Malak Gharib
Image via Grammys
This year’s Grammy Awards showcased a blend of innovation and tradition. With a focus on honouring musical excellence, the ceremony featured dynamic performances, heartfelt tributes, and memorable collaborations. The event successfully celebrated the diversity and creativity of the music industry. Let’s review the award winners and some of our favourite moments from the event.
Best Pop Vocal Album: Taylor Swift – Midnights
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Taylor Swift’s tenth studio album, Midnights, dropped on October 21, 2022, via Republic Records. It’s a conceptual piece delving into nocturnal reflections from Swift’s restless nights. The album earned her this year’s Best Pop Vocal Album Grammy.
Best Pop Solo Performance: Miley Cyrus – Flowers
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You may recognise the song Flowers from TikTok. Last year, the song went viral and seemed to be in every video on the platform. The self-love-promoting song earned Miley Cyrus this year’s Best Pop Solo Performance Grammy and was performed live at the ceremony.
Best Song Written For Visual Media: What Was I Made For – Billie Eilish & Finneas
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Released on July 13, 2023, What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish was the fifth single from the soundtrack of the fantasy comedy film Barbie. The song achieved global success, hitting number one in several countries. The song garnered critical acclaim, winning two Grammy Awards and multiple nominations.
Best R&B Album: Victoria Monet – Jaguar II
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Jaguar II, Victoria Monet’s debut studio album, dropped on August 25, 2023, through Lovett Music and RCA Records. It features three singles: Smoke (with Lucky Daye), Party Girls (with Buju Banton), and On My Mama. The album earned Victoria Monet a Grammy after its wide recognition and amusing tunes.
Best R&B Performance: Coco Jones – ICU
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ICU is a track by American artist Coco Jones, released on October 21, 2022, as the second single from her EP What I Didn’t Tell You. Produced by DJ Camper, it marked Jones’ chart debut, reaching No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100, making the hard-earned Grammy no surprise for the musician and her audience.
Best Rap Performance: Killer Mike featuring Andre 300, Future, & Eryen Allen Kane – Scientists & Engineers
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Scientists & Engineers by Killer Mike and André 3000 is a compelling track that delves into issues of self-reflection and society. Featuring poignant verses from both artists and soulful vocals from Eryn Allen Kane and Future, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of life’s complexities.
Best Global Music Album: Shakti – This Moment
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This Moment, Shakti’s third studio album, was released on June 23, 2023, marking their return after 46 years. Led by guitarist John McLaughlin, the album features a fusion of world music elements with contributions from Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and Selvaganesh Vinayakram.
Best Rock Song / Best Rock Performance: Boygenius – Not Strong Enough
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Boygenius won the Grammy awards for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance this year for their track Not Strong Enough, surpassing contenders including Arctic Monkeys, Black Pumas, Foo Fighters, and Metallica. Released on March 1, 2023, it’s the second single from their debut studio album, The Record.
Best Progressive R&B Album: SZA – SOS; Best Pop Group / Duo Performance: SZA Featuring Phoebe Bridgers – Ghost In The Machine; Best R&B Song: SZA – Snooze
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With three Grammy awards this season – between Best Album, Best R&B Song, and Best Duo Performance – SZA has proven to be the star of the year! SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, is like a musical ray of sunshine with her soulful R&B tunes and heartfelt lyrics. Bursting onto the scene with her debut album Ctrl in 2017, she’s won hearts with her charming sound and songs that explore love, self-discovery, and empowerment. Her tunes led her to score a hat-trick at this year’s Grammys!
Cairo360 Honourable Moment: Annie Lennox Tribute to Sinéad O’Connor & Ceasefire Demand.
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As a part of a star-studded tribute, Annie Lennox honoured Irish artist Sinéad O’Connor, singing her iconic song Nothing Compares 2 U, and ended her performance with a call for a ceasefire. Before Lennox exited the stage, she raised her fist and proclaimed: “Artists for a ceasefire. Peace in the world.”