The 2022 Grammy Awards show has concluded this year, and there to take in from Ukrainian President Zelensky’s plea for aid to Billie Ellish’s touching tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
Although there was no Oscars style slap — something which presenters joked about during the show — the Grammys delivered, honouring musicians and music industry talent across the board.
Let’s have a look at the 2022 Grammys’ highlights:
Jon Batiste humbly accepts Album of the Year
Batiste looked shocked after Lenny Kravitz read out his name for the Album of the Year Award for his album We Are. He used his speech to build up his fellow musicians calling the creative arts “subjective”.
“I believe this to my core, there is no best musician, best artist, best dancer, best actor,” Batiste said, “The creative arts are subjective and they reach people at a point in their lives when they need it most. It’s like a song or an album is made and it’s almost like it has a radar to find the person when they need it the most.”
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy makes a plea for support
One of the most striking, and sobering, moments of the evening was a virtual plea for support by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy. The actor turned leader told the audience, and the world that “Our musicians wear body armour instead of tuxedos,” and urged artists to “fill the silence with your music.”
Following the virtual address was a performance by John Legend singing Free with Ukrainian musician Siuzanna Iglidan — who played a Ukrainian stringed instrument called a bandura. Finally, the duo was joined on stage by Ukrainian singer Mika Newton and Ukrainian poet Lyuba Yakimchuk.
After the performance viewers were urged to donate to the Ukrainian cause.
Billie Eilish pays tribute to Foo Fighters’ drummer Taylor Hawkins
Fans were shocked to hear, just over a week ago, that Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins had passed away. Billie Eilish played her song Happier Than Ever in his memory — wearing all black with the smiling face of Hawkins with his drum kit on her baggy t-shirt.
At the end of her performance, she stretched and held up her shirt smiling at the crowds to thunderous applause.
Performances all around
Incredible artist performances throughout the night are always a highlight of the Grammys and this year’s ceremony was no different.
The Grammys opened with a pyrotechnic performance by Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars as Sonic Silk. The duo wore white outfits and was backed by a full band and horn section.
Jon Batiste donned a sparkling suit to perform his infectious song Freedom from his album — which later won Best Album of the Year — We Are.
Meanwhile, South Korean group BTS performed Butler following a flirty moment between Olivia Rodrigo and BTS’ V. The choreography was a highlight of the show as the band dodged blue lasers while dressed as secret agents.
Rapper Nas performed several of his classics from 20-year-old God’s Son backed by a big band while Grammy-winner Chris Stapleton performed a bluesy version of Cold. Performances by Rodrigo and Eilish rocked the house and Brandi Carlie gave a spectacular show.
Overall, the Grammys 2022 was a far cry from the drama of the Oscars this year. There were a few sobering moments — an incredible memorial to Taylor Hawkins and a heart-wrenching plea by President Zelenskyy. There was also a celebration of music and talent across the industry as well as heartfelt performances from a wide range of artists.