Ecstasy and agony gripped the 62nd Grammy Awards ceremony Sunday in Los Angeles, as 18-year-old L.A. musical wunderkind Billie Eilish swept the four most prestigious award categories on the same day an L.A. cultural icon, Laker superstar Kobe Bryant, died in a helicopter crash.
Just hours before the Grammy ceremony began, news broke about the death of Bryant, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, along with seven others, in the tragic accident barely 30 miles away from Staples Center, the sports arena in which the Grammy Awards show played out and which for two decades had been the home court for Bryant’s stellar career.
Host Alicia Keys promptly acknowledged the impact of the news of Bryant’s death on the best-laid plans of Grammy show organizers, stating immediately upon taking the stage “Here we are together on music’s biggest night celebrating the artists who do it best.
“But to be honest with you,” she added, “we’re all feeling crazy sadness right now, because early today, Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero. I’m literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built.”
Nevertheless, it became a stellar night for Eilish, whose low-fi hit single “Bad Guy” and darkly throbbing, introspective album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” swept record, album, song and new artist for only the second time in Grammy history, and won all six awards for which they were nominated. (Yacht-rock progenitor Christopher Cross won the four major categories in 1981).
Eilish is the youngest solo album of the year winner, two years younger than previous record holder Taylor Swift, who was 20 when she won for “Fearless” at the 2010 Grammy Awards.
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Eilish’s album, which she and her producer, engineer and songwriter brother Finneas recorded, mixed and mastered in the family’s Highland Park house, also earned the non-classical producer of the year Grammy for Finneas, and was named best engineered non-classical album as well. The enormity of her sweep seemed to overwhelm Eilish as the final awards were given out.
“Wow, wow, wow, wow,” Eilish began her song of the year acceptance speech for “Bad Guy.” “So many other songs deserved this, I’m sorry.”
“We didn’t write a speech because we didn’t think this would ever win anything,” Finneas said near the end of the show. “We didn’t write an album to win awards, we wrote an album about depression, about suicidal thoughts, about climate change…..We stand up here confused and grateful.”
Lil Nas X performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Lizzo went on to win three of her field-leading eight nominations, while rapper Lil Nas X also scored two Grammys, out of six nominations, for his runaway hit single with country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, “Old Town Road.” It won for music video and pop duo or group performance. In his rendition of the song during the telecast, a living room set included a No. 24 Lakers jersey with Bryant’s name draped over a lounge chair.”
More broadly, however, the award choices and performances generally reflected an endorsement of the gender, racial and musical diversity for which the Grammys have historically been criticized. Eilish’s critically acclaimed, anybody-can-do-this creative aesthetic, Lizzo’s empowering and body-positive messages and Lil Nas X’s barrier transcending cross-genre success were emblematic of an industry that’s fitfully trying to exert its potential as a social and cultural force of leadership.
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The proximity of tragedy and celebration elicited memories of the 2012 Grammy Awards show that transpired a day after the death of pop-R&B superstar Whitney Houston, prompting that show’s host, rapper-actor LL Cool J, to deliver an opening prayer to address the grim reality.
Two other deaths inspired performances Sunday, including a multi-artist salute to slain L.A. rapper, entrepreneur and community activist Nipsey Hussle that featured John Legend, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, Roddy Rich, Kirk Franklin & YG. At the end of that number, Hussle’s image was juxtaposed on a giant video screen behind the stage with a shot of Bryant in his Laker uniform.
Another medley fronted by singer Usher commemorated the 40th anniversary of the arrival of musical polyglot Prince, who died at 57 nearly four years ago of an opioid overdose.
Tyler, the Creator won the Grammys with his performance, acceptance speech and backstage honesty
Rapper Tyler the Creator collected the rap album Grammy for “Igor,” a work many in the music community considered worthy of an overall album of the year nomination. In accepting the rap award, he thanked his mother, managers, friends and fans “for trusting my crazy ideas and putting with my hyperactive energy.”
It was one of many salutes to parents and other family members on Sunday, both during the evening telecast and the afternoon so-called Premiere Ceremony during which the vast majority of winners in this year’s 84 categories were announced.
“This award belongs to my sister Billie for her trust and her vision,” Finneas said during the pre-primetime ceremony. He also thanked “My mom and dad [who] never told me to shut up while I played music in my room all night while I learned how to master a kick drum.”
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The show brought the first public performance of pop singer Demi Lovato’s new song “Anyone,” a stark cry for help that grew out of her struggle with substance abuse that resulted in a widely reported overdose in July.
After a false start from a small stage in the middle of the arena, where she was accompanied only by a pianist, Lovato took a second stab at her song that gives voice to a cry for help from one feeling powerless and alone: “I feel stupid when I pray/So, why am I praying anyway?/If nobody’s listening,” sounding like a sister in need to Lady Gaga’s character in “A Star Is Born.”
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A tribute to Nipsey Hussle and Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is displayed as YG, John Legend, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch and Kirk Franklin stand during the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell accept the Grammy award for album of the year at the Grammys. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell accept the Grammy award for album of the year at the Grammys as host Alicia Keys applauds. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Alicia Keys smiles as Billie Eilish hugs Dua Lipa at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Misty Copeland performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards during a tribute to longtime Grammys executive producer Ken Ehrlich, and acknowledged the importance of music education in schools. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter of The War and Treaty, Ben Platt, Common, Misty Copeland, Camila Cabello, Cyndi Lauper and Gary Clark Jr. perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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DJ Khaled and John Legend accept an award on stage, dedicating it to L.A. rapper Nipsey Hussle at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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YG and DJ Khaled perform a tribute to Nipsey Hussle at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Meek Mill performs during a tribute to Nipsey Hussle at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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John Legend and DJ Khaled perform during a tribute to Nipsey Hussle at the Grammys. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Tyler, The Creator and his mom accept an award at the Grammys. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Grammy nominee H.E.R. performs on stage at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Rosalía performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Rosalía performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Rosalía performs at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Demi Lovato performs “Anyone” at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Matt Sayles / Invision/AP)
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Anderson .Paak is joined by his son Soul Rasheed as he accepts the best R&B performance award for “Come Home [ft. Andre 3000]” at the Grammys. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Anaïs Mitchell, Mara Isaacs, Rachel Hauck, Todd Sickafoose and David Lai accept the best musical theater album award for “Hadestown” during the Grammys. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Lil Nas X performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Lil Nas X and Diplo perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Lil Nas X and Nas perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mason Ramsey and BTS perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Steven Tyler and his band Aerosmith perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Joseph Simmons of Run-D.M.C., Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Darryl McDaniels of of Run-D.M.C. and Joe Perry of Aerosmith perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Billie Eilish performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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One of the night’s winners, Gary Clark Jr. performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Ariana Grande performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Ariana Grande performs a medley of her recent hits at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Steve Pamon and Erinn Williams accept the best music film award for “Homecoming.” (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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FKA twigs and Usher perform a Prince tribute at the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Usher performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Gary Clark Jr. accepts the award for best rock song for “This Land” during the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Tyler, The Creator with Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Tyler, The Creator performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Tyler, The Creator performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Camila Cabello performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Camila Cabello performs at the 62nd Grammy Awards, honoring her father. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Camila Cabello hugs her father after performing at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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A photo of conductor and composer Andre Previn is displayed during the In Memoriam section of the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Ava DuVernay speaks at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Chrissy Teigen and John Legend at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of music group Dan + Shay accept the best country duo/group performance award for “Speechless” at the Grammys. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men pay tribute to the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Lizzo accepts the pop solo performance award at the 62nd Grammy Awards, held at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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The Jonas Brothers perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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The Jonas Brothers perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton perform at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton onstage at the Grammys. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Alicia Keys performs a tribute to Kobe Bryant with Boyz II Men. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Alicia Keys performs as part of her hosting duties at the 62nd Grammy Awards. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Lizzo kicks off the 62nd Grammy Awards, held at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Lizzo performs at the Grammys. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Finneas O’Connell accepts the producer of the year, non-classical award at the Grammys. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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Delbert McClinton, second from left, Bob Britt, Kevin McKendree and Dana Robbins of Delbert McClinton and Self-Made Men + Dana accept the best traditional blues album award for “Tall, Dark, & Handsome” during the Grammy Awards premiere ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Lil Nas X during the pre-televised ceremony at the 62nd Grammy Awards premiere ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Nicola Benedetti performs during the 62nd Grammy Awards premiere ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Ranky Tanky accepts the regional roots music album award for “Good Time.” (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Recording engineer Morten Lindberg, Grammy winner for immersive audio album for “Lux,” finally accepts an award at the 62nd Grammy Awards, ending a record-setting string of 27 losses. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Angelique Kidjo performs during Grammys premiere ceremony at the Microsoft Theater. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The shadow cast by Bryant’s death may also have pushed into the background any comments artists may have considered making regarding the very public meltdown over the past 10 days between the Recording Academy that bestows the Grammy Awards and its ousted first female President and CEO, Deborah Dugan.
Even as late as Sunday morning, the academy issued a statement about initiatives it would be embracing in the days and weeks ahead at least tacitly responding to criticisms Dugan leveled after being placed on administrative leave and accused by one female academy employee of fomenting a ‘bullying” workplace environment during the five months since she took office on Aug. 1.
On Tuesday, Dugan’s lawyer filed a harassment and retaliation complaint against the academy with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, detailing in the filing her allegations of voting irregularities, financial mismanagement, self-dealing and conflicts of interest among some members of the academy’s board of directors and the powerful committees that select nominations in many Grammy categories.
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But during both the evening and afternoon award distribution ceremonies, the music community sidestepped comments about the controversy and instead keeping the focus on mourning the fallen Laker idol and celebrating the night’s musical achievements.
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Randy Lewis covered pop music for the Los Angeles Times from 1981 to 2020, working in that time as a reporter, music critic and editor for the Calendar section. He has interviewed most of the members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He’s also written first-person accounts of performing the music of Shostakovich and Prokofiev on clarinet and singing Mozart’s Requiem with world-class professionals. In addition, he enjoys belting out “Wooly Bully” in dive bars with his band, the Rounders.
