The 2018 Grammys definitely contained their share of highlights, many of which directly involved the efforts of jovial host James Corden. Many of the performances were memorable as well; from Childish Gambino bringing out the viral star “NBA National Anthem kid” to Cardi B’s unbridled joy while performing the “Finesse” Remix with Bruno Mars, the stars made their own magical moments amid the hilarious and inspiring skits, sketches, and asides that made the show one of the best in a good long while.
The awards show had numerous performers to get excited about as well, including Elton John, Childish Gambino, Lamar, Sting, U2, Rihanna, SZA, Lady Gaga, Pink, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Patti Lupone and Alessia Cara, Cardi B, Bruno Mars, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, Little Big Town Sam Smith, Ben Platt from “Dear Evan Hansen,” Logic, Khalid and more.
Pop singer Bruno Mars, who was nominated in six categories, was the big winner on Sunday night at the 60th annual Grammys. He won Album of the Year for 24K Magic in a category that had included a record three hip-hop nominees including Jay-Z’s 4:44 and Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN.
“Look at me, Pop, look at me! I’m at the Grammys right now!” Bruno Mars said in accepting the award for Record of the Year for the title track, a party anthem.
He won Song of the Year for That’s What I Like, a steamy ode to making love in high style. 24K Magic came four years after Mars became an arena-packing superstar with his album, Unorthodox Jukebox, in which he adapted a retro blend of funk, rock and soul for 21st century audiences. For 24K Magic, Bruno Mars followed much the same formula but brought in more R&B with steamy, sensual tracks accompanying his infectious dance numbers.
It is the first time that the 32-year-old singer has won the US music industry’s most prestigious award, Album of the Year, although he contributed as a songwriter and producer on last year’s winner, English balladeer Adele’s 25.
During the show, rapper Kendrick Lamar continued his streak of wins, having won three awards prior. He completed a sweep of the rap awards, winning Best Album and Best Rap/Sung Performance to add to his early loot: Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Video—all for his 2017 hit ‘Humble’. Lamar’s win for Best Video meant a loss for the music video to Jain’s Miriam Makeba tribute ‘Makeba’. Meanwhile, country artist Chris Stapleton claimed three Grammys, Ed Sheeran scored two awards and Alessia Cara took home the honor for best new artist.
Producer of the year, non-classical, was Greg Kurstin.
Dave Chappelle received the nod for best comedy album, and last year’s film awards contender La La Land notched two wins for its soundtrack.
Ice T and Body Count had an incredible performance during the pre-show, even though it was marred by some technical difficulties, and there were a few rock awards given out during the show. Interesting to note that Metallica was shut out of all of their Grammy nomminations.
The ceremony, was held at Madison Square Garden, marking the first time the show has taken place in New York since 2003.