The 56th Annual Grammy Awards were like none other, to say the least. Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z kicked off the night with a breathtaking performance of “Drunk In Love” that not only stunned the audience, but reminded us that they truly are the perfect couple. Like every other performance by Beyoncé, this was one that few will forget.
Actually, there were quite a few performances of the night that were definitely unforgettable. After Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were presented with the Grammy for Best New Artist, Lorde took the stage for the second performance of the night with her popular song “Royals.” Hers was definitely not to the standards of Beyoncé’s with her awkward movements and stage presence. Nonetheless, Lorde was still able to stun the crowd with her incredible vocals.
Up and coming country artist Hunter Hayes then captured every audience member’s heart and surprised them with the debut of his beautifully inspirational song entitled “Invisible.” Later in the show, John Legend performed a ballad much like Hayes that left every hopeless romantic in the audience, and those watching from home, wanting more. And after a few more awards were distributed, Taylor Swift, dressed in an astounding gown, took the stage behind a grand piano and belted out another original song. She brought people to their feet with this incredible performance that could easily be one of her best.
However, Katy Perry completely changed everything up with her dramatic and elaborate performance of “Dark Horse.” With a giant horse, acrobatic dancers and a stunning voice, she could easily be one of the fan favorites for the night. P!nk kept with this acrobatic theme a little later on in the show when she entered the arena holding onto little more than a giant scarf (for lack of a better term). Throughout the first half of her performance, the audience was on the edge of their seats as she performed flip after twist after dizzying spin. Even though the second part of her performance wasn’t airborne, she definitely didn’t disappoint with her gorgeous and intense harmonies with Nate Ruess.
The Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons performance a little later in the night, like almost every other performance before, was no less than incredible. With their brilliant voices and breathtaking effects, it was a little hard to believe that the performance was live.
Keeping with the night’s tradition of elaborate and surprising performances, Robin Thicke stepped away from his comfort zone and completely changed his tune for a classic duet with famous band Chicago.
Other somewhat less memorable performances of the night included Kacey Musgraves singing “Follow Your Arrow” while wearing light up cowboy boots and what looked like a lampshade skirt.
Miranda Lambert and Billie Joe Armstrong joined together for a duet of a touching tribute to all of the great musicians that passed away this year. Keith Urban and Gary Clark Jr. worked together to perform a song filled with insane guitar solos. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr joined forces again for a classic performance that made everyone miss the other Beatles members even more.
Awards presented included: Best New Artist - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis; Best Pop Duo/Group Performance - Daft Punk; Best Rock Song - “Cut Me Some Slack;” Producer of the Year - Pharrell Williams; Best Country Album - Same Trailer, Different Park by Kacey Musgraves; Song of the Year - “Royals” by Lorde; Record of the Year - “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk. But what would the Grammys be without a kickass opening and a kickass closing (or pre-closing)?
During a moving performance of “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert, Queen Latifah entered the arena, along with 33 couples of every kind. And by the power invested in her by the state of California, Queen Latifah officiated the weddings of 33 lucky couples. Their first dance (and their marriage ceremony for that matter) will go down in history as they all danced together while Madonna and Mary Lambert finished the song.
The 56th annual Grammys took everyone by surprise and will definitely be remembered for decades to come. With incredible performances, shocking wins and even a few marriages, it was a night that won’t be forgotten for a long time to come.
