Grammys 2023: An Homage to R&B

Bad Bunny opened the show with Latin culture bringing out his performance into the audience with a mariachi band out on the floor and dancers dancing with the producers and artist in the crowded at their tables such as Jack HarlowCamilla Cabello and Taylor Swift. A great lively start to the show. Trevor Noah is the host for his third Grammys. 

Harry Styles won the album of the year, makes sense because he has been touring forever and has had multiple sold out residences at notable arena such as Madison Square Garden, the Kia Forum, the Moody Center and United Center. His whole Love on Tour tour which started in September 2021 ends in July 22 2023 with 169 shows. That album of the year is well deserved indeed. (Later he ends up being introduced to by producer Kid Harpoon singing his hit "As It Was" similar to the style of both his music video and his Love on Tour aesthetic)

Best R&B song was Cuff It by Beyonce, was not there to accept the award but honestly probably had more important things to to such as getting ready for her 2023 tour coming up! (actually later Trevor Noah personally handed Beyonce her award to her table after commercials!)

Stevie Wonder performed The Temptations "The Way You Do The Things You Do" and later Smokey Robinson performed together, "Tears of a Clown". Later nominated country artist Christ Stapleton joined in to sing "All Love You Till The Day I Die". He may seem out of place but his soulful voice shown in his cover of his 2018 song Tennessee Whiskey. From the base riffs to the instrumental solos, every time the cameras panned to the crowd as well as the artists on stage, everyone was thoroughly enjoying every minute of the songs. 

 Quavo sings in tribute to Takeoff with Maverick City Music Group sing new song "Without You"with samples of Charlie Puth's "See You Again". As well as tributes by legends Queen Latifah, Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt. David Crosby was an artist who sang tribute to others in memory from the group Crosby Stills Nash and Young. The in memoriam segment seemed longer this year than normal with it being more of a somber reminiscing of those who have contributed to music history across genre. 

The nest performance was introduced by Madonna, describing the act as provocative, dangerous and controversial, Sam Smith with his song "Unholy". Incredibly on brand, with Madonna's  own personal catalog standing the test of time despite her own bod statements and acts throughout the years. Sam Smiths stage presence took inspiration from the Grudge with dancers style and lighting where Kim Petras in a cage was more dominatrix s&m styling.

Dr Dre was brought in to be introduced and named after the first Dr Dre Impact Award. Then the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

LL Cool J, Big Boi, Busta Rhymes, Spliff Star, De La Soul, DJ Drama, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Missy Elliott, Future, Glorilla, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Mele Mel, Scorpio, Ice-T, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, the Lox, Method Man, Nelly, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Rahiem, Rakim, Run-D.M.C., Salt-N-Pepa, DJ Spinderella, Scarface, Swizz Beatz, and Too $hort.

Adel wins the best pop solo performance. Seems well deserved especially positive news after all the Vegas controversy has happened through the year with the postponing, and canceling and redoing the residency finally happening. Luke COmbs performs next, heartfelt and soulful, just a feel good cozy country song. 

Song of the year was presented by Jill Biden and given to "Just Like That" Bonnie Raitt. She seemed so touched and other artist seemingly for the first time did not seem bitter or jealous, there seemed less competition compared to seasons past, notably 62th award where Billie Eilish won seemingly every award and fans and the audience had caught on to that throughout the night. 

Lizzo won Record of the Year and pointed out Beyonce as an inspiration to her and had an enthusiastic acceptance speech. Like I said before, there seemed to be less of a competitive nation to this years awards. 

The acts that performed from the headlines did not seem to be on the same level as award shows before without powerhouse artists but this years award seemed to focus more on avocation and the appreciation of music as a whole. They had a round table styled discussion segment throughout the show with fans of each singer nominated, which I thought was a twist. It brought to light new music and a different perspective of how music impacts and affects not only the performers and producers but the fans and the audience. 

Steve Lacy performed "Gemini" and sang exactly like he does on the radio as he did live. Harry Styles won the Album of the year bringing up all the fans on stage to present the award to him. A touching moment for the fans as well as Harry and his producer Kid. Everyone seemed very appreciative. It truely has been Harry Styles year with his touring and his awards that he has won last night. Hopefully now that when his tour ends he can take some time to relax off the road and enjoy being off the clock at least for a minute.