The Grammys is an awards event put on by The Recording Academy, a professional organization of people in the music business, for musical artists all around the world to give them recognition for their talent. The many genres of music are acknowledged, with awards given for each one. They also give out prizes in the general field, meaning overall. 

Due to the pandemic, the 2021 Grammys, held on March 14, were a bit different than usual. The event was not held at the Staples Center; it occurred at the Los Angeles Convention Center. 

During this year’s ceremony, there were performances by Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, DaBaby, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Roddy Rich, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, John Mayer, Maren Morris, Megan Thee Stallion, Chris Martin, Tamika D. Mallory, Lil Baby, Miranda Lambert, Brittany Howard, HAIM, Mickey Guyton, Brandi Carlile, BTS, Black Pumas, and Bad Bunny. 

These performances were spaced out at different stages and venues because of COVID-19. Some of the most notable appearances were made by Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish. Harry Styles opened the night with his award-winning song, “Watermelon Sugar,” which won Best Pop Solo Performance. After Style’s song, the camera turned to the next stage where Billie Eilish sang to “Everything I Wanted.” A little while after, Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated performance stunned many viewers watching. She started off in a forest with her song “Cardigan,” then she moved into a cabin to perform and sing a few of her other songs. The other performances made by the rest of the musicians met high expectations. 

The most high-stakes awards in the general field are Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist. Taylor Swift’s Folklore album won Album Of The Year. “Everything I Wanted,” by Billie Eilish, was awarded the Record of the Year. This award was thought to have been given to Megan Thee Stallion for “Savage,” so Eilish was surprised. “I Can’t Breathe” sung by H.E.R won the Song of the Year award. Megan Thee Stallion, who has one studio album and a few singles, earned the Best New Artist Grammy. There are many other notable Grammy winners like Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia winning Best Pop Vocal Album.  

Beyoncé came in the lead with the most nominations, winning four out of eight total nominations. She now holds the most Grammy wins after she won her 28th Grammy with Best R&B Performance with “Black Parade.” Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa followed with six nominations. This makes Taylor Swift’s third Album of the Year and 11th Grammy, and Dua Lipa won her 8th grammy this year. 

The Grammys is a great way to appreciate gifted artists, whether underrated and well-known. Along with giving credit to those who deserve it, the ceremony also entertains people all over the world, music artists or not. The 2021 Grammys was a great success, and the 2022 show is anticipated to reach this year’s standards.