2020 Grammy winners list
The 2020 Grammy Awards unvealed early winners through a livestream on the Recording Academy’s site, continuing the announcements on the primetime television ceremony live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
See the winners list here | Show highlights | Red carpet arrivals
Who is Ken Ehrlich, recipient of that long, star-studded Grammys 2020 tribute?
The 2020 Grammys rolled out an elaborate, star-studded tribute for Ken Ehrlich, the longtime Grammys executive producer best known for mashup live performances featuring musicians from often wildly disparate genres and generations.
Hence, it was appropriate that his own farewell celebration Sunday night united a slew of performers, including Joshua Bell, Camila Cabello, Gary Clark Jr., Common, Misty Copeland, pianist Lang Lang, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Ben Platt, and the War and Treaty.
David Berman and Mark Hollis missing from 2020 Grammys ‘In Memoriam’
This year’s Grammys “In Memoriam” segment left out — and misspelled — a few key names.
FKA twigs wanted to sing at the Grammys Prince tribute. But she wasn’t asked
Why didn’t FKA twigs sing during the Grammys’ tribute to Prince?
Good question.
The energetic celebration led by R&B singer Usher featured a live band and twigs’ impressive pole-dancing skills. But noticeably missing was her voice. The experimental British artist, known for her unique blend of electronic music with pop and R&B, didn’t sing a note during the tribute.
Some people on Twitter expressed their disappointment, perceiving her dance-only performance as a slight.
Billie Eilish makes history, sweeping all four major categories
Less than four years ago, when Billie Eilish was preparing for her first-ever performance at the Hi-Hat on York in Highland Park for about 50 people, few could have predicted that the then-15-year-old would go on to sweep the four major categories at the Grammy Awards. On Sunday, the 18-year-old accomplished that feat, becoming only the second artist ever to do so.
With record of the year win for ‘Bad Guy,’ Billie Eilish sweeps major Emmy categories
Billie Eilish has swept the Grammys’ four biggest categories. “Bad Guy” won the Grammy for record of the year.
The other nominees were:
“Hey, Ma” — Bon Iver
“7 Rings” — Ariana Grande
“Hard Place” — H.E.R.
“Talk” — Khalid
“Old Town Road” — Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
“Truth Hurts” — Lizzo
“Sunflower” — Post Malone & Swae Lee
Billie Eilish wins album of the year
Billie Eilish continues her dominance of the big four categories, winning the Grammy for album of the year for “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”
“Can I just say that I think Ariana deserves this?” Eilish said while accepting the award.
The other nominees were:
“I, I” — Bon Iver
“Norman F— Rockwell!” — Lana Del Rey
“When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go” — Billie Eilish
“Thank U, Next” — Ariana Grande
“I Used to Know Her” — H.E.R.
“7” — Lil Nas X
“Cuz I Love You” (Deluxe) — Lizzo
“Father of the Bride” — Vampire Weekend
Billie Eilish wins Grammy for best new artist
Billie Eilish won the Grammy for best new artist on Sunday.
“I forgot to thank my touring team ... thank you for helping me put on a show I actually like,” said Eilish when accepting the award. She also thanked her fans.
The other nominees were:
- Black Pumas
- Lil Nas X
- Lizzo
- Maggie Rogers
- Rosalía
- Tank and the Bangas
- Yola
Dear Grammys: It’s Ric Ocasek — not Rick
While we wait for Twitter to erupt over who was just left out of the “In Memoriam” segment at the Grammys, we can at least draw your attention to the fact that late Cars frontman Ric Ocasek’s name was misspelled. It’s not Rick, Recording Academy.
Stunned Billie Eilish and brother Finneas win Grammy for song of the year
Duh.
Billie Eilish took home the coveted song of the year Grammy on Sunday night for her 2019 hit “Bad Guy.” She accepted the award with her “best friend,” collaborator and brother, Finneas. Both appeared stunned by their win.
“Wow, wow, wow, wow,” Eilish began her speech. “So many other songs deserved this, I’m sorry.”
The Osbournes didn’t know why they were presenting the rap/sung performance Grammy either
Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne didn’t know why they were tapped to present the rap/sung performance Grammy, but they did it anyways.
After fumbling over some of the artists names, the pair announced that the award went to “Higher,” by DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle and John Legend.
Khaled and Legend were among those who performed in Sunday night’s Grammy the tribute to Hussle, the L.A. rapper and entrepreneur who was murdered last year outside his Marathon Clothing store in South L.A.
The other nominees were:
“Higher” - DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle & John Legend
“Drip Too Hard” - Lil Baby & Gunna
“Panini” - Lil Nas X
“Ballin” - Mustard featuring Roddy Ricch
“The London” - Young Thug Featuring J. Cole & Travis Scott
Nipsey Hussle celebrated at 2020 Grammys by Meek Mill, YG, John Legend, Roddy Ricch and more
Los Angeles is reeling from the unexpected death today of Kobe Bryant. But Nipsey Hussle’s Grammy tribute lauded another local hero whose death brought the whole city together to mourn, and reminded fans how resilient his legacy still is today.
Hussle, the L.A. rapper and entrepreneur, was slain last year outside his Marathon Clothing store in South L.A. But the impact of his music and activism on Los Angeles has only deepened in death, drawing thousands to public memorials and a generation of artists to laud his insight as a lyricist.
After Grammy win, Tyler, the Creator compares the word ‘urban’ to the ‘n-word’
After Tyler, the Creator won his rap album Grammy for “Igor,” he headed backstage to answer questions in the press room. The artist, who has never held back on his opinions, was asked about the recent controversies surrounding the awards.
Calling himself “half-and-half” on the awards themselves, he said: “On one hand, I’m just grateful that what I made can be acknowledged in a world like this. But, also, it sucks that whenever we — and I mean guys that look like me, do anything that’s genre-bending or anything — they also put it in a rap or urban category. And I don’t like the ‘urban’ word. It’s just a politically correct way to say the n-word.”
Added the first-time winner, whose memorable Grammy performance earlier in the night lit up social media: “To me, when I hear that, I’m like, ‘Why can’t we just be put in pop?’ Half of me feels like the rap nomination was a backhanded compliment, like, ‘Oh my little cousin wants to play the game, let’s give him the unplugged controller so he can shut up and feel good about it.’ But another half of me is very grateful that the art that I made could be acknowledged on a level like this.”
Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’ wins Grammy for song of the year
Billie Eilish and brother Finneas O’Connell won the Grammy for song of the year for “Bad Guy.”
“I genuinely want to say that I’m grateful,” said Eilish when accepting the award.
The other nominees were:
- “Always Remember Us This Way” — Natalie Hemby, Lady Gaga, Hillary Lindsey & Lori McKenna, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
- “Bring My Flowers Now” — Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth & Tanya Tucker, songwriters (Tanya Tucker)
- “Hard Place” — Ruby Amanfu, Sam Ashworth, D. Arcelious Harris. H.E.R. & Rodney Jerkins, songwriters (H.E.R.)
- “Lover” — Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)
- “Norman F— Rockwell!” — Jack Antonoff & Lana Del Rey, songwriters (Lana Del Rey)
- “Someone You Loved” — Tom Barnes, Lewis Capaldi, Pete Kelleher, Benjamin Kohn & Sam Roman, songwriters (Lewis Capaldi)
- “Truth Hurts” — Steven Cheung, Eric Frederic, Melissa Jefferson & Jesse Saint John, songwriters (Lizzo)
She did it: Demi Lovato nails powerful comeback performance at the Grammys
Welcome back, Demi Lovato.
The pop star made a powerful return at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night with a raw rendition of her new single, “Anyone,” written four days before her widely publicized June 2018 overdose.
The intimate live performance, featuring simply Lovato, a spotlight and a piano, was her first since the incident nearly took her life almost two years ago: “Lord, is there anyone? / I need someone / Anyone / Please, show me anyone,” she belted, tears streaming down her face, draped in a white gown.
BTS and yodeler Mason Ramsey join Lil Nas X for ‘Old Town Road’ Grammy jam
“Old Town Road” had record-breaking staying power on the charts in part because of its remixes and guests. All of them and then some came out to perform with Lil Nas X at the Grammys.
While the Grammys are known for sometimes-perplexing collaborations onstage, the scattershot assemblage for “Old Town Road” — K-pop megastars BTS, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, EDM producer Diplo, viral yodeler Mason Ramsey — all hopped on official remixes during its 19-week reign atop the Billboard Hot 100.
Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. reunite at 2020 Grammys for snarling ‘Walk This Way’
The rendition wasn’t honored by the Grammy Awards with a nomination at the time, but 34 years later the iconic tag-team of Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. corrected the oversight by reminding viewers that their 1986 rap-rock classic version of “Walk This Way” could still bang.
Featuring Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Steven Tyler alongside Run-D.M.C.’s Reverend Run and DMC (the trio’s other member, Jam Master Jay, died in 2002), the record, noted Common in introducing Aerosmith, “broke down the barriers between rock and rap and changed the game forever.”
Demi Lovato earns standing ovation with emotional Grammys performance
Demi Lovato’s Grammys performance was a tearful moment of triumph.
Lovato performed “Anyone,” a new song she finished just four days before an overdose at her Hollywood Hills home.
The powerful performance earned her a standing ovation, as well as a nod of approval from Lizzo.
FKA twigs goes avant-garde for the Grammys
FKA twigs’ ambitious music video for “Cellophane,” a breakout hit off her 2019 album “Magdalene,” may have lost out on a Grammy Sunday night, but her avant-garde awards-show look might be a win — with a capital “W” — for some.
The 32-year-old British artist, both a musician and dancer, wore a custom gown by her friend and collaborator Ed Marler that evoked a chic 1980s prom dress with an alt-girl edge. Her red-streaked curls were a welcome contrast to the black and pink confection.
Worn over a mesh bodysuit with black and silver applique, the gown sported voluminous off-the-shoulder sleeves that doubled as a cape hood. twigs, who performed alongside Usher and Sheila E. at the Grammys’ tribute to Prince, accessorized her red-carpet look with antique jewelry from London’s Bentley & Skinner.
Lil Nas X takes the Grammys to the ‘Old Town Road’
Grammy-winning rapper Lil Nas X took the show to the “Old Town Road” on Sunday, performing a rendition of his hit song with an all-star roster of collaborators.
Among those who joined Lil Nas X, who kicked off the performance alone with the cartoon “Chowder” playing on a TV in the background, were K-pop sensations BTS, viral Walmart yodeler Mason Ramsey, Billy Ray Cyrus and Diplo.
Earlier, Lil Nas X and Cyrus won the Grammy for music video for “Old Town Road.”
Lil Nas X turns heads with his standout Grammy style
Lil Nas X turned heads on a red carpet again, this time at the Grammys in hot-pink Versace.
The “Old Town Road” singer electrified the celebrity walk in a custom cropped jacket with strong shoulders, high-waist pants and a cowboy hat, all festooned with the Italian fashion label’s signature Medusa icon and gold studs. He accessorized his glam get-up with a matching harness, cowboy boots and silk scarves fluttering from his wrists. He also had a mix of jewelry from Versace and John Hardy.
Hodo Musa, Lil Nas X’s stylist, said Versace’s work with hip-hop artists in the 1990s appealed to her and Lil Nas X.
Tyler, the Creator wins Grammy for rap album
More than a decade after he and his Odd Future collective stormed social media to inject punk-rock-style rebellion into the Los Angeles rap scene and the world, Tyler, the Creator took home his first Grammy Award on Sunday. Nominated in the rap album category for “Igor,” the 28-year-old artist, producer and Golf Wang streetwear mastermind took the stage in a pink and red polo shirt, and with his mom by his side, to accept his trophy.
“You did a great job raising this guy,” he exclaimed to his mother. He thanked Pharrell Williams before he was played off. “I never really felt accepted in rap,” he said, until Williams and his approach to music made him feel more included.
Tyler, the Creator wins Grammy for rap album
Tyler, the Creator won the Grammy for rap album for “Igor” on Sunday. He was quickly joined on stage by his mother, who he commended for doing a “great job” raising him.
The other nominees were:
“Revenge of the Dreamers III” — Dreamville
“Championships” — Meek Mill
“I Am > I Was” — 21 Savage
“The Lost Boy” — YBN Cordae
Steven Tyler is a Lizzo fan too
2020 MusiCares person of the year honorees Aerosmith took to the Grammys stage Sunday and shared a brief moment with Lizzo.
As lead singer Steven Tyler walked toward the audience, he shared a brief embrace with the Grammy-winning “Truth Hurts” singer during the band’s performance of “Livin’ on the Edge.”
Later, Aerosmith was joined by Run-DMC to perform its hit “Walk This Way.”
The Kobe Bryant tributes also continued, with one band members holding up a Lakers jersey with Bryant’s number 24.
Tyler, the Creator, with Boyz II Men, shocks and awes in Grammys performance
Tyler, the Creator pulled one of the harshest bait-and-switches the Grammys stage has ever seen.
Just hours after arriving to the ceremony dressed, sardonically, as an in-house bellhop, “The Daily Show’s” Trevor Noah introduced him alongside classic R&B guests Boyz II Men and Charlie Wilson. Tyler, nominated for rap album for his chart-topping “Igor,” indeed joined those acts for a brief, sweet introduction to “Earfquake,” the relatively tender funk centerpiece of the LP.
But seconds later, Tyler took the reins and drove the show straight into suburban hell.
Usher celebrates Prince at Grammys, with help from dancing (not singing) FKA twigs
Less than four years after his tragic death, Prince earned a tribute at the Grammy Awards from a fellow legend when Usher returned to center stage for the first time since he joined a young Justin Bieber at the 2011 ceremony. Backed by longtime Prince percussionist Sheila E. and, on the pole, British avant-pop star FKA twigs, Usher led viewers through a medley of the fallen genius’ work.
Camila Cabello sang to her dad and it made everyone cry
Camila Cabello took to the Grammys stage Sunday and performed “First Man” right in front of her father. There was nary a dry eye in sight. Grammy Awards show highlights images>>
Dave Chappelle wins Grammy for comedy album
Jim Gaffigan called it.
Dave Chappelle won the Grammy for comedy album for “Sticks & Stones” Sunday.
Earlier in the evening, when introducing a performance by Camila Cabello, fellow nominee Gaffigan said: “When I’m not busy losing the comedy award to Dave Chappelle, I’m a father.”
Chappelle’s “Sticks & Stones” comedy special for Netflix drew criticism — and high-profile defenses from the likes of Sarah Silverman — for humor that some found offensive, particularly its jokes about transgender people.
The other nominees were:
“Quality Time” - Jim Gaffigan
“Relatable” - Ellen DeGeneres
“Right Now” - Aziz Ansari
“Son of Patricia” - Trevor Noah
“Sticks & Stones” - Dave Chappelle
Read Lizzo’s emotional first Grammys acceptance speech
After performing a show-stopping opening medley, Lizzo officially accepted her first Grammy Award during Sunday’s ceremony.
While picking up the award for pop solo performance for her self-love anthem “Truth Hurts,” the singer-songwriter got emotional, saluting her fellow musicians and alluding to the sudden death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, whom she also shouted out in her opener.
“This whole week, I’ve been lost in my problems, stressed out, and then in an instant, all of that can go away and your priorities really shift,” she said. “Today, all of my little problems I thought were the biggest in the world were gone, and I realized that there’s people hurting right now.”
Usher leads Grammys tribute to Prince
Usher, Sheila E. and FKA twigs took the stage at the 62nd Grammy Awards for a Prince tribute Sunday night.
They performed a medley of Prince songs including “Little Red Corvette,” “When Doves Cry” and “Kiss.”
Usher flexed his vocal muscles while twigs showed off her dancing skills.
Tyler, the Creator goes to the Grammys as a bellhop
No one’s ever accused Tyler, the Creator of not being dedicated. The artist, who performed at Sunday’s show, brought a sense of comedic relief to the Grammys red carpet by sporting a baby-pink bellhop outfit — complete with an immaculately packed suitcase, hat, white gloves and oxfords.
During his tour for 2019’s “Igor,” which is up for best rap album, the performer unfailingly stuck to a uniform of candy-colored suits, a platinum bob wig and dark shades.
Dan + Shay win the Grammy for country duo/group performance
Dan + Shay won the Grammy Award for country duo/group performance for “Speechless.”
The other nominees were:
“Brand New Man” - Brooks & Dunn with Luke Combs
“I Don’t Remember Me (Before You)” - Brothers Osborne
“The Daughters” - Little Big Town
“Common” - Maren Morris featuring Brandi Carlile
Lizzo — dancers! choir! flute! — razzle-dazzles in Grammys opening number
“Welcome to the Grammys, bitch!”
That’s how Lizzo opened the 62nd Grammy Awards on Sunday night in a characteristically exuberant performance that also featured a blazing flute solo and a troupe of ballet dancers in illuminated tutus.
Conducting a small orchestra of string and horn players (and dressed with typical panache in a bedazzled ballgown), Lizzo — who went into the telecast having already won two Grammys during the premiere ceremony — began the performance with a gutsy rendition of her retro-soul ballad “Cuz I Love You” that showed off the rawness of her voice.
Lizzo wins pop solo performance
Lizzo’s winning streak continues.
The singer won the Grammy for pop solo performance for her song “Truth Hurts.” She has so far won three awards from her eight nominations.
The other nominees were Beyoncé for “Spirit,” Billie Eilish for “Bad Guy,” Ariana Grande for “7 Rings” and Taylor Swift for “You Need to Calm Down.”
Alicia Keys serenades the Grammys — and calls out ‘the old system’
2020 Grammys host Alicia Keys returned to the stage following her moving opening tribute to Kobe Bryant and serenaded the audience with a promise: that she would help everyone get through it all.
“I need to serenade you all for a moment,” said Keys from behind a piano. She then sang a song mentioning various nominees and performers including Rosalía, Beyoncé, BTS, Jonas Brothers, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Lil Nas X.
She also appeared to allude to the recent controversy that has embroiled the Recording Academy involving the ouster of new president and CEO Deborah Dugan.
“We want to be shifting to realness and inclusivity,” said Keys. “So tonight we want to celebrate the people, the artists that put themselves on the line and share their truths with us.”
“It’s when good people do nothing that bad guys win,” she said.
Alicia Keys honors Kobe Bryant in moving Grammys opening speech
Grammy Awards host Alicia Keys kicked off Sunday’s ceremony on a somber note against the backdrop of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s death earlier in the day.
“We’re all feeling crazy sadness right now,” Keys said after taking the stage slowly and deliberately following Lizzo’s triumphant opening medley. “We never imagined in a million years we’d have to start a show like this.”
Bryant died early Sunday in a Calabasas helicopter crash that also killed his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others. With the Staples Center closed to the public for the Grammys, Angelenos gathered outside to memorialize the Lakers legend on his home turf.
“I know that it’s the most healing thing in the world,” Keys said of the power of music. “So let us get some healing going on right now.”
Host Alicia Keys, Boys II Men pay musical tribute to Kobe Bryant at Grammys
2020 Grammys host Alicia Keys took to the stage to open the ceremony with a tribute to late Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
“We never imagined we would have to start the show like this,” said Keys.
The 62nd Grammy Awards are being held at the Staples Center, which Keys noted is “the house that Kobe Bryant built.”
She was joined by members of Boyz II Men for a short musical tribute.
Lizzo kicks off the show: ‘Tonight is for Kobe’
Lizzo kicked off the 62nd Grammy Awards telecast on Sunday, performing a medley of her hits including “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts.”
But before she got started she paid tribute to former Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash along with eight others on Sunday morning.
“Tonight is for Kobe,” said Lizzo.
‘Pose’ star Billy Porter keeps it coy (kinda) on the Grammys red carpet
Billy Porter, certified king of the red carpet, has cracked the code to avoiding unflattering paparazzi photos on Sunday’s red carpet. He wore a custom, wide-brimmed turquoise hat with a motorized crystal curtain, designed by L.A.-based luxury brand Baja East.
Casual, right?
The “Pose” star’s stylist, Sam Ratelle, was controlling the curtain remotely, with signals from Porter. He said it was inspired by the blinged-out beekeeper bonnet Billie Eilish wore at the American Music Awards last year.
2020 Grammys: Celebrity nail art is a big hit on the red carpet
No detail was too small for Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Rosalía and Priyanka Chopra to fit on their nails at the Grammys.
In a custom Gucci outfit, complete with a logo-embellished face mask, Eilish added Gucci’s double G on her green square-tipped nails.
Lizzo paid homage to Old Hollywood with her white Atelier Versace gown, which was embroidered by hand with Swarovski crystals that dipped in the front and reflected the singer’s frost-colored talons. However, more is more for Lizzo, who dangled a sparkly stone off each nail.
Rosalía is a big fan of maximalism manicures, which “just got crazier and crazier and crazier,” she told E! As for her silver nails, which offset her red leather-like dress accented with fringe and a wrapped skirt, she said, “I wanted something special for the performance. It’s really shiny.”
Chopra, who accompanied husband Nick Jonas to the Grammys, paid tribute to Laker legend Kobe Bryant, who died early Sunday morning in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. She painted “24” in black on one tip in honor of the former L.A. Laker’s jersey number.
Ariana Grande has a fairy-tale moment at the Grammys
Ariana Grande floated on to the Grammys red carpet on a massive cloud of blue-gray tulle. For the occasion, her signature ponytail was an icy shade of blond.
The singer was nominated for five Grammys at Sunday’s awards show, including album of the year for “thank u, next.”
Grande, one of the red carpet’s big standouts, accessorized the tiered custom Giambattista Valli ballgown with matching opera-length satin gloves and minimal jewelry.
Grammy Awards will honor Kobe Bryant with a tribute tonight
Hours after the sudden death of Kobe Bryant, the Recording Academy is planning a last-minute tribute for the Lakers star to air during tonight’s Grammys.
According to Billboard, producers for tonight’s show are “working quickly” to pull together a salute to the basketball icon. Bryant will be honored during the event along with beloved L.A. rapper Nipsey Hussle, who died in a shooting last year and won his first posthumous Grammy moments ago at the pre-show ceremony.
Billie Eilish’s brother Finneas wins two early Grammys, including producer of the year
In an upset win, young producer Finneas O’Connell took home Grammy for producer of the year, non-classical for work on his sister Billie Eilish’s breakout album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We All Go?”
Earlier in the ceremony, the producer, who uses Finneas as his stage name, won the trophy for engineered album, non-classical. In winning for producer of the year, Finneas beat fellow male heavy-hitters Ricky Reed, Dan Auerbach, Jack Antonoff and John Hill.
Accepting the production award, Finneas thanked his various teams, as well as his parents and sister: “This award belongs to my sister Billie for her trust, for her vision,” he said. “I couldn’t have dreamed of a more wonderful collaborator. My mom and my dad never told me to shut up when I played music in my room learning to EQ [equalize] a kick drum.”
Billie Eilish, true to form, defies convention with Grammys red-carpet look
Grammy darling Billie Eilish arrived at the Grammys red carpet in a head-to-toe Gucci ensemble, complete with a chartreuse turtleneck, gold hoops and inches-long green talons.
The 18-year-old Highland Park native made history as the youngest person to be nominated in the show’s four major categories: new artist; album of the year (“When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”); plus song and record of the year (“Bad Guy”).
Jameela Jamil joins Grammy-nominated boyfriend James Blake on the red carpet
Actress Jameela Jamil (“The Good Place”) turned up on the Grammys red carpet wearing a stunning shingled black and indigo Georges Chakra ballgown alongside her partner, James Blake.
Blake’s 2019 album “Assume Form” was nominated for a Grammy for best alternative album.
Lizzo has already turned 2 of her 8 Grammy nods into wins
The 2020 Grammys ceremony hasn’t even started, and nominations leader Lizzo is already faring good as hell, scoring wins for two awards during the pre-show.
She now holds her first two Grammys wins for urban contemporary album (“Cuz I Love You”) and traditional R&B performance (“Jerome”).
Coming into the ceremony, Lizzo led the field with eight nominations, including nods in each of the top four categories: best new artist, album (“Cuz I Love You”), song and record (“Truth Hurts”). Fellow up-and-coming phenoms Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish trailed with six nods apiece.
Eilish also scored nominations in all major categories, becoming the youngest artist ever to do so. This is the first time two artists have achieved the feat in the same year.
Vampire Weekend wins alternative album Grammy for ‘Father of the Bride’
Vampire Weekend nabbed the Grammy for alternative album with its critically acclaimed “Father of the Bride.” This is the second trophy for the band, which sprung out the New York indie rock scene. They won the same award in 2013 for “Modern Vampires of the City.”
Also nominated this year were Big Thief’s “U.F.O.F.,” “Assume Form” by James Blake, Bon Iver’s “I,I” and Thom Yorke’s “Anima.”
Vampire Weekend’s “Father of the Bride” is also nominated for the album of the year, but that didn’t prevent the band from showing up for the early ceremony. Accepting the award, Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig kept it short: “Thank you. That’s it, really. And everybody who’s not with us.” Gesturing to the big entourage surrounding him, Koenig added, “Look at this crew. Thank you.”
Gary Clark Jr. wins best rock song and performance, upping Grammy tally to three
Guitar virtuoso Gary Clark Jr. has won three Grammy awards during the premiere ceremony. In addition to contemporary blues album for “This Land,” he won rock performance and rock song, for the album’s title track.
The song’s lyrics, wrote The Times’ Steve Appleford in 2019, “were inspired by a real incident outside his 50-acre ranch near Austin, where a white neighbor asked to speak with the owner, not believing that a black man could possibly afford to own the property. Clark’s three-year-old son witnessed their heated confrontation.
“I kind of stay in my lane — I’m quiet. I’ve always had songs of protest, but nothing so blatant,” says Clark, who points to vintage outspoken songs by Big Bill Broonzy, Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie as inspiration. “It’s just been in the news. I wanted to express my take on it.”
Lizzo channels Old Hollywood glam on Grammys red carpet
Lizzo, who is nominated for eight Grammy Awards, including new artist, album of the year (“Cuz I Love You (Deluxe)” and song of the year (“Truth Hurts”), slayed the Grammys red carpet and is a standout for fashion hits-and-misses gallery.
She’s wearing a custom, hand-embroidered Atelier Versace gown, a faux-fur stole and Lorraine Schwartz jewels. The look screams Old Hollywood glam.
Nipsey Hussle wins rap performance Grammy for ‘Racks in the Middle’
The late Nipsey Hussle has won the rap performance Grammy for his breakout song with Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy, “Racks in the Middle.” He won over J. Cole’s “Middle Child,” DaBaby’s “Suge,” Dreamville Featuring J.I.D, Bas, J. Cole, Earthgang and Young Nudy’s “Down Bad” and “Clout” by Offset featuring Cardi B.
Among the entourage who accepted Hussle’s award was Hussle’s grandmother, Margaret Boutte, who said, “I want to thank all of you for showing the kind of love that I have shown him all his life and will always live in my heart. So thank you, thank you, thank you.” A spokesperson for the family called him “a phenomenal vessel,” adding that “Nip did it not just for the awards but for the people, and God allowed him to use this music to speak his truth, give his wisdom, something for us to always live with.”
Rosalía wins Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for ‘El Mal Querer’
Rosalía has won her first Grammy Award, taking home the trophy for Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for her breakout album, “El Mal Querer.” The Spanish artist is also in the running for best new artist.
Morten Lindberg wins first-ever Grammy, ending a record-setting string of 27 losses
The Oslo-based sound engineer Morten Lindberg has won his first-ever Grammy Award after 27 previous nominations. Until Sunday’s ceremony, Lindberg held the record for most nods without a victory. The label owner and audio expert has overseen dozens of immersive sound recordings, many in the classical realm. Fourteen years after his first chance, Lindberg finally won in the immersive audio album category for “LUX.”
Until his victory, Lindberg told The Times last year there had been talk in Norway about potential anti-European biases: “They say, ‘Oh, this is because this is an American award, and you’re European, so it’s to keep us at arm’s length,’” Lindberg said. “But, honestly, I don’t feel that way at all.”
He was also asked last year whether he’d be relieved to finally win and he replied with an unequivocal no. “The opposite. Getting an award now would actually ruin my record — my track record would be completely blown away.”
Lindberg, however, was all smiles when he accepted the trophy on Sunday.
Tanya Tucker, 61, wins first-ever Grammys for country song and country album
“After 14 nominations, this is my first win.” Tanya Tucker took the premier ceremony stage to receive her first-ever Grammy award for country song, for her co-write on her song of the year-nominated track “Bring My Flowers Now.” Tucker shared the award with songwriters Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth. Tucker also took home the Grammy for country album, for her critically acclaimed comeback LP “While I’m Livin’,” her first album in more than 20 years.
Michelle Obama wins Grammy for spoken word album
Michelle Obama beat the Beastie Boys and others Sunday, taking home the trophy in the 2020 Grammys’ spoken word category for her audio edition of “Becoming.”
With the win for her 2018 memoir about life as a black woman in America and her days in the White House, the former first lady — who was a big hit at last year’s ceremony — joins husband Barack Obama on the Grammys’ winners list.
Hometown hero Calmatic wins Grammy for best music video
Charles “Calmatic” Kidd II won the best music video Grammy award for his direction of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” In 2019, Lil Nas X told The Times, “He was very encouraging and knew exactly what he wanted and what his vision was. [When I first saw the video], I thought it was amazing and like a movie. I didn’t know what to expect, [but] it came out looking outstanding.” Calmatic grew up in South L.A. “It just further proves that black people can do anything,” Calmatic said in a Times profile. “When MTV does ‘I Love the 2010s,’ they’re going to end the decade talking about ‘Old Town Road’ and they’re going to show this video.”
Finneas O’Connell wins his first Grammy
While he wasn’t present to accept the award, Billie Eilish‘s older sibling Finneas O’Connell shared the award for engineered album, non-classical, for his work on his sister’s smash hit, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?,” along with Rob Kinelski and John Greenham. O’Connell is nominated for five Grammy awards.
Lady Gaga takes the first Grammy of the day
The first Grammy of the day goes to Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “A Star Is Born,” which won compilation soundtrack for visual media. Gaga is not expected to perform at tonight’s ceremony.
A moment of silence for Kobe Bryant
At the Grammys premiere ceremony, during which award winners in dozens of categories will be announced before the main telecast, interim Recording Academy President Harvey Mason Jr. asked for a moment of silence for basketball star Kobe Bryant, who was killed this morning in a helicopter crash. Many in the crowd gasped at their first hearing of the news.
Our 2020 Grammy predictions: Will Billie Eilish, Lizzo or Lil Nas X win the night?
Ahead of Sunday’s ceremony at Staples Center, three of The Times’ music experts — August Brown, Randall Roberts and Mikael Wood — along with three-time Grammy-winning R&B star Ne-Yo — predict who’s likely to win music’s most prestigious awards.
Demi Lovato is already bracing for the letdown after her Grammys performance
Demi Lovato is getting ready for her Grammy Awards performance by preparing for what she knows will happen after the ceremony this weekend.
Lovato said it’s important for her to plan ahead so that she doesn’t find herself on Monday “twiddling my thumbs like, ‘OK, what am I doing with my life now? Where do I get this from? How can I beat that high?,’” the singer said Friday.
Who is Joel Katz, the Grammy insider accused of sexual harassment by Deborah Dugan?
The entertainment lawyer Joel Katz has been a music industry insider for nearly 50 years. He’s represented artists as varied as James Brown, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Sen. Orrin Hatch.
For half of that time, Katz, 75, has been a powerbroker at the Recording Academy, and on Tuesday that relationship thrust the attorney into the spotlight in advance of the 2020 Grammy Awards when Deborah Dugan, the academy’s chief executive, named Katz in an explosive EEOC sexual harassment complaint against the academy. The allegations came after Dugan was placed on administrative leave last week.
Aerosmith reunites with drummer Joey Kramer, sort of, at MusiCares benefit
Longevity and conflict have become defining characteristics in the shared half-century career of Aerosmith, the classic rockers who were honored Friday at the annual MusiCares Person of the Year Gala. Over the decades, they’ve survived addiction, cancer and a falloff of chart action, and somehow bounced back mostly intact.
The band’s latest moment of glory and dysfunction landed during a Grammy weekend planned as triumphant recognition for a winning streak of hits and fortitude — unfolding at the MusiCares tribute and on the Grammy telecast on Sunday. But after sidelined drummer Joey Kramer sued (unsuccessfully) to prevent Aerosmith from performing without him, a few awkward moments were to be expected.
2020 Grammy nominations complete list: See who’s up for what
The nominations for the 62nd Grammy Awards have been revealed with “Truth Hurts” singer Lizzo leading the way with eight nominations, while Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X both scored six. All three will compete for the best new artist trophy.
The Grammy Awards will air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. Pacific. Alicia Keys will return as host.
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What time are the 2020 Grammy Awards?
The main Grammy Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS from Staples Center in downtown L.A. at 5 p.m. Pacific time. Gilded gramophones for the Recording Academy’s marquee categories (new artist, song, record and album of the year) as well as a few others, are handed out during the televised bit, which is peppered with musical performances and mashups.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs: ‘Hip-hop has never been respected by the Grammys’
Sean “Diddy” Combs was the guest of honor at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy gala Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton, where the veteran hip-hop producer and record executive received the Recording Academy’s Industry Icon award.
After a tribute performance by several acts he helped make famous — including Faith Evans, Mase, Carl Thomas and Lil’ Kim — Combs gave an approximately hour-long acceptance speech that climaxed with an emotional appeal to the academy, which has been thrown into turmoil ahead of Sunday’s Grammys ceremony following the shocking ouster of chief executive Deborah Dugan.
On eve of Grammys, ousted CEO Deborah Dugan has no regrets: ‘I had to defend myself’
The ousted Recording Academy executive whose allegations of voting irregularities and other improprieties at the organization have called into question the integrity of the Grammy Awards said turmoil was the last thing she ever wanted.
“The ceremony is about the musicians and the fans. I don’t want to taint that,” Deborah Dugan, 61, said Saturday in an interview from her home in Santa Monica. “This is about the Recording Academy. The Recording Academy must change. To bring the Grammys down because of a few bad eggs [at the academy] wouldn’t be fair to the artists.”