There were a few noteworthy moments, starting with Dave Chappelle’s colorful commentary throughout a moving and politically-charged opening performance by Kendrick Lamar – who swept the rap categories – along with U2. “The only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America,” said Chappelle before the artist continued to sing, “is being an honest black man in America.”
Other notable performances included a tribute to Chuck Berry and Fats Domino by Gary Clark Jr. and Jon Batiste; Sting singing his hit Englishman in New York alongside his new collaborator Shaggy; a country-themed tribute to those we lost in the Las Vegas shooting by Eric Church, Maren Morris, and Brothers Osborne who sang Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven; and 1-800-273-8255, the suicide hotline rap by Logic, featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid.
The most passionate performance, however, was Kesha belting out her hit Praying, accompanied by Camila Cabello, Cyndi Lauper, Julia Michaels, Bebe Rexha, Andra Day, and a team of female vocalists called the Resistance Revival Chorus. The song may just become the unofficial anthem for the #metoo and #timesup movements. Chances are, many a tear were shed by those watching at home as they witnessed the raw emotion of the singer. She posted a Tweet after the performance, thanking the women who joined her on stage, the Recording Academy, and everyone who has supported her through difficult times.
“after everything you’ve done I can thank you for how strong I have become”
thank you to the @RecordingAcad, the women on stage with me tonight, and everyone who has supported me through this whole journey. pic.twitter.com/43gOsofL0S— kesha (@KeshaRose) January 29, 2018
While Chappelle offered more on-stage comic relief than host Corden, the British talk show host did bring the laughs with a few sketches, including a New York take on his smash hit segment Carpool Karaoke. Joined by Sting and Shaggy, the trio attempted to sing on a New York subway, but were met with typical New York resistance, including an angry construction worker, and an elderly lady not afraid to shoo Sting away with her purse.
In celebration of the Best Spoken Word Album category, Corden held a mock casting for next year’s category, with various celebrities reading passages from the book Fire and Fury. While it was hilarious in this politically tinged segment to hear artists like DJ Khaled, Cher, and Cardi B read about President Trump, it was the final person who had the audience erupting in applause: Hillary Clinton.
Want more? Apple Music is exclusively offering a look at some of the best past performances from the last 60 years of the Grammy Awards.
Here’s a complete list of this year’s big winners:
Record of the Year: 24K Magic by Bruno Mars
Album of the Year: 24K Magic by Bruno Mars
Song of the Year: That’s What I Like — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus & Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)
Best New Artist: Alessia Cara
Best Pop Solo Performance: Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Tony Bennett Celebrates 90, (Various Artists) Dae Bennett, Producer
Best Pop Vocal Album: (Divide) by Ed Sheeran
Best Dance Recording: Tonite by LCD Soundsystem
Best Dance/Electronic Album: 3-D The Catalogue by Kraftwerk
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Prototype by Jeff Lorber Fusion
Best Rock Performance: You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
Best Metal Performance: Sultan’s Curse by Mastodon
Best Rock Song: Run by Foo Fighters
Best Rock Album: A Deeper Understanding by The War On Drugs
Best Alternative Music Album: Sleep Well Beast by The National
Best R&B Performance: That’s What I Like by Bruno Mars
Best Traditional R&B Performance: Redbone by Childish Gambino
Best R&B Song: That’s What I Like — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus & Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)
Best Urban Contemporary Album: Starboy by The Weeknd
Best R&B Album: 24K Magic by Bruno Mars
Best Rap Performance: HUMBLE by Kendrick Lamar
Best Rap/Sung Performance: LOYALTY by Kendrick Lamar Featuring Rihanna
Best Rap Song: HUMBLE — Duckworth, Asheton Hogan & M. Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)
Best Rap Album: DAMN by Kendrick Lamar
Best Country Solo Performance: Either Way by Chris Stapleton
Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Better Man by Little Big Town
Best Country Song: Broken Halos by Mike Henderson & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Chris Stapleton)
Best Country Album: From a Room: Volume 1 by Chris Stapleton
Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling): The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
Best Comedy Album: The Age Of Spin & Deep In The Heart Of Texas by Dave Chappelle
See all of the night’s winners at the Grammys Website.
