2023 was all in regards to the pleasure of girlhood, so it is no shock the largest musical hits of the yr had been additionally for ladies and by ladies. Forward of the 2024 Grammy Awards, ladies dominated nominations throughout classes. However the Feb. 4 ceremony celebrated not solely ladies nominees, but additionally winners, performers, and presenters — at all ages. From longtime legends to rising artists, ladies celebrated one another unabashedly in an business that tends to emphasise youth and sometimes pits ladies in opposition to one another. For the primary time in years, an award present appeared to hit the mark on entertaining audiences throughout generations, putting the proper chord between embracing nostalgia and highlighting newer expertise.
Girls nominees had been up for each main class, and finally snagged the massive wins, too. Phoebe Bridgers took house probably the most trophies with 4 wins, making her a first-time Grammy winner alongside Victoria Monét, Miley Cyrus, Karol G, and Lainey Wilson. SZA led the pack with 9 nominations, and gained two. And naturally, Taylor Swift grew to become the primary artist in historical past to win Album of the 12 months 4 instances.
Whereas the wins had been definitely value celebrating, the performances are what made an impression and warmed nostalgic hearts. In arguably the most-talked-about second of the night time, Tracy Chapman appeared with Luke Combs to carry out a duet of “Quick Automotive,” her 1988 hit that has since seen a cross-generational resurgence (one which she was not absolutely acknowledged for till final night time). She hadn’t sung on reside TV in years, and has hardly ever toured since 2009. One other standout efficiency got here from Joni Mitchell, who carried out on the Grammys for the very first time at 80 years outdated. The gang was teary as Mitchell sang her 1968 hit “Each Sides Now,” her presence itself a triumph after she recovered from a 2015 mind aneurysm. Annie Lennox additionally made an look to pay tribute to Sinead O’Connor through the “In Memoriam” phase of the ceremony with an emotional cowl of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” These legends acquired the visibility they deserved on music’s largest night time — and proved that it is by no means too late to get your flowers.
The youthful pop stars additionally delivered memorable performances, and appeared to lean into the empowering theme of the night time. Cyrus kicked off the ceremony with a enjoyable rendition of “Flowers,” a shallowness anthem that earned her her two wins. To not point out, she paired the efficiency with an homage to the late icon Tina Turner. Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo additionally gave uncooked, vocal-first performances of their hits “What I Was Made For” and “Vampire,” respectively, each of which mirror on the expectations younger ladies face.
At the same time as JAY-Z accepted the Dr. Dre International Impression Award, he introduced 12-year-old Blue Ivy on stage and centered his spouse, Beyoncé, in his speech, criticizing the Recording Academy for repeatedly snubbing her for Album of the 12 months regardless of her record-breaking variety of Grammys.
In fact, there have been different high-profile snubs (notably SZA and Lana Del Rey). Award exhibits cannot please everybody. However there is no doubt ladies of all ages reigned finally night time’s Grammys, indulging Gen Z, millennial, and Gen X followers alike and making us all really feel seen. Witnessing legends and newcomers celebrating one another and themselves felt like an actual step ahead for all ladies.
