Grammys 2024 Top Moments: From Taylor Swift announcing new album 'The Tortured Poets Department' to Jay-Z slamming academy over Beyonce snub
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Grammys 2024 unfolded as a star-studded event, brimming with unforgettable moments. For those unfamiliar, the 2024 Grammy Awards graced Los Angeles on February 4, 2024, gathering numerous renowned musicians to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the music industry.
Throughout the 66th Grammy Awards, fans were treated to a series of exhilarating moments. Taylor Swift seized the spotlight by revealing her forthcoming album 'The Tortured Poets Department'. In a surprising turn, Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice were mistakenly announced as winners in the Best Rap Category, adding an unexpected twist to the evening. Additionally, Killer Mike faced an unexpected turn of events as he was arrested after securing a total of 3 Grammys. Here's a rundown of some of the standout moments from the Grammys 2024.
Taylor Swift announces new album 'The Tortured Poets Department' after historic fourth Album of the Year win
Taylor Swift has accumulated an impressive tally of 14 Grammy Awards. On Sunday night, the pop sensation secured her 14th Grammy for the album 'Midnights,' nominated in the coveted Best Pop Vocal Album category. During her acceptance speech at the 2024 Grammys, the chart-topping singer not only expressed her gratitude for the continuous support of her fans but also unveiled exciting news about her upcoming album, 'The Tortured Poets Department,' scheduled for release on April 19.
In her heartfelt speech, Taylor shared, “My lucky number, I don’t know if I ever told you that. I know the way the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans. So, I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I’ve been keeping from you for the last two years, which is that my brand new album comes out April 19."
Following this latest Grammy triumph, Taylor Swift has achieved the milestone of being the first artist to secure Album of the Year four times. Previously, Swift held the distinction of being the only female solo artist to win the award three times, placing her in esteemed company alongside Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, and Stevie Wonder.
Dua Lipa's man cage performance grabs eyeballs
Dua Lipa showcased an energetic and captivating performance at the Grammys 2024. The renowned singer set the stage on fire with the debut of her latest track, 'Training Season.' The performance exuded a powerful theme, even if not explicitly stated. Dua Lipa, accompanied by a group of charismatic men, displayed remarkable athleticism by hanging from a cage, creating a visually stunning spectacle. Following this, Lipa delivered stellar performances of 'Dance the Night' and 'Houdini,' showcasing incredible dance skills. Her flawless execution reflects the dedication and practice she has invested in achieving such perfection.
Tracy Chapman makes rare appearance at 2024 Grammys
Luke Combs' rendition of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' in 2023 proved to be a significant success, earning a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance. The anticipation for his performance at the Grammys 2024 was high, and to enhance the memorable moment, Combs took the stage alongside Chapman, marking her first public performance since 2020. The duet delivered by Combs and Chapman exceeded expectations, with both artists delivering impressive performances that left the audience visibly moved by their collaboration.
Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice mistakenly named winners in the Best Rap category
The 2024 Grammys experienced a momentary mix-up when Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice were mistakenly announced as winners in the rap category. However, this error was promptly corrected. During the pre-show ceremony on February 4, 2024, the winners of non-televised categories were revealed. Killer Mike's song 'Scientists & Engineers' featuring Andre 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane rightfully secured the victory in the Best Rap Song category, as announced by the presenters during the live show.
In an oversight, the Recording Academy's X account initially declared 'Barbie World' by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice featuring Aqua as the winner in the Best Rap category, only to later rectify the mistake.
Killer Mike arrested after winning 3 Grammys
Killer Mike, a renowned rapper, made headlines at the Grammy Awards 2024 when he was captured on camera leaving the event after an altercation led to his arrest. Despite clinching three prestigious awards at the music ceremony, a video circulating on X showed the Run The Jewels artist being escorted by law enforcement officers with his hands restrained behind his back. According to TMZ, Mike was detained following an alleged physical altercation with a security guard at the Grammys. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to ascertain the details.
The rapper's night took a sour turn despite his triumphant wins, which included Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Album, and Best Rap Song. During his acceptance speech, he also lamented the recent loss of a valuable piece of jewelry. Expressing gratitude to his mother and grandmother on stage, the 'Legend Has It' rapper shared, "I lost a painting with my mother and grandmother's picture on it. And in losing that piece of jewelry, I learned there's no gift as precious as what they put inside."
Jay-Z slams Grammys for Beyonce's Album of the Year snub
In a recent turn of events, Jay-Z openly criticized the Grammys during his acceptance speech Dr Dre Global Impact Award. The rap mogul accused the Grammys of consistently overlooking Beyonce and failing to recognize her with the Album of the Year accolade. Expressing his discontent, Jay-Z revealed his desire for the Grammys to acknowledge artists who have a significant impact on culture.
Jay-Z said, “How far we have come with Will Smith, the Fresh Prince winning their first Grammy in ’89 and boycotting, because it was not televised."
The Roc Nation founder further added, “And then they went to a hotel to watch the Grammys. I don’t even understand, it was not a great boycott. But then in ’98, I took a page out of their book and was nominated for best rap album. And DMX put out two, they were both number one, and he was not nominated at all. So I boycotted and I watched"
The Grammy award-winner went on to say, "I’m just saying, we want you all to get it right. We love y’all, we love y’all. We want you to get it right — or at least get it close to right. And obviously, it’s subjective, because it’s music and its opinion-based, but some things…”
Then, Jay-Z turned to his wife Beyonce, and stated, “I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than everyone and never won album of the year. So even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work. Think about that. The most Grammys, never won album of the year. That doesn’t work.” He further emphasized by saying, “When I get nervous, I tell the truth.”
Annie Lennox's performance cut off
At the 2024 Grammys, Annie Lennox became the first artist to speak about the Gaza ceasefire. After her performance, she took the opportunity to address the Israel-Hamas war and mentioned Artist for Ceasefire, while also paying tribute to Sinead O'Connor. However, CBS interrupted her by cutting off her microphone.
On Sunday night, Annie paid homage to Sinead O'Connor by giving a heartfelt performance of her hit song 'Nothing Compares 2 U', which was written by Sinead herself. The 'Drink Before the War' singer was most famous for her powerful and emotional rendition of 'Nothing Compares 2 U', in which her vocals and notes were particularly intense and impactful.
Sinead died at 56 in July 2023 due to natural causes. She was discovered unresponsive at her home in London.
Miley Cyrus wins her first-ever Grammy
Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands up for Grammy-winner Miley Cyrus! The former Disney star was awarded her first Grammy on February 4, 2024, for her superhit song 'Flowers' in the category of Best Pop Solo Performance. Mariah Carey presented the award to Cyrus, who was surprised and overwhelmed by the win.
During her acceptance speech, Cyrus expressed gratitude towards "all the people that we love" and also gave a heartfelt acknowledgment to the viewers watching from their homes. 'The Last Song' star said, "This award is amazing. But I really hope that it doesn't change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday. Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular."
Cyrus continued, "So please don't think that this is important, even though it's very important, right guys?" The singer won her second award of the night for her song 'Flowers' and dedicated most of her acceptance speech to expressing gratitude towards her loved ones. Cyrus concluded her speech by saying, "I don't think I forgot anyone, but I might've forgotten underwear..bye!" Then, she quickly turned away from the camera with a mischievous smile.
Celine Dione makes rare appearance at Grammys 2024 as presenter of Album of the Year
Celine Dion made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards. On Sunday night, the five-time Grammy winner graced the stage of the award show for presenting the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift. For the music's biggest night, the 'My Heart Will Go On' singer looked stunning in a gorgeous dress with a high slit, complemented by a brown coat. Additionally, she wore a dazzling diamond necklace, emphasizing her status as a five-time Grammy winner.
This marked Celine's first official public appearance at the Grammys after announcing her struggle with stiff-person syndrome in 2022. As Celine Dion walked out on stage, she received a standing ovation from the crowd. She addressed the audience, saying, “Thank you all. I love you right back."
The pop icon added, “When I say I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart. Those who have been blessed enough to be here at the Grammy Awards should never take for granted the tremendous love and joy music brings people around the world.” During her latest appearance at the Grammys 2024, Celine looked remarkably healthy and happy and it seemed like she had a great time at the event.
