They didn't match the insanity of the Oscars, but it was still a fun night.
The Grammys took over Las Vegas this year, with Trevor Noah fronting the show as host. And while it was one high-energy exciting show -- one packed with memorable performances and celebrity sightings -- could it hold a candle to the drama of the Oscars?
No, but that's a good thing! There were a few jokes about The Slap at the top of the hour, but after that, it was basically one long, three-and-a-half-hour long concert, packed with musical number after musical number, speeches in-between and Noah keeping things moving without really offending anyone.
Among the performers: Jon Batiste, BTS, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, J Balvin, John Legend and Silk Sonic, among others. There was also an In Memoriam performed by Leslie Odom Jr., Cynthia Erivo, Rachel Zegler and Ben Platt, set to songs from the late, great Stephen Sondheim.
Check out the highlights of the night below -- and click here for all of the evening's biggest winners!
The Slap Jokes Start Early
We think @Trevornoah is so funny. He deserves a daily show to tell all these jokes... #GRAMMYs
— CBS (@CBS) April 4, 2022 @CBS
Wait a minute--? pic.twitter.com/nuhLK6r40o
Exactly one week since The Slap, everyone was waiting to see how much shade host Trevor Noah would swing Will Smith's way ... and it turned out to be very little. At least to start.
After a few very PC gags about the star-studded guest list, Noah -- just before handing over to first performer of the night Olivia Rodrigo -- jibed, "We're gonna be singing, we're gonna be dancing, we're gonna be keeping people's names out of our mouths."
Another not-so-subtle slap joke👀
— The Recount Alt (@therecountalt) April 4, 2022 @therecountalt
Questlove: "I'm gonna present this award and I trust that you people will stay 500 feet away from me." #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/DV2juQjnwM
The references continued when Questlove -- whose moment was the one cruelly stolen by Will Smith's antics last week -- took the stage to present the first award of the night. "Alright, I'm going to present this award and trust that you people stay 500 feet away from me," the "Summer Of Soul" director joked. "Just playin!"
"They say it's better to give than receive... and I'm not so sure about that, because last Sunday of course, you know it felt pretty good to receive an award..." he trailed off to laughs. "This is now a special moment for someone, and we're going to make a special memory for them tonight," he continued, which could very easily be construed as more shade on Big Will.
Louis CK's Controversial Win
In the un-televised pre-show, Louis CK won the Grammy for Best Comedy Album -- and was trending for all the wrong reasons by the time the telecast started.
The comedian was disgraced back in 2017, after a New York Times article was published in which sexual harassment claims were brought forth against him. The accounts by the five women were similar, claiming Louis C.K. masturbated in front of them. At the time, Louis C.K. issued a statement that read, "I have been remorseful of my actions. And I've tried to learn from them... I have spent my long and lucky career talking and saying anything I want. I will now step back and take a long time to listen."
His win was proof to many that nobody is ever truly "canceled."
Cancel culture is the worst.
— Ben Yahr (@benyahr) April 4, 2022 @benyahr
Also, Louis CK just won a Grammy
Louis CK just won a Grammy, in case you were still crying about cancel culture.
— carina adly mackenzie (@cadlymack) April 3, 2022 @cadlymack
Will Smith is going to end up more punished than Louis CK, you watch. https://t.co/4peaEvoCmf
— Barbara VanDenburgh (@BabsVan) April 3, 2022 @BabsVan
Louis CK just won a whole ass Grammy while y’all are either calling for Will Smith’s head or crying about cancel culture. There are no consequences for white cishet men
— Dr. Mia Brett (@QueenMab87) April 3, 2022 @QueenMab87
Louis CK just won a fucking grammy for best comedy album. This is beyond disgusting for all victims of SA, but is especially telling of how these revered institutions, in fact, do not give a fuck about victims of violence. They will ALWAYS foster and celebrate violence
— kiddo (@gabz_oh) April 3, 2022 @gabz_oh
Yes, it should have destroyed Louis CK's career. He should have no career anymore. But instead, Louis CK, who masturbated in front of women without consent, then derailed careers, just won best comedy album at the #grammys.
— David M. Perry (@Lollardfish) April 3, 2022 @Lollardfish
Jazmine Sullivan FINALLY Gets Some Love
[Heaux Tales ended up being] "a safe space for Black women to tell their stories, for us to learn from each other, laugh with each other, and not be exploited ... shout out to all Black women who are just living their lives and being beautiful." - Jazmine Sullivan at the #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/n2oVPzd2gL
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 4, 2022 @Phil_Lewis_
After she was first nominated for a Grammy in 2009, Jazmine Sullivan finally won her first trophy on Sunday during the un-televised portion of the ceremony. Going into tonight's show, she had 12 losses under her belt for nominations from 2009-2020.
She won for Best R&B Performance, in a tie with Silk Sonic on Sunday night and Twitter was thrilled for her overdue honor.
Sullivan also picked up Best R&B Album later in the telecast.
Jazmine Sullivan finally won a Grammy pic.twitter.com/foFswpLFGs
— Colyn (@colynelliott) April 3, 2022 @colynelliott
JAZMINE SULLIVAN HAS A GRAMMY
— zae (@itszaeok) April 3, 2022 @itszaeok
🗣 GRAMMY AWARD WINNING RECORDING ARTIST JAZMINE SULLIVAN, MUTHAFUCKAS! #GRAMMYPremiere #GRAMMYs
— ᴅᴏʟʟᴀʀ (@callmedollar) April 3, 2022 @callmedollar
Jazmine Sullivan FINALLY wins her first Grammy after 15 nominations. She is now no longer tied with Björk for the most nods among women without a win. #GRAMMYs
— Hugh McIntyre (@PopBangHugh) April 3, 2022 @PopBangHugh
BTS, Still Smooth Like Butter
BTS does jazz #grammys pic.twitter.com/SRnMBdAjU1
— Vulture (@vulture) April 4, 2022 @vulture
After first performing the song back in May 2021 during the Billboard Music Awards and another rendition in November for the American Music Awards, BTS once again performed their massive hit at the Grammys ... with a super-spy twist.
The boys worked the theme song from "Mission: Impossible" into the song, as well as lasers they all avoided while dancing their asses off. They even got Olivia Rodrigo in on the action and, once again, it blew up on Twitter.
Petition for @BTS_bighit to give us all a dance lesson, please and thank you. #GRAMMYs
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) April 4, 2022 @RecordingAcad
Kim Taehyung and Olivia Rodrigo’s skit during BTS Butter performance at Grammys #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/uNEnLT3TQ4
— TTP (@thetaeprint) April 4, 2022 @thetaeprint
BTS deliver a stellar #GRAMMYs performance of their #1 hit ‘Butter.’ pic.twitter.com/0ATcBsmwaX
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 4, 2022 @PopBase
THE FKING INTRO TO BTS’ BUTTER STAGE AT THE GRAMMYS WHAT THE FUCOWBSKDBDDKDJ pic.twitter.com/UNn8LOfd6y
— lea⁷ (@seokjinbit) April 4, 2022 @seokjinbit
bts performing Butter in black is just something else pic.twitter.com/bI11kmWzAZ
— Taz ⁷ (@sugatistic) April 4, 2022 @sugatistic
Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow Get Twitter Talking
O MAIOR DE TODOS! Lil Nas X performando "DEAD RIGHT NOW", "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" e "INDUSTRY BABY" com Jack Harlow no #GRAMMYs 2022!
— Lil Nas X Brasil (@LilNasXBrasil) April 4, 2022 @LilNasXBrasil
pic.twitter.com/3aqiiVX2JJ
Lil Nas X performed a medley of his hits, including "Dead Right Now," "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)," and "Industry Baby." The rapper had costume changes for each song, starting in a black glittery cape before stripping it off to reveal a sparkly crop top.
With "Industry Baby," he and his backup dancers all rocked marching band ensembles, before Harlow joined him on stage. Keep an eye on their mics -- social media sure did!
Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow doing the clapping part on Jack’s verse 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/GWiVgXSUot
— 𝙈𝘼𝙅𝙊𝙍 ⚜️ (@lilnasxmajor) April 4, 2022 @lilnasxmajor
Lil Nas X is giving a real performance. #Grammys pic.twitter.com/s8P5fbnwoi
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 4, 2022 @Phil_Lewis_
the number of young men Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow just turned gay across the nation
— derek (@downbadderek) April 4, 2022 @downbadderek
Lil Nas X is such a superstar. Nobody is doing it like him. #GRAMMYs
— Frank Costa (@feistyfrank) April 4, 2022 @feistyfrank
Seeing Double with Dua Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion
Dua and Megan tryna have they MARIAH and WHITNEY moment 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Li6ZDWNZqN
— 𝕵𝖊𝖜𝖑𝖘 ❦ (@LustforJewls) April 4, 2022 @LustforJewls
Former Best New Artist winners Dua Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion hit the stage together to present the award to this year's winner -- and did it rocking the same black Versace dress.
"I was told I had the exclusive, I'm gonna have to have a talk with Donatella," said Lipa after Megan said the singer stole her look. With that, the designer herself popped onstage to work some magic and differentiate the dresses.
The moment had everyone on Twitter flashing back to 1998 MTV Video Music Awards, when Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston did a similar bit -- a bit that ended with Mariah ripping off the bottom half of her dress to make it different.
Dua Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion recreate Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston’s iconic 1998 MTV VMA same-dress moment at this year’s #GRAMMYs. pic.twitter.com/4m8cbv1lVP
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 4, 2022 @PopBase
NOT DUA & Megan giving us a Mariah & Whitney moment!!!!!
— ✨ (@heyjaeee) April 4, 2022 @heyjaeee
Megan and Dua better reference this BIT!!! pic.twitter.com/rPHgMdE7vf
— Romeo S 🇩🇴 (@PalIahAbdul) April 4, 2022 @PalIahAbdul
People Lady Gaga has helped on stage at major awards shows in the last 7 days:
— Joey Nolfi (@joeynolfi) April 4, 2022 @joeynolfi
- Liza Minnelli
- Dua Lipa
- Megan Thee Stallion#GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/Bw0qTi5xrV
Zelenskyy Makes a Cameo
Zelensky 🇺🇦 #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/vLGtBKDLLQ
— Baby Tech StartUp (@HopSunnyBunny) April 4, 2022 @HopSunnyBunny
After his appearance at the Oscars was nixed, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did pop up during the Grammys to present an uplifting performance celebrating the power of music.
"The war. What is more opposite to music? The silence of ruined cities and killed people," he began in a pre-taped message from a bunker in Kyiv.
"Our children draw swooping rockets, not shooting stars. Over 400 children have been injured and 153 children died. And we'll never see them drawing. Our parents are happy to wake up in the morning. In bomb shelters. But alive," he continued. "Our loves ones don't know if we will be together again. The war doesn't let us choose who survives and who stays in eternal silence."
"Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals. Even to those who can't hear them, but the music will break through anyway. We defend our freedom. To live. To love. To sound," he went on, before telling viewers to fill the silence with music.
"Fill it today, to tell our story. Tell the truth about this war on your social networks, on TV. Support us in any way you can. Any way -- but silence. And then peace will come," he concluded. "To all our cities the war is destroying ... they are legends already. But I have a dream of them living. And free. Free like you on the Grammy stage."
John Legend then performed and was joined by Ukrainian singer Mika Newton and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk.
zelensky doing a grammys message, we are in the most surreal existence
— Jack Mirkinson (@jackmirkinson) April 4, 2022 @jackmirkinson
Gratitude to the Grammys for broadcasting president Zelensky and the message of freedom and democracy
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) April 4, 2022 @RoArquette
Wow… Volodymyr Zelensky just appeared on the #GRAMMYs #Ukraine 😢 pic.twitter.com/PahASuwRmm
— SandyLeeTV (@SandyLeeTV) April 4, 2022 @SandyLeeTV
THE GRAMMYS BOOKED ZELENSKY THE OSCARS ARE IN SHAMBLES
— Chris Murphy (@christress) April 4, 2022 @christress
Lady Gaga Does Tony Bennett Proud
Lady Gaga came out hot at the #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/EoHx6AgUvH
— The Recount Alt (@therecountalt) April 4, 2022 @therecountalt
Lady Gaga had everyone tearing up when she did a tribute to Tony Bennett, singing the standards "Love For Sale" and "Do I Love You" from their "Love for Sale" album.
While Bennett was not able to be there in person and has since retired from performing music live after sharing his Alzheimer's diagnosis, the 95-year-old legend did introduce Gaga via a pre-recorded video message.
As Gaga finished her performance, the screen showed a photo of Bennett's hand on her shoulder, getting the singer all choked up before her final note. "I love you Tony, we miss you," she said, before earning a standing ovation. Billie Eilish's reaction was especially memorable.
.@billieeilish, our thoughts exactly. @ladygaga is UNREAL 🤩 #Grammys pic.twitter.com/VwH6pXo3Pn
— Access Hollywood (@accesshollywood) April 4, 2022 @accesshollywood
.@LadyGaga sent her love to @itstonybennett during her touching #LoveForSale performance at the #Oscars ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0JUW5L0tXT
— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) April 4, 2022 @MTVNEWS
.@ladygaga is such a class act, through and through. 😍 #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/gIn0tVDyiz
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) April 4, 2022 @RecordingAcad
“I love you, Tony, we miss you!” —Lady Gaga #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/N6FwsgsMh5
— Gaga Daily (@gagadaily) April 4, 2022 @gagadaily
No one is as powerful as Lady Gaga is at an awards show
— Sam Stryker (@sbstryker) April 4, 2022 @sbstryker
I think Lady Gaga will be like Linda Ronstadt in that she'll pick a new genre every five years and master it out of boredom.
— Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) April 4, 2022 @louisvirtel
Taylor Hawkins Leads Emotional In Memoriam Tribute
"There goes my hero..." - the #Grammys paid special tribute to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins https://t.co/yYXANS5HZL pic.twitter.com/nW0sMMQa8F
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 4, 2022 @THR
The Foo Fighters were supposed to perform at the Grammys on Sunday, but after the tragic death of drummer Taylor Hawkins, they pulled out of the show and canceled all upcoming performances. As Trevor Noah noted the point in the show where they would have performed, he said the Recording Academy's thoughts went out to the late musician's family, friends, fans and the Foo Fighters themselves.
The show then took a moment to remember Hawkins with a video tribute highlighting photos and videos from his career with the rock band, before a full In Memoriam tribute to all those lost over the last year.
Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. and "West Side Story" star Rachel Zegler performed a medley of songs from Stephen Sondeim, who also died in November 2021. The songs included "Not a Day Goes By" from "Merrily We Roll Along," "Send In the Clowns" from "A Little Night Music" and "A Place for Us" from "West Side Story."
The entire music community is still grieving the light we lost last week with Taylor Hawkins’ passing. We continue to send our love and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. #GRAMMYs
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) April 4, 2022 @RecordingAcad
uh… taylor… we miss you #GRAMMYs #FooFighters
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) April 4, 2022 @leannrimes
Broadway stars’ tribute to Sondheim’s music @RecordingAcad could have not been more powerful and moving! pic.twitter.com/bomdzoPiTs
— Luis A. Miranda, Jr. (@Vegalteno) April 4, 2022 @Vegalteno
AMAZING tribute 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 😢😢😢 #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/v6wcFagAcE
— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) April 4, 2022 @hollyrpeete
This Sondheim tribute 😢😭 SO BEAUTIFUL
— Jan Sport (@janjanjan) April 4, 2022 @janjanjan
That was one of the most beautiful in memoriams I’ve ever seen. Ben Platt, Leslie Odom Jr, Cynthia Erivo, and Rachel Zegler all brought the house down. Best performance of the night by far. And all in tribute to the legend Stephen Sondheim. #GRAMMYs
— Corey Cohen (@CoreyECohen) April 4, 2022 @CoreyECohen
Ben Platt + Cynthia Erivo + Leslie Odom, Jr. + Rachel Zegler + Sondheim + in memoriam = 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Melinda Doolittle (@mdoolittle) April 4, 2022 @mdoolittle
Absolutely beautiful. #GRAMMYs
Bieber's Peaches Gets Bleeped
Justin Bieber singing peaches,that's it that's the tweet pic.twitter.com/WTse1eSv9F
— daniela -162 (@drewstabIe) April 4, 2022 @drewstabIe
Justin Bieber performed his hit song "Peaches" on Sunday night, but half of the track was muted by the control room. He started the number at the piano, playing a stripped down version of the song before launching into the song we all know and love.
As he sang the chorus, however, the censoring was out of control. With lyrics like "I got my peaches out in Georgia (oh, yeah, s---) / I get my weed from California (that's that s---) / I took my chick up to the North, yeah (badass bitch)," it seems "S---" got bleeped every time, but "badass bitch" and "weed" were totally fine for primetime.
Many viewers also zoned in on Bieber's leather pants and had plenty to say about them on social media.
bieber did the ballad version of "peaches" that will be in a movie trailer in 15 years
— Al Shipley (@alshipley) April 4, 2022 @alshipley
Lady Gaga vibing to Justin Bieber, Daniel Caesar & Giveon’s ‘Peaches’ #GRAMMYs performance. pic.twitter.com/BLkkggoT3s
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 4, 2022 @PopBase
Leave it to Justin Bieber to get emotional singing about getting his peaches out in Georgia 💀#GRAMMYs
— Ron (@evermoretrack2) April 4, 2022 @evermoretrack2
Justin Bieber got a dump truck in these pants
— Mel (@d_saintzx) April 4, 2022 @d_saintzx
why is justin bieber giving bbl with those leather pants 😭
— RY 🌞 (@green_ryley) April 4, 2022 @green_ryley
Justin Bieber got his pants from Wet Seal
— AME Choppa (@MelechThomas) April 4, 2022 @MelechThomas
Doja Cat's Poorly-Timed Bathroom Break
“I have never taken such a fast piss in my life” Doja is a trip 😂😂#Grammys pic.twitter.com/jR9NrPrC8W
— Mel ✨ (@melbrown000) April 4, 2022 @melbrown000
Doja Cat and SZA won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Kiss Me More" and while it seemed like SZA's crutches and long train would be a problem -- and nearly was, if not for Lady Gaga -- the bigger issue was Doja's bladder. Apparently, she booked it to the bathroom before the category and ran onto the stage straight from the facilities.
"You went to the bathroom for five minutes, are you serious?" asked SZA as Doja joined her on stage. "I have never taken such a fast piss in my whole life. Thank you, everybody," she cracked, before looking down and re-adjusting her dress around her crotch before they gave their real acceptance speeches.
"I like to downplay shit, but this is a big deal," she added, breaking into tears.
Congratulations to my girlsss @DojaCat @sza 💕💕💕
— TINA SNOW (@theestallion) April 4, 2022 @theestallion
Doja and sza Grammy winners…. I smiled
— HOOD VOGUE is tired of poverty (@keyon) April 4, 2022 @keyon
now that was a good grammy moment! gaga helping sza with her dress, doja almost missing because she was in the bathroom, some real authentic tears. that's show biz baby!
— brittany spanos (@ohheybrittany) April 4, 2022 @ohheybrittany
Doja Cat is so naturally funny. Her speech is the highlight of the night for me. #GRAMMYs
— Frank Costa (@feistyfrank) April 4, 2022 @feistyfrank
love these queens SZA and Doja Cat together, what a beautiful moment pic.twitter.com/LIM1XUHJhD
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) April 4, 2022 @RollingStone
ARMY Feels Robbed
#Scammys started trending on Twitter after BTS lost out on their sole nomination of the evening, for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The group failed to beat out Doja Cat and SZA’s “Kiss Me More” and shorty after the two accepted their award, BTS’ fans — known as ARMY — took their frustrations out on Twitter.
IT REALLY IS YOONGI #scammys pic.twitter.com/mNEmUX5U1M
— ⁷ (@jeonsbrain) November 24, 2021 @jeonsbrain
#OurProudBTS
— BlueBlue7 (@BlueAdelia7) April 4, 2022 @BlueAdelia7
You make us proud, my beautiful boys.
We are right behind you today and always. #boycotthegrammys #scammys pic.twitter.com/6LfVjPBmYT
That’s fine cuz #BTS has 4 sold out shows right across the street #scammys pic.twitter.com/ysaEbajmKa
— scarlett (@talking2thejoon) April 4, 2022 @talking2thejoon
My face after the #scammys snubbed BTS again. pic.twitter.com/APMVMV7eu5
— *Mz_Shepherd* (@xo_Gorgeous_One) April 4, 2022 @xo_Gorgeous_One
Disappointed, but not surprised. Scammys don’t deserve BTS #scammys #bts #grammys pic.twitter.com/bEBzfr874j
— 🌌💜Mythamos💜🌌 || 21 (@_Mythamos_) April 4, 2022 @_Mythamos_
it’s almost like we knew this was gonna happen again…
— roki ☀️ (@rokiisan) April 4, 2022 @rokiisan
still proud of you bts!!💜💜#scammys #GotARMYRightBehindYou #BTSARMY pic.twitter.com/04ULRfe3CV