The 2016 Grammys have come and gone. But they were some moments from this year’s show that will remain in our minds for a long time. At times, the show was a sombre occasion, as the Grammys paid tribute to the numerous musical icons we lost in the past year. Additionally, Rihanna was forced to cancel her performance and technical difficulties hampered Adele’s. The sheer star power of the event assured there would be show-stopping performances, and artists like Kendrick Lamar and Alabama Shakes delivered. Here are some of the best and worst moments of the night.
Kendrick Lamar’s superb performance
Kendrick’s performance can be described in one word – Incredible. A week after Beyoncé’s empowering performance at the Super Bowl, Lamar brought his interpretation of the black experience to another nationally televised stage. He came out bound in shackles, only to free himself bit by bit, as he and his backing crew tore through “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright,” along with a new freestyle. The background shifted from jail to a bonfire to an image of Africa with “Compton” written across it. As soon as it ended, there was a palpable, distinct feeling Lamar’s performance would be impossible to top.
Alabama Shakes’ Big Night
The soul-rockers didn’t win album of the year, but that didn’t mean it was a down night for the ‘Bama natives. They took home three Grammys (for best rock song, best alternative music album and best engineered album) and wowed the audience with a spot-on rendition of “Don’t Wanna Fight.” Brittany Howard is a one-of-a-kind guitarist and vocalist, and a whole lot of new people now know it.
Lady Gaga’s Tribute to David Bowie
After walking the red carpet in Bowie-esque red hair and a blue satin floor-length jacket over a sequined leotard, Lady Gaga’s full tribute to the late David Bowie comprised nine of his hit songs and spared no sparkle. As Gaga opened the act, singing “Space Oddity,” she was filmed close up, her eyes closed while a light effect made it look like molten gold dripped down her forehead and a spider crawled down her face. She stepped across the stage and transitioned into “Changes,” after which she tore off her long white cloak to reveal a glittering white jumpsuit. She sang “Ziggy Stardust” into “Suffragette City” into “Rebel Rebel,” all while the screen behind her showed stars and lightning and dancing astronauts. She was joined by backup dancers for “Fashion,” which she transitioned into “Fame” and then “Under Pressure.” Next up was “Let’s Dance,” after which the stage went dark and she appeared to be finished — until she launched into a soaring rendition of “Heroes,” while stars sparkled behind her onscreen.
Adele’s not so perfect performance
The first performance by Adele on the telecast since her 2012 wins for Album and Record of the Year should have been a triumph. Instead, she was clearly at the mercy of bad audio, with the sound seeming to drop out entirely early in her performance. Adding insult to injury, the singer was cast in a literally unflattering light, bathed in egg-yolk-yellow light that looked like a flattering spotlight from afar but that, for the bulk of her performance, served just to obscure her. If there’s one broadcast that should be able to fulfill Adele’s relatively unflashy requirements—a mic stand, simple lighting, working audio—it should be the awards show dedicated to music.
Taylor Swift’s Big Night
At the end of the show, 1989 won Album of the Year — making Swift the first woman to ever receive the honor twice. In her acceptance speech, Swift said, “There are going to be people along the way who are going to try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame” (she may or may not have been talking about Kanye West). “But if you just focus on the work and you don’t let those people sidetrack you,” Swift continued, “someday, when you get where you’re going, you’ll look around and know that it was you and the people who love you who put you there. And that will be the greatest feeling in the world.”
Lionel Richie Tribute
The Grammys’ tribute to Lionel Richie, this year’s MusiCares Person of the Year, made up for its low-key effects and wardrobe with major star power and enthusiasm. John Legend opened the tag-teamed performance, crooning “Easy” at a piano before introducing Demi Lovato, whose powerful performance of “Hello” was cheered on by Richie himself in the audience. Luke Bryan followed Lovato with “Penny Lover,” then introduced Best New Artist winner Meghan Trainor, who sang “You Are” before Tyrese came out to deliver “Brick House.” After the five singers performed, Richie himself, wearing a sparkly gunmetal blazer, joined them onstage for an ebullient performance of “All Night Long,” which they sang against a backdrop of the word LIONEL flashing in huge letters.
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