Because of COVID-19, the 2021 Grammy Awards were held outside of the Staples Center which are located in Los Angeles, Ca., so musicians could more easily socially distance themselves. With Trevor Noah as the host, Harry Styles kicked off the Grammy Awards singing “Watermelon Sugar” which was later awarded “Best pop solo performance.” 

This year the awards focused on giving back to people in the music industry who have faced struggles during the pandemic. Local music venue owners were given the opportunity to present Grammys to winners. The venue owners each told the story of the venue they worked at and expressed their eagerness to have a safe re-opening. A memoriam segment was also performed to pay tribute to artists who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Another way the Recording Academy showed appreciation to people struggling during COVID-19 was the “Grammy Music Educator Award.” This award acknowledged the troubles educators have gone through this year, paying special attention to music teachers. 

The first Grammy to be announced was the “Best New Artist.” The Grammy went to Megan Thee Stallion who gained fame from producing music on live streams in her bedroom. Stallion was one of the most influential artists of 2020 with “Savage” being on the top charts throughout the year. Megan Thee Stallion also won “Best Rap Song” with her hit song “Savage.” She became the first woman to ever win a Grammy in that category. 

The next major Grammy to be awarded was “Song of the Year.” The award went to H.E.R. for her song “I Can’t Breathe.” The song was written to represent change. Lil Baby’s performance “The Bigger Picture” also brought attention to police brutality and the change America should see in its future.

History was made during the Grammys in many ways. First of all, Mickey Guyton was the first Black woman to be nominated for the “Best Country Album” category. Second, the award “Best R&B Performance” allowed Beyoncé to be the most awarded woman in Grammy history.  Lastly, Taylor Swift won “Album of the Year.” This is the third time Swift has won this award and she now holds the record for most “Album of The Year” Grammys won by any female artist. 

“Everything I Wanted” by Billie Eilish and her brother FINNEAS won the category “Album of the Year.” Eilish discusses how she has suffered from lucid dreams, sleep paralysis and night terrors her whole life. She decided to turn the fear she felt from her dreams into music. Eilish makes history for being the youngest artist to ever win “Record of the Year.” 

The past year has not been easy, and for a lot of people, music felt like an escape from reality. Taking the time to appreciate people in the music industry is important. It is important to not only recognize those that have stayed at the top of the charts this year but to also recognize the people who have pushed the artists to be where they are today. The music teachers, music venues, fans and friends who have shown their support.