The biggest night in music, the Grammys, took place on Feb. 2 and delivered plenty of viral moments with it.
The 67th Grammy Awards, hosted once again by Trevor Noah, drew 15.4 million views on Sunday. Featuring 21 performances and 9 awards presented, the ceremony was an unforgettable night.
Beyoncé made history in several categories. Her album “Cowboy Carter” won the coveted Album of the Year award, making her the first Black woman to win the award this century. She also won Best Country Album, becoming the first Black artist ever to win the award. The wins extended her Grammys record to 35 wins, the most ever recorded by any artist.
Many LSU students also seem to believe “Cowboy Carter”’s win was undeserved. Marissa Boyer, a kinesiology major, called the win disappointing and weird.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anybody say ‘let’s put on ‘Cowboy Carter,’’” Boyer joked.
Communication disorders senior Valerie Wenceslao said she believes that Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” or Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” deserved the win more.
“Beyoncé deserved to win Album of the Year years ago with ‘Lemonade,’” Wenceslao said. “Her win this year for ‘Cowboy Carter’ was just a pity win after Jay-Z complained onstage last year.”
Doechii also made history as the third woman ever to win Best Rap Album with her album “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” Boyer named Doechii’s impressive performance of “CATFISH” and “DENIAL IS A RIVER” as her favorite of the night.
Two other sought-after Grammy awards are Song of the Year and Record of the Year, both of which went to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The infamous Drake diss track’s win was well-received online and by the live Grammys audience, who proudly sang along to the snippet played during Lamar’s win.
The final award of the “Big Four” Grammy Awards is Best New Artist, which was given to Chappell Roan. The award came not long after a stunning performance by Roan of her hit song “Pink Pony Club.”
“Chappell was giving fairytale princess,” Boyer said. “I love her.”
Roan used her Best New Artist acceptance speech to call out record labels. She demanded that artists be given livable wages and affordable healthcare. Many celebrities, such as Taylor Swift and Benson Boone, stood and clapped in support of Roan’s words.
Similarly to Roan, Lady Gaga used her Best Pop Duo acceptance speech to advocate for transgender rights. Her statement comes in response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders targeting transgender people.
Several students were affected by the speeches, with Wenceslao stating she was thankful for Roan and Gaga’s bravery.
“I’m glad celebrities are standing back up and reclaiming their voice to speak against issues that are affecting minorities or just people in general,” Wenceslao said.
A key part of this year’s Grammys ceremony was the emphasis on charity donations. Host Trevor Noah consistently encouraged viewers to donate to MusiCares Fire Relief, a foundation dedicated to raising money in support of those affected by the Los Angeles Fires. By the end of the ceremony, over $24 million was raised.
Whether viewers tuned in to the ceremony or simply saw clips on social media, the 67th Grammy Awards sparked conversations that will continue long after the show ended.
