It was a history-making evening
At last night’s Grammys, Cardi B made history – the Bronx rapper became the first female solo artist to win Rap Album of the Year at the awards show, for her record Invasion of Privacy. Cardi shouted out her husband Offset, her collaborators, and daughter Kulture. It was a monumental moment. Lauryn Hill was the last woman to win the award, when she was part of the Fugees, over two decades ago.
Other momentous wins include Childish Gambino’s Record of the Year, Rap (Sung) Performance, Best Music Video, and Song of the Year scoops for the politically pushing “This is America”, marking it as the first rap song to win in these categories. Record of the Year honours the recording artist, while song of the year is for the song’s writer. The rapper and actor was not present to receive his award for the song, and it was accepted for him by presenters John Mayer and Alicia Keys. His producer Ludwig Göransson accepted the Record of the Year accolade, and shouted out 21 Savage in his speech (who has been detained by ICE), one of the many background vocalists on the track.
One of the night’s biggest winners was Kacey Musgraves, who picked up four Grammys for her stunning album Golden Hour. The album, a glorious mix of country, pop and psychedelia that brought country to the forefront of 2018’s musical output, scooped Album of the Year, Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance, and Best Country Song. Musgraves’ “Slow Burn” was in Dazed’s top tracks of the last year.
"It was really important for me to bring my version of country music to a different group of people," she said during her Album of the Year speech.
Lady Gaga took home two awards for Best Pop Solo Performance, for “Joanne”, and Best Song written for Visual Media for “Shallow” in A Star is Born.
Ariana Grande, who didn’t attend but dressed for the occasion at home, also picked up Best Pop Album for Sweetener.
This year, the major categories – Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best new Artist – increased the nominee count from five to eight, reportedly to allow for more diversity among those up for awards.
And though she wasn’t up for any awards, icon Diana Ross marked her 75th birthday with her live performance, leading her own “Happy Birthday”.
Here’s a round-up of the most noteworthy winners below.
kacey musgraves did not het high on shrooms and write one of the greatest songs ever for y’all to ask who she is pic.twitter.com/FbISIqPgvy
— marion (@izziescasey) February 11, 2019
Album Of The Year: Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves
Record Of The Year: “This Is America,” Childish Gambino
Song Of The Year: “This Is America,” Childish Gambino
Best New Artist: Dua Lipa
Best Rap Album: Invasion Of Privacy, Cardi B
Best R&B Album: H.E.R., H.E.R.
Best Country Album: Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves
Best Rock Album: From The Fires, Greta Van Fleet
Best Pop Vocal Album: Sweetener, Ariana Grande
Best Dance/Electronic Album: Woman Worldwide, Justice
Best Urban Contemporary Album: Everything Is Love, The Carters
Best Rap Song: “God’s Plan,” Drake
Best R&B Song: “Boo’d Up,” Ella Mai
Best Country Song: “Space Cowboy,” Kacey Musgraves
Best Rock Song: “Masseduction” St. Vincent
Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical: Pharrell Williams
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Joanne (Where Do You Think You’re Goin’?)”, Lady Gaga
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Shallow,” Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
Best Rap/Sung Performance: “This Is America,” Childish Gambino
Best Rap Performance: “King’s Dead”, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake / “Bubblin”, Anderson .Paak
Best R&B Performance: “Best Part”, H.E.R. featuring Daniel Caesar
Best Rock Performance: When Bad Does Good, Chris Cornell
Best Music Video: “This Is America,” Childish Gambino
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: Colors, Beck
Best Remixed Recording: “Walking Away (Mura Masa Remix),” Haim
Best Recording Package: Masseduction, St. Vincent