Big firsts occur at this year’s Grammy Awards

Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Batiste dominate the Grammys while Eilish falls short

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Nineteen-year old breakout pop artist Olivia Rodrigo took home three Grammy awards on Sunday for her album “Sour” and hit song “Drivers License.”

Ali Smith, Arts & Leisure Editor

In case you hadn’t heard, the 64th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony was held Sunday, redeeming Hollywood from the drama-flop that took place the previous Sunday at the Oscars.  

Big firsts occurred, leaving all artists — even the losing ones — and fans worldwide in awe.  

Olivia Rodrigo, the 19-year-old breakout break-up pop artist, took home three Grammys after her first year of nominations in the categories Best Pop Vocal Album for “Sour,” Pop Solo Performance for her claim to fame “Drivers License” and Best New Artist.  

Showing her teenage clumsiness, Rodrigo reportedly slipped backstage, breaking one of her awards, furthering the ironic tragedy portrayed in her music.  

26-year-old singer Doja Cat also brought home her first Grammy award this year alongside SZA for their Pop Duo “Kiss Me More.” 

Humorously, Doja Cat was in the bathroom when she won the award, leaving SZA, who was on crutches, waiting on stage for them both to accept the award.  

“Listen,” Doja Cat said,” I have never taken such a fast p*ss in my whole life. Thank you everybody.” 

“I like to downplay sh*t, but it’s a big deal.” 

I am pretty deeply invested into the world of music, so I was shocked to learn of five of the night’s awards being swept away by Jon Batiste, including the most prestigious award of Album of the Year for “We Are.” 

The decorated artist also won for his song “Cry” and his video “Freedom,” among other awards for the evening. 

Batiste is a huge supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and Black rights, which is reflected in the nature of his music.  

As an ally, I am actually quite disappointed I haven’t expanded my musical borders into the direction of soul and others like Batiste, but now is as good a time as any to celebrate his talent in the wake of his Grammy nominations and awards. 

Performances of the night included “Peaches,” from Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish’s hit phenomena “Happier Than Ever” and hot performances of “Dead Right Now,” “Montero” and “Industry Baby” from Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow, who certainly lit up the crowd.  

Lady Gaga also added to the sentiments off the night, paying tribute to her dear friend Tony Bennett, including a sweet moment where she touched her shoulder in the same spot Bennett was touching it on the big screen. 

There was not a dry eye in sight. 

The night also featured performances from popular K-pop group BTS, Chris Stapleton and John Legend.  

This was quite a year for music, and it almost transported me back to 2016, which many people my age deem to be the best year of music due to its intensity and quality. 

I’m excited to see what the 2023 music season has in store, and although Eilish didn’t bring home any awards this year, after dominating the 2021 Grammys and taking over social media with her newest album, I have no doubt she and Rodrigo will continue to make musical waves by playing to their own beats. 

ALI SMITH

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