On Sunday, April 3, the biggest names in music gathered in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to partake in one of the most momentous award ceremonies of the year. Filled with vibrant outfits and captivating performances, the 64th Annual Grammy Awards were a night to remember. 

The show was originally scheduled to take place on Jan. 31, but it was delayed due to a spike in COVID-19 cases during the rise of the Omicron variant. Although many significant artists were noticeably absent from the night’s proceedings, several big-name artists made an appearance. 

The show opened with Silk Sonic’s explosive performance of 777, a song brimming with references to the location of the award show, Las Vegas. The group also took home three Grammys for Best Record, Best Song, and Best R&B Song. 

“We are really trying our hardest to remain humble at this point, but in the industry, we call that a clean sweep,” Anderson .Paak said. His counterpart, Bruno Mars, shocked viewers by lighting up a cigarette while accepting the award. 

Olivia Rodrigo performed an evocative rendition of her 2021 hit Driver’s License. The powerful tune was nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year, but it was beaten by Silk Sonic in both categories. Rodrigo did win three out of her seven nominated categories, including Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Solo Performance. 

“This is my biggest dream come true,” Rodrigo said before thanking individuals at her record label, team, and her family and friends. She ended her speech with a tribute to her producer Dan Nigro, recognizing him as the “best person, friend, and collaborator [she] could ever ask for.”

Several wins of the night came as a huge surprise to audiences. Jon Batiste, the leader of Stay Human, the house band on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, won Album of the Year for We Are, beating out notable artists such as Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, and Taylor Swift. We Are received virtually no commercial support or radio play, but it was evidently supported strongly by members of the Recording Academy. Batiste gave a modest speech to commemorate his remarkable achievement and the contribution of art to humanity. 

“I believe this to my core,” Batiste said. “There is no best musician, best artist, best dancer, best actor. The creative arts are subjective, and they reach people at a point in their lives when they need it most.” Batiste had 11 nominations this year, being the most out of any artist, and he took home wins in five categories. 

The Foo Fighters pulled out of their performance following the death of their drummer, Taylor Hawkins, but they still took home awards in three categories, including Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Performance. 

“Our thoughts go out to Taylor’s family, his friends, the Foo Fighters family and all of their fans, around the globe,” Trevor Noah, host and comedian, said. 

Other notable performances included Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow, Lady Gaga, BTS, and Billie Eilish. Gaga was able to nab the win for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, but the other performers were unsuccessful in their categories. 

For a full list of the night’s winners, visit the Grammy’s website.