From applause to tears to album announcements, this year’s Grammy Awards was one for the record. The 66th Annual Grammy Awards took place on Feb. 4, bringing together a variety of artists, producers, celebrities, and more.
Pop Vocal Album
Taylor Swift received the Grammy’s Pop Vocal Album award for her record-breaking project, Midnights. However, when she stood at the podium, her speech differed from those of the night’s other winners.
Her fan base – denoted Swifties – had been anticipating a new album for quite some time. Though Swift had been hinting at the release of Reputation (Taylor’s Version), a rerecording of her sixth studio album, Reputation, the artist had something different in store for her listeners.
During her speech, Swift announced her eleventh album, titled The Tortured Poets Department, to be released on April 19. The following day, she announced the album title tracks, presumably due to a leak, leaving Swifties yearning for the album’s nearing release.
Album of the Year
This year’s highly anticipated Album of the Year award went to Taylor Swift’s Midnights. The album competed against big hits like Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd? (Lana Del Rey), GUTS (Olivia Rodrigo), The Record (boygenius) and Snooze (SZA).
With this win, Taylor Swift broke history. That night, she became the very first artist to win four Album of the Year Grammy awards. In her speech, she recognized her producer, Jack Antanoff, and her close friend, singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey (who was featured on Midnights).
“For me, the award is the work. All I want to do is keep being able to do this,” Swift said.
Song of the Year
Nominees in this category were “A&W” (Lana Del Rey), “What Was I Made For?” (Billie Eilesh, from the film, Barbie), “Anti-Hero” (Taylor Swift), “Dance the Night” (Dua Lipa, from the film, Barbie), “Kill Bill” (SZA), “Vampire” (Olivia Rodrigo), “Butterfly” (Don Batiste), and “Flowers” (Miley Cyrus).
Billie Eilesh deservingly took the award home for “What Was I Made For?” In her speech, she said, “I just want to say everyone in this category, like – that was a crazy list of incredible people, incredible artists, incredible music! I feel crazy right now.”
Best New Artist
In the category that introduces new music, the nominees for Best New Artist were Gracie Abrams, Fred again.., Ice Spice, Jelly Roll, Coco Jones, Noah Kahan, Victoria Monét, and The War And Treaty. Taking home the award was R&B performer Victoria Monét.
Monét recounted her long journey to this Grammy, emphasizing its “15-year pursuit.”
Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Nominated in this category were Only the Strong Survive (Bruce Springsteen), Bewitched (Laufey), Pieces of Treasure (Rickie Lee Jones), Holidays Around the World (Pentatonix),
To Steve with Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim (Liz Callaway), and Sondheim Unplugged (The NYC Sessions), Vol. 3 (Yellow Sound Label).
Taking home the Grammy was Chinese-Icelandic Jazz artist Laufey. Best known for bringing back Jazz, the multi talented singer was nominated for the first time this year and won the award for her Bewitched album. Rising to stardom with her popular hit song “From the Start,” she was also seen performing alongside the famous Billy Joel at the ceremony as well.
Record of the Year
Nominated alongside “Worship” (Jon Batiste), “Anti-Hero” (Taylor Swift), “What Was I Made For?” (Billie Eilish), “On My Mama” (Victoria Monét), “Vampire” (Olivia Rodrigo), “Not Strong Enough” (boygenius), and “Kill Bill” (SZA), “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus took the win for Record of the Year.
This is the first Grammy for the widely known artist who was also nominated for Best Album and Best Pop Vocal Album for Endless Summer Vacation, three nods for “Flowers” (Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance), and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her “Thousand Miles” collaboration with Brandi Carlile.