By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | April 4, 2022 | Culture, Awards,
The 2022 Grammy Awards ran for three-and-a-half hours. If you didn’t watch it all, no worries: we’ve got you covered. From show-stopping performances to worthy wins, we’ve rounded up the best moments from the Grammys.
Olivia Rodrigo brought her Sour era full circle by performing her lead single at the Grammys (not to mention, racking up a few awards during the ceremony). Honing in on the song’s emotional pulse, Rodrigo gave it her all when it came to the song’s bridge, the very set of lyrics that first captured the nation. Even better, the song was punched up with electric guitars, giving the “I still love you” admission a new layer of in-your-face vulnerability.
Kim Taehyung with Olivia Rodrigo
— BTS Only (@BTSlockdownonly) April 4, 2022
BTS BTS BTS#GRAMMYs #BTSARMY #YouAreNot7WithUs pic.twitter.com/1fIUL8qiEL
The pop star had likely barely sat down when BTS’ V cozied up to whisper in her ear what must have been some very cheeky information (just see her reaction!). It was a smooth move that led into the group’s equally smooth hit song “Butter,” which the group propelled all the way through with James Bond suaveness.
Though he didn’t win any Grammys this time around, Lil Nas X reminded us all what it means to truly be an entertainer. Leaning into his pop and hip hop expertise, the singer brought to life on stage “Dead Right Now,” “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby” (with some help from Jack Harlow). Lil Nas X had (arguably) the best performance of the night with his balance of flair, raunch and bravado.
See also: Here Are All The 2022 Grammy Award Winners
As one would expect, Billie Eilish offered a powerful performance of “Happier Than Ever” with brother and collaborator (and Best New Artist nominee) Finneas O’Connell. But what made it really special was she wore a t-shirt emblazoned with the face of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died on March 25. More than just a reference, Eilish’s epic finish of big guitars and resounding drums soundtracked a more specific honoring of Hawkins when she showed off the shirt front and center.
The Recording Academy doesn’t always get it right, but it did with this one. After 15 nominations, Jazmine Sullivan finally won her second Grammy for Heaux Tales, undoubtedly one of the greatest records released in 2021. She captured why in her acceptance speech, explaining that the album is “a safe space for Black women to tell their stories, for us to learn from each other, laugh with each other, and not be exploited ... shout out to all Black women who are just living their lives and being beautiful.”
The honoring of “Kiss Me More” began with laughs when Doja Cat admitted she nearly missed making it to the stage because she was in the bathroom. From there, the duo took turns to express their gratitude with politeness and joy. For a moment, it was hard to tell if either knew what a big deal it was to see two of the industry’s leading women actually be recognized after years of delivering top-notch singles, polished visuals and real personalities (just last week Doja Cat said she has plans to quit music.). The veneer came tumbling down when Doja Cat cracked and admitted the win is “a big deal.”
Photography by: Emma McIntyre/ Getty Images