2023 was all in regards to the pleasure of girlhood, so it is no shock the largest musical hits of the 12 months had been additionally for girls and by girls. Forward of the 2024 Grammy Awards, girls dominated nominations throughout classes. However the Feb. 4 ceremony celebrated not solely girls nominees, but additionally winners, performers, and presenters — at all ages. From longtime legends to rising artists, girls celebrated one another unabashedly in an business that tends to emphasise youth and infrequently pits girls towards one another. For the primary time in years, an award present appeared to hit the mark on entertaining audiences throughout generations, hanging the proper chord between embracing nostalgia and highlighting newer expertise.
Girls nominees had been up for each main class, and finally snagged the massive wins, too. Phoebe Bridgers took dwelling probably the most trophies with 4 wins, making her a first-time Grammy winner alongside Victoria Monét, Miley Cyrus, Karol G, and Lainey Wilson. SZA led the pack with 9 nominations, and gained two. And naturally, Taylor Swift grew to become the primary artist in historical past to win Album of the Yr 4 occasions.
Whereas the wins had been actually price celebrating, the performances are what made an influence and warmed nostalgic hearts. In arguably the most-talked-about second of the night time, Tracy Chapman appeared with Luke Combs to carry out a duet of “Quick Automotive,” her 1988 hit that has since seen a cross-generational resurgence (one which she was not totally acknowledged for till final night time). She hadn’t sung on stay TV in years, and has hardly ever toured since 2009. One other standout efficiency got here from Joni Mitchell, who carried out on the Grammys for the very first time at 80 years outdated. The group was teary as Mitchell sang her 1968 hit “Each Sides Now,” her presence itself a triumph after she recovered from a 2015 mind aneurysm. Annie Lennox additionally made an look to pay tribute to Sinead O’Connor through the “In Memoriam” section of the ceremony with an emotional cowl of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” These legends received the visibility they deserved on music’s greatest night time — and proved that it is by no means too late to get your flowers.
The youthful pop stars additionally delivered memorable performances, and appeared to lean into the empowering theme of the night time. Cyrus kicked off the ceremony with a enjoyable rendition of “Flowers,” a vanity anthem that earned her her two wins. To not point out, she paired the efficiency with an homage to the late icon Tina Turner. Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo additionally gave uncooked, vocal-first performances of their hits “What I Was Made For” and “Vampire,” respectively, each of which replicate on the expectations younger girls face.
Whilst JAY-Z accepted the Dr. Dre World Affect Award, he introduced 12-year-old Blue Ivy on stage and centered his spouse, Beyoncé, in his speech, criticizing the Recording Academy for repeatedly snubbing her for Album of the Yr regardless of her record-breaking variety of Grammys.
After all, there have been different high-profile snubs (notably SZA and Lana Del Rey). Award reveals cannot please everybody. However there is not any doubt girls of all ages reigned ultimately night time’s Grammys, indulging Gen Z, millennial, and Gen X followers alike and making us all really feel seen. Witnessing legends and newcomers celebrating one another and themselves felt like an actual step ahead for all girls.
