Iconic Moments from Music’s Biggest Night of the Year

 Image Courtesy: @B7Album via Twitter

Beyoncé breaking Grammy history, Harry Styles winning Album of the Year, and Lizzo becoming the first black woman to win Record of the Year since 1994, this year’s star-studded Grammy’s were full of iconic moments.

In July 2022, Beyoncé released her highly anticipated seventh studio album, Renaissance. The disco-inspired collection of music was heavily influenced by her late Uncle Jonny and the queer community, which she paid homage to in her speech for the Best Dance/Electronic Album category. The vibrant spirit of Renaissance offered a beacon of light in dark times, landing Beyoncé on the Grammy throne as the most-awarded artist in history–although we all know the pop icon doesn’t need awards to prove she is one of the greatest artists of our generation.

The Single Ladies singer was not the only one to break records at the 65th Grammy’s. After her win for Record of the Year with the groovy track About Damn Time, Lizzo became the first black woman to receive this award since Whitney Houston for I Will Always Love You in 1994. The artist also delivered a moving performance of About Damn Time and Special that certainly left everyone watching at home frozen with their jaws hanging open. 

Image Courtesy: Hugo Gloss

Another show-stopping performance from this year’s Grammy’s was the 15-minute tribute to 50 years of Rap. The genre’s golden anniversary was honored by several hip-hop legends, including Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes, and some modern performers like Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Baby. Hip-hop has not only influenced the music industry, but society as a whole since the 70s; it’s difficult to fit 50 years of this influence into one performance, but Questlove’s curation was able to transport the audience through decades of the genre.

Other iconic moments from the night include Kim Petras’ win as the first openly transgender woman in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for Unholy and Viola Davis achieving EGOT status for her audiobook Finding Me. Adele’s comeback song, Easy on Me was also recognized as the Best Pop Solo Performance.                        

Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Among all the memorable moments from the night, one of the most wholesome was when Harry Styles superfan, Reina, got the chance to announce his big win for Album of the Year with his third studio album, Harry’s House. 2022 was a massive year for the Late Night Talking singer, selling out 15 consecutive nights at Madison Square Garden and breaking Billboard records by having his smash hit As It Was at No. 1 for 15 weeks. The 13-track album is full of bright lyrics and 80s-inspired synth-pop sounds. Lyrics from Maple syrup, coffee/Pancakes for two, to “Yesterday, it finally came, a sunny afternoon/I was on my way to buy some flowers for you,” Harry’s House describes the domesticity of love and feeling “at home” with another person. Styles has come a long way from singing in a boyband, taking home the most prestigious award of the night, and proving to other artists 10 years in the making that it’s never too late to make a name for yourself.

Strike out,

Writer: Isabella Santiago

Editor: Racquel Gluckstern

Tallahassee

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