Black artists took center stage at Grammys

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The 67th Grammy Awards kicked off Black History Month in grand style.

Beyoncé finally got her crowning glory of Album of the Year, something that had eluded her illustrious career for decades. “Cowboy Carter” became number 36 in her collection of Grammys.

“I just feel very full and very honored,” Beyoncé said from the stage, accompanied by her daughter Blue Ivy Carter. “It has been many, many years, and I just want to thank the Grammys, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer, all of the hard work.” 

The singer dedicated her award to Linda Martell, one of the pioneers of Black musicians in country music and the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry. Martell is featured in “Cowboy Carter.”

Beyoncé is the first Black woman to win Album of the Year since 1999 when Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” took the award.

Doechii had a big night. While accepting her award for Best Rap Album, as only the third woman to win the honor, Doechii thanked God and her mom, Celesia Moore, whom she brought up on stage to share the moment with her. Her acceptance speech delivered a powerful message.

“I know that there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there, that are watching me right now. And I want to tell you, you can do it. Anything is possible. Anything is possible,” she said. “Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark or that you’re not smart enough, or that you’re too dramatic or you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are, and I am a testimony.”

Kendrick Lamar won five awards, including Record and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us.” photo: Fuzheado/Wikimedia Commons

One of my favorite numbers in the almost four-hour show was the heartwarming tribute to the late music legend Quincy Jones, which featured music luminary Stevie Wonder joined by a student choir from Pasadena Waldorf School and Palisades High School. Both schools were severely damaged by the wildfires. The tribute also included Cynthia Erivo and Herbie Hancock who set a new standard for live performances. 

Alicia Keys, presented with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, stirred up the audience and social media with her speech, saying, “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift. And the more voices, the more powerful the sound,” she added, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Kendrick Lamar had a huge night with five wins, including Record and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us,” delivering a gold-plated nail in the coffin of the long-running feud between rappers Kendrick and Drake. 

Now, for some of the big “oops” of the night. How about the Associated Press reporter who dissed music legend Babyface (Kenneth Edmonds)? She was interviewing him and saw Grammy nominee Chappell Roan coming down the carpet and left Babyface in mid-sentence to grab who she thought was a bigger star! She apologized after the clip went viral.

By now, you may have seen Kanye West’s wife, Bianca Censori, who left little to the imagination by going completely naked underneath a sheer mini dress. They left after a few minutes on the carpet; after all, nudity is against the law in Los Angeles.

This year’s Grammy telecast carried a renewed sense of purpose, raising additional funds to support Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect others.

MusiCares raised $7 million during the show. The money will go toward wildfire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area.

So, it was a great evening in the City of Angels, and the 67th Grammy Awards did not disappoint.