Grammy Awards was full of surprises

(AP):

All eyes at the Grammy Awards were on whether the most nominated artiste in the history of the telecast would finally walk away with the coveted album of the year trophy, and she did.

"We finally saw it happen," host Trevor Noah said, almost in relief. Beyonce winning for Cowboy Carter capped a night that turned into a tribute to a suffering Los Angeles, with city firefighters chosen to reveal the winner of the last award and speeches offering words of encouragement for communities devastated. The Grammys almost veered into a telethon; $7 million was pledged from viewers of the show.

It was also a telecast where the best new artiste nominees like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter were given plenty of time to show why there's a deep well of talent coming up. And there was a shock return for The Weeknd, who had been boycotting the Grammys. Despite the stars, the honour of opening the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles was given to two local brothers deeply affected by the wildfires: Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith of the band Dawes. They lost one brother's home along with their childhood home, instruments and much else. They've advocated for victims, raised money and were included in the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday.

"They truly epitomise the unique spirit that we are seeing in LA right now," host Trevor Noah said. "What better way to start the Grammy Awards?"

Dawes then played Randy Newman's I Love L.A. surrounded by an all-star backing band: John Legend, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard and St Vincent.

Doechii won the Grammy for best rap album, only the third woman to win in that category. And, with her mother by her side, she had a strong message.

"I know that there's some black girl out there, so many black women out there, that are watching me right now, and I want to tell you: You can do it. Anything is possible. Anything is possible," she said.

"Don't allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you, to tell you that you can't be here, that you're too dark, or that you're not smart enough, or that you're too dramatic, or you're too loud. You are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are, and I am a testimony right now. Good night!" The win caps an astounding few years for the 26-year-old Floridian who mixes R&B, hip-hop, jazz, boundary-pushing sounds and samples, and adds theatricality. She playfully calls herself the "swamp princess".

Lady Gaga, accepting the trophy for best pop duo or group alongside Bruno Mars for their chart-topping collaboration, Die with a Smile, gave a shout-out to the trans community, targets of President Donald Trump.

"Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love," Lady Gaga said. Alicia Keys, being honoured with The Dr Dre Global Impact Award, also backed diversity and inclusion programmes, another Trump target.

The Grammy Awards had a powerful way to prove that it's changed and got a surprise endorsement by The Weeknd, who was last on the Grammy stage in 2017. In 2020, the pop superstar slammed the Grammys, calling the awards "corrupt" after he landed zero nominations despite a megahit album.

Will Smith also returned to the award stage. Smith, hosting a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, marked his first appearance at a major awards show since he slapped Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars in 2022.

"In his 91 years, Q touched countless lives, but I have to say, he changed mine forever. You probably wouldn't even know who Will Smith was if it wasn't for Quincy Jones," Smith said. Smith has been banned from film academy ceremonies for 10 years but the Grammys are a different beast. He made no mention of the infamous slap.

Smith has previously nabbed Grammy wins in the short form music video ( Will 2K), best rap solo performance ( Getting' Jiggy Wit It, Men in Black), and best rap performance by a duo or group ( Summertime as the Fresh Prince with DJ Jazzy Jeff).