By Cameron Castelli, Contributing Writer
On Sunday, Feb. 4, the 66th Grammys occurred, and people are still in shock.
With stunning looks on the red carpet to history-breaking records, the 2024 Grammys blew everyone away. With performances from SZA, Travis Scott, Olivia Rodrigo, and many others, the award show dazzled and amazed all its viewers.
Luke Combs performed the song “Fast Car” with tribute to the original writer, Tracy Chapman, who made a rare appearance and performed the hit song with him. They received a standing ovation from the crowd when they finished their moving performance.
Another rare singer also made their appearance that night. Billy Joel, who stopped performing 30 years ago, came back to sing one last song that touched the crowd. Convinced by a young fan inspired by the artist that the world needed to hear the great Billy Joel again, Joel took to the stage.
SZA had the most Grammy nominations this year, with nine total. She went home with two amazing Grammys and a performance that shocked and amazed viewers. With the use of body cables and a choreographed fight scene during her song “Kill Bill,” the performance was utterly thrilling.
For the Best New Artist award, Victoria Monet took home the achievement. With nominees such as Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, and boygenius, it was a tough choice. But the pop and R&B singer-song writer came out on top. She was responsible for many hits, writing behind-the-scenes, and finally got the recognition she deserved.
Miley Cyrus won her first Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance with her hit song “Flowers.” During Cyrus’s performance, she announced her excitement mid-song by shouting, “I just won my first Grammy!” She also paid homage to her idols such as Dolly Parton and Tina Turner with familiar explosive dance moves.
“She was so full of spunk,” said Sophia Bohto, a junior majoring in business at Saint Leo University. Later that night, she won the Record of the Year award, presented by none other than Meryl Streep.
Billie Eilish also received the Song of the Year award with her inspiring song “What Was I Made For?” She had performed the piece earlier that night, with an outfit that resembled one of the original Barbie doll designs. With her brother FINNEAS on the piano and her haunting voice, the performance touched the hearts of many that night.
Jahla Gray, an undecided freshman here at Saint Leo, said that “Billie put so much emotion into her performance, that’s what truly made it special for me.”
But the captivating star of the night, Taylor Swift, sent Swifties into a frenzy when she gave her speech for Best Pop Album. Earlier that night, she had convinced her fans she would announce the re-releasement of her reputation album by changing all her profile pictures to black- and- white and appearing in a stunning white dress with black gloves. But to everyone’s surprise, Swift announced the release of a brand-new album titled “The Tortured Poets Department.”
“I immediately jumped out of my chair and kind of went crazy, turning into a total fangirl” said Bohto.
Taylor Swift also broke history that night by being the first person to ever win the Album of the Year award four times in a row. Her album “Midnights” won her the honored award. She gave a gratifying speech and brought a featured artist on the album, Lana Del Rey, up on stage with her. Swift stated that Lana was a pioneer in her genre and has provided many opportunities to other artists in her field.
The 66th Annual Grammy Awards swept the audience off their feet with the number of talented performers that were seen that night. Artists old and new were honored on that stage and the next generation of performers are sure to be on that stage inspired by today’s winners.
