UPDATE: British artists FKA Twigs and Cynthia Erivo have emerged as early Grammy winners alongside the Dalai Lama, as artists stage a powerful protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the ceremony held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday evening.
Protests erupted on the red carpet as musicians, including Joni Mitchell and Kehlani, displayed “ICE out” and “Be Good” pins, condemning the aggressive tactics of ICE agents deployed in cities like Minneapolis. These officers, part of a controversial mass deportation initiative, have faced backlash following the fatal shootings of two individuals, Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24.
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, nominated for best alternative music album, wore a whistle in solidarity with legal observers monitoring ICE’s actions. He stated, “I think there’s a reason that music exists and it’s to heal and to bring people together,” highlighting the critical role of those documenting the protests.
In a fiery acceptance speech, Kehlani, who won her first Grammy for best R&B performance for “Folded,” declared, “F*** ICE,” urging fellow artists to unite against current injustices.
Colombian artist Karol G, nominated for her record “Tropicoqueta,” emphasized the struggles of the Latin community in the U.S., saying, “Our community here in the United States is going through a lot of bad and difficult and hard things.” She celebrated the increasing visibility of Latin artists at the Grammys, calling it “beautiful” and “special.”
The Dalai Lama received a Grammy for his audiobook “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness.” Although he was not present, Rufus Wainwright accepted the award on his behalf.
FKA Twigs, whose real name is Tahliah Barnett, clinched the Grammy for best dance/electronic album with her work “Eusexua,” triumphing over fellow British nominees PinkPantheress and Fred Again. Cynthia Erivo won best pop duet/group performance for “Defying Gravity,” a collaboration with Ariana Grande.
Leading the nominations, Kendrick Lamar has already secured three awards, including best rap song for “TV Off” featuring Lefty Gunplay. The artist, with a total of nine nominations this year, continues to dominate the ceremony.
Pop icon Lady Gaga, nominated alongside Lamar for multiple categories, has also won best dance pop recording for “Abracadabra,” and its remix won best remixed recording. The competition for album of the year features major contenders, including Lamar and Gaga, alongside artists like Justin Bieber and Bad Bunny.
In a groundbreaking achievement, the fictional K-Pop group Huntr/x won the Grammy for best song written for visual media with “Golden,” marking a historic moment for K-Pop artists at the awards.
The evening promises spectacular performances from an array of talent, including Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Tyler The Creator, and Lauryn Hill. Presenters include stars like Charli XCX, Harry Styles, and Carole King, ensuring a night filled with excitement and anticipation.
As the ceremony unfolds, the spotlight remains on the crucial messages of solidarity and activism, making this year’s Grammy Awards not just a celebration of music, but also a rallying cry for justice. Stay tuned for live updates as more winners are announced and performances take the stage.
