Here are some of the best and worst moments from the 59th Grammy Awards. (For highlights and coverage of the winners, click here.)
LET IT REIGN
Beyoncé took her Queen Bey status to a whole new level. A performance of “Love Drought” and “Sandcastles” that blended video images, dance, and creative staging, earned the pregnant-with-twins superstar a standing ovation. What else can be said? This is Beyoncé’s world and we only live in it.
STAYING ALIVE
The tribute to the 40th anniversary of Saturday Night Fever — featuring Demi Lovato, Tori Kelly, Little Big Town and Andra Day — was a trip down memory lane for Bee Gees fans. It was also good enough to (hopefully) inspire younger viewers to explore the Bee Gees catalogue. Watching the trio’s only surviving member, Barry Gibb, sing along to “How Deep Is Your Love” was heartbreaking.
BRIEF SPEECH
When Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun of Twenty One Pilots heard their band’s name called as winner of Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, they stripped off their pants and walked up on stage in their boxer-briefs. Joseph went on to explain that, years ago, the aspiring rock stars — while hanging out together in their underwear — had vowed to accept their first Grammy Award while pantless. In addition to treating the Grammy audience to some bare male legs, the band inspired every young artist. And, receiving the award from Nick Jonas — no stranger to flashing his undies — was icing on the cake.
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STOPPING FAST LOVE
There was nary a dry eye in the house by the time Adele finished her tribute to the late George Michael. Shortly after she started singing a slowed-down arrangement of George Michael’s “Fast Love,” she suddenly stopped, cursed, and apologized profusely. Adele said she “can’t mess this up for him.” By the time it was over, the singer was emotional and looked disappointed — but the audience was on its feet. Some have complained Adele made George’s moment all about her but most agree it was the night’s most honest moment.
LITERALLY A MISSTEP
Host James Corden’s intentionally awkward entrance at the top of the show was supposed to be funny but came off as dated slapstick. He’s a funny and creative guy so the bit seemed beneath him. His Grammy-themed rap had the potential to save the moment but mostly fell flat — especially if you are Sturgill Simpson.
MIC CHECK
Sure, it’s live TV but it’s a music show. So, there’s no excuse for having a non-working microphone in front of Metallica’s James Hetfield during the band’s fiery collaboration with Lady Gaga. Why did no one rush out with a new one? Tsk tsk. Adding insult to injury, Laverne Cox failed to say “Metallica” when introducing the performance.
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THE SHOW GOES ON
The Grammys show was scheduled to run three hours but went on for more than 3.5 hours. Considering that all but a handful of the 84 awards were handed out during the pre-show, this was an unnecessarily long celebration.