By Curtis Dinwiddie Staff writer
The 57th Grammys, music’s biggest night, aired on Sunday, Feb. 8 and delivered phenomenal performances with deserving Grammy recipients. The major theme of this year’s Grammys was odd pairings and once-in-a-lifetime performances.
The show opened with the legendary rockers AC/DC with their shocking first Grammy performance ever. It was followed up by the first award of Best New Artist which Sam Smith won. Newcomer Smith won three more, including Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Song and Record of the Year.
“John Legend and Common’s Selma song “Glory” was a noteworthy performance. The song was so inspirational to me,” said senior Ethan Beard.
Every performance stood out as memorable pairings, including Ed Sheeran and ELO, Hozier and Annie Lennox, Sam Smith with Mary J. Blige and the trio of Kanye, Rihanna and Sir Paul McCartney. The newcomers brought a new era to the event while the veterans showed them how to put on a show.
West almost upset the world again by jokingly running up the stage in Beck’s acceptance speech. Beck is a new artist who won Best Rock Album and Album of the Year for Morning Phase. Kanye felt Beck should have given his award to Beyonce because he needs to respect artistry. “My favorite moment was when Kanye had fun with almost interrupting Beck’s speech. I guess he remembered all the chaos he caused back in ’09,” said senior Don Harris. A significant part of the show was President Obama denouncing domestic violence with abuse survivor and activist Brooke Axtell. Katy Perry performed “By the Grace of God” for the women who go through this battle.
“I knew the Grammys wasn’t going to air the rap category. They show every other popular genre but ours,” said junior Richard Lance.
Phoenix Rising gives the Grammys four out of five stars for all the performances and reminiscent moments created.
