On Feb. 2, in Los Angeles, the biggest night of the year for the music industry took place: the Grammys. Hundreds of professionals gathered to honor the best in the music industry. With so many popular and influential people present, this award show was bound to spark a wide range of different opinions, especially with so many eyes watching. This year’s ceremony in particular seemed to spark much controversy and joy.
One big controversy of the night was about Beyonce’s win for Album of The Year with her album “Cowboy Carter.” Huge albums were in the running such as “Brat” by Charlie XCX, “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” by Billie Eilish, and more. In the end, Beyonce’s album took the win, but not without trouble, as many viewers didn’t believe she deserved it.
“I personally like her music in general but this country album I would say is one of the worst things she’s produced,” sophomore Jazmine Mehrnia said. “It was extremely overrated and many of the songs on the album I found annoying.”
Additionally, the shock of her win was emphasized as she was up against the biggest albums of the year, with most of the talk surrounding Billie Eilish’s album.
“Billie Eilish [was] robbed of the title as her album…connected more deeply with the audience,” junior Casey Ashkenase said.
However, this wasn’t Beyonce’s only controversy of the night. When Miley Cyrus was presenting the award for the record of the year she said, “even if it’s not you Beyonce, I might just say it is.” Many found this comment off-putting.
“[While the comment] was meant to be light hearted and kind of like a nod to Beyoncé’s influence and success she has had in the music industry, [it] could be seen as…undermining the other nominees that clearly are great singers and songwriters,” Mehrnia said.
Ashkenase had a similar thought on Miley’s choice of words.
“It can seem unfair to the actual nominee or winner, as it could potentially diminish the legitimacy of the award being presented,” Ashkenase said.
On a brighter note, Doechii, a rising rapper, won her first Grammy for best rap album with her album, “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” Being the third woman to win in this category in the last 35 years, she gave an extremely heartfelt and emotional speech which left the crowd feeling inspired.
“I know that there is some black girl out there…watching me right now, and I want to tell you you can do it. Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark, that you’re not smart enough, or that you’re too dramatic, that you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be…and I am a testimony,” Doechii said.
Another big controversy was on the red carpet before the award show began. Australian model and wife of Kanye West, Bianca Censori, showed up with a huge, black, fur coat which she took off to expose a completely see through dress, essentially walking the carpet naked.
“I think that it was completely shocking, unnecessary, and inappropriate. It overshadowed the event’s purpose and reflected how careless both Bianca and Kayne were for the award show,” Ashkenase said.
While some, such as Ashekanse, were shocked, others felt it was on brand for her due to her husband’s reputation.
“Bianca Censori’s outfit choice was provocative, but given her association with Kanye West, it wasn’t entirely surprising,” sophomore Brooke Nucera said. “He has had many controversies in the past about certain crazy things he posts so I’m not surprised that he would do something like this for attention.”
The last controversy of the night was relating to the host, Trevor Noah. He made several jokes about immigrants which many found distasteful.
“Jokes like that…[are] really controversial and risky…when it comes to [a] big event like the Grammys it’s just not a good idea especially because it’s for such a wide audience…It’s a fine line between if people find it funny or just insensitive which is why I think it should just be avoided in general,” Mehrnia said.
Shakira, on the other hand, when speaking after winning best latin pop album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, used her time to speak highly of immigrants, leaving an impactful and uplifting message.
“I want to dedicate this award to my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country. You are loved. You are worth it,” Shakira said.
