63rd Annual Grammy’s Award: It’s the Year of Women

The 2021 Grammy’s Awards show took place this past Sunday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The events were held by comedian and “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah. Like many other award shows, the event took place with no audience in attendance aside from the artists from the major categories. Health and safety protocols allowed for the show to be streamed and broadcast live on various platforms. From the red carpet to the main stage, fashion was on full display. The night also provided major records shattering and explosive performances. All in all, the night was dominated by women in almost every single major category. From hip hop to country and everything in between, it was the women who made their stand on music’s biggest night.

Beyonce took home Best R&B Performance for “Black Parade,” making her the single record holder for most all-time Grammy wins by a woman or any singer.

“I am so honored, I’m so excited,” she said during her acceptance speech. “As an artist, I believe it’s my job and all of our jobs to reflect the times and it’s been such a difficult time. So I wanted to uplift, encourage and celebrate all of the beautiful Black queens and kings that continue to inspire me and inspire the whole world.”

Mama Carter wasn’t the only one to win a Grammy on Sunday. Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of powerhouse couple Jay-Z and Beyonce, won Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl.”Blue Ivy became one of the youngest Grammy winners in history.

Megan Thee Stallion’s impact on music these last two years was finally rewarded. The Houston rapper took home the Best New Artist award. Both Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion made history as the first pair of women to ever win Best Rap Performance with the remix of Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage.”

Taylor Swift took home the coveted Album of the Year for “folklore.” She becomes the first woman to win the award three times. Another major category was awarded to Billie Ellish with Record of the Year for “Everything I Wanted.” R&B rising star H.E.R won the Song of the Year award for “I Can’t Breathe.” Hip-hop icon Nas secured his first Grammy with Rap Album of the Year for his “The King’s Disease.”

Barriers were also broken in terms of Grammy performances. BTS, a South Korea K-pop boy band, became the first South Korean act to perform at the Grammy’s (they were located in Seoul, South Korea due to health and safety risks). Mickey Guyton became the first black female country singer to perform at the Grammy’s. Mickey was also nominated for a Grammy, becoming the first black female solo act to be nominated in a country music field. What’s most impressive about her feats? She did it all without the help of county radio.

Below is a list of nominees and winners in several major categories. The full list of the 83 categories is available here.