choice Music Performance.
Performances and a Star-Studded Lineup
The evening featured performances by a diverse array of artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Justin bieber, Lola Young, bruno Mars, Rosé, Lady Gaga, and Katseye.
With a total of 95 categories, the Grammy Awards continue to represent the pinnacle of achievement in the music industry, while increasingly reflecting the evolving cultural and political landscape. A complete list of winners can be found [here](link to winners).
