Kim Petras makes history, Beyoncé fashionably late, Quavo's heartbreaking tribute to Takeoff, Shania confuses everyone and more!
Trevor Noah returned as host for the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, returning to Los Angeles at the Crytpo.com Arena. Ahead of the awards ceremony, most of the night's awards were handed out.
Along the way, Viola Davis became just the 18th person to score an EGOT, picking up a Grammy for her work recording the audiobook for her memoir, "Finding Me."
Beyoncé set a record for nominations heading into the night with a total of 88 of them, and led all artists with a total of nine nominations. She only needs four of those nominations to turn into wins to take the all-time wins record from Hungarian conductor Georg Solti, who sits at 31.
Her husband Jay-Z came into the night poised to set a record of his own. Currently tied with Kendrick Lamar as the rapper with the most Grammys, Jay-Z is nominated five times. Both artists have 24 trophies.
Adele Meets The Rock, Harry Styles Is Hot
.@TrevorNoah jokes that he loves @taylorswift13's song "Auntie Hero" during his monologue at the #Grammys pic.twitter.com/oncRe3t4e7
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 6, 2023 @THR
After the first performance, Trevor gave the traditional Grammys monologue, but not from the stage. Instead, he was in the crowd mingling with all of the celebrities, throwing around praise and very gentle jokes.
He quipped that even if Beyoncé doesn't set that record, she still gets to be Beyoncé, so she's doing just fine. He also zeroed in on Harry Styles, declaring him the sexiest human being alive. He joked that women throw their panties at him and Harry puts them on and looks better in them!
He had love to share for Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo, Jay-Z and Taylor Swift. He shared with the audience that she'd sold more records than any other artist this past year, which seemed to be news to Taylor, who could be seen mouthing her surprise.
The hilarious moment when Trevor Noah surprised Adele with The Rock. 🤣 #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/PNjNv51BmY
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) February 6, 2023 @etnow
For Adele, Trevor had a special surprise. In a bit where he joked about all the research he did and all he knew about the assembled stars, he shared that Adele is a huge fan of Dwayne Johnson, but has never met him.
Trevor shared that Dwayne was a huge fan of Adele, too, before lamenting that he didn't have him there to meet Adele -- but he did have The Rock. We only got a glimpse of Adele's excitement at meeting him, but we imagined Dwayne sitting with her and the two of them chatting it up.
Making the night even more special for her, it was The Rock who presented the Best Pop Solo Performance award, which she won with "Easy on Me." So she got another hug on top of the surprise of winning.
Beyonce's Record Night
Trevor Noah blamed traffic for Beyoncé being tardy and missing her own record-tying moment. He did not, however, explain how it was that he said "Beyoncé is in the building" during his opening monologue, which clearly wasn't quite accurate.
Or maybe she was anticipating a win later and wanted to savor that moment, so she was staying out of sight until she held the record. It did seem inevitable it would fall.
After "Cuff It" won for Best R&B Song, presented by fresh EGOT winner Viola Davis, Terius Gesteelde-Diamant came up to accept it and after saying something off-color enough to get completely censored, he offered Beyoncé's thanks and walked off -- all of which took about four seconds total.
He did finally return alongside Nile Rodgers for a more proper speech, after some urging from Trevor, but it was clear the assembled superstars were awaiting the Queen's arrival. Damn that LA traffic!
Queen Bey did finally arrive (only an hour and twenty minutes late), with Trevor hand delivering her Grammy to her at her table.
.@lizzo saying what we are all thinking: "Where's Beyoncé?" #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/DwcTKnUqIH
— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) February 6, 2023 @MTVNEWS
beyoncé on her way to the grammys pic.twitter.com/5C3G658FMx
— wiLL (@willfulchaos) February 6, 2023 @willfulchaos
Not Beyoncé put the Grammys on the waitlist too 😭😭😭
— Ira (@iramadisonthree) February 6, 2023 @iramadisonthree
Beyoncé being 45 minutes late to the Grammys where she breaks the record might be Peak Beyoncé.
— Matthew Belloni (@MattBelloni) February 6, 2023 @MattBelloni
Shania's Bold Red Look
By the time she hit the stage, Shania had toned her look way down from her spotted bell bottom look from the red carpet, but those red locks were still on full display, and definitely getting the attention of everyone online.
There was a healthy combination of those applauding her boldness and continuing to forge her own path as a style icon and those who were having fun finding some unexpected comparisons to other icons -- like fast-food icon Wendy's and Jennifer Garner's Sidney Bristowe.
Shania Twain in black white Harris Reed with Messika jewelry. 🖤✨#GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/lvAHK0vupa
— Etalk (@etalkCTV) February 6, 2023 @etalkCTV
Shania really said, "call me Sydney Bristow"#grammys pic.twitter.com/B8is9kMNu3
— Jenna Amatulli (@ohheyjenna) February 6, 2023 @ohheyjenna
Love that, at 57 years old, Shania Twain does not care one iota what box she’s supposed to fit in. She does whatever she wants with her fashion and hair and just seems to be having the most fun as a result. #Grammys pic.twitter.com/nXJTQ3aByY
— Ashley Spencer (@AshleyySpencer) February 6, 2023 @AshleyySpencer
Shania Twain rn #grammys pic.twitter.com/PPUO0IjHuv
— Vulture (@vulture) February 6, 2023 @vulture
Shania is giving Saw #grammys pic.twitter.com/UDprr0D3gD
— Betches (@betchesluvthis) February 6, 2023 @betchesluvthis
Kim Petras Makes History for Representation
Sam Smith picked up the Best Duo/Group Performance trophy alongside Kim Petras for their collaboration "Unholy," but they gave up their time at the mic to Kim as it was a bigger moment for her.
"Sam graciosuly wanted me to accept this award because I'm the first transgender woman to win this award," she said, triggering a massive audience response. In truth, she's the first known transgender woman to win any Grammy.
She went on to thank transgender artists who kicked the door open before her like Sophie, as well as Madonna for "fighting for LGBTQ rights; I don't think I could be here without Madonna," and her mother for accepting her gender identity.
Kim petras just made history as the first transgender woman to win a Grammy :’) pic.twitter.com/WQQw9wkHA2
— 𝒞. (@Celebirteas) February 6, 2023 @Celebirteas
KIM PETRAS GRAMMY WINNER pic.twitter.com/w9H64bfdAF
— INJUSTIÇADA (@festinjusticada) February 6, 2023 @festinjusticada
Quavo Honors Takeoff with Heartbreaking Tribute
Quavo’s emotional tribute to Takeoff 🥺#GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/lR8Fk4MqG1
— TheHolyGoofProductions (@TheHolyGoofs) February 6, 2023 @TheHolyGoofs
The In Memoriam segment is always emotional, but this year's segment had an extra poignancy when Quavo began performing "Without You," his tribute to his nephew and Migos bandmate Takeoff, at one point holding up his chain.
It was just one portion of the longer In Memoriam, which also included Kacey Musgraves performing "Coal Miner's Daughter" in honor of Loretta Lynn, and Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Mick Fleetwood honoring the late Christine McVie with a touching rendition of "Songbird."
And to bring the In Memoriam segment to a close, Mick Fleetwood accompanied Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt for a moving cover of ‘Songbird,’ originally written by his late Fleetwood Mac bandmember, Christine McVie #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/93bw7XpQU8
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 6, 2023 @nowthisnews
Quavo performing for Takeoff has me crying #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/u7JQ0u2e8r
— Cloud9ineDreams💫 (@Cloud9ineDreams) February 6, 2023 @Cloud9ineDreams
That Takeoff tribute might’ve wrecked me just a bit. I need a moment. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/VD0TFVrbLc
— he reads. (@TheGreatIsNate) February 6, 2023 @TheGreatIsNate
#GRAMMYs After watching Quavo tribute to Takeoff pic.twitter.com/h36wbZl8QJ
— Brooklyn (@BrooklynBoyB) February 6, 2023 @BrooklynBoyB
Long live #Takeoff 🚀 beautiful performance. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/LxrhO6DCku
— BallerAlert (@balleralert) February 6, 2023 @balleralert
Beyoncé Has Most Grammys of All Time
Thankfully, the traffic allowed Beyoncé to make it to the Grammys in time for the Best Dance/Electronic Music Album, as this became the biggest moment of her career. With this win, she has 32 Grammys to her name and holds the all-time record for most wins.
"This is an honor," presenter James Corden said even before revealing who'd won, but that was enough for the crowd to go wild. "We are witness history tonight."
When Beyoncé hit the stage, she was deeply emotional, thanking her family, husband and children. "I'm trying not to be too emotional and I'm trying to just receive this night," she said at the top before going on to praise the queer community for creating this genre of music.
James Corden just said, “we are witnessing history” and Beyoncé got up like they talking about me😭. #GRAMMYs
— TV Fanatic👑⚜️ (@TvKhaleesi) February 6, 2023 @TvKhaleesi
pic.twitter.com/4ZS0AWS9ZK
Beyonce: "I'm trying not to be too emotional"
— Music Choice (@MusicChoice) February 6, 2023 @MusicChoice
The rest of the world: #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/za11sWYrCr
Most awarded artist in #GRAMMYs history, Beyoncé. pic.twitter.com/YTs1QLuuvm
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 6, 2023 @PopBase
Beyoncé has officially won more #GRAMMYs than any artist in history 👏👏👏
— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) February 6, 2023 @JarettSays
If Uncle Johnny could see her now 😭 pic.twitter.com/lZkZJ5RrAa
Everyone to Beyoncé. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/qSBXRh5qLN
— Ryan Johnson (@Ryan_Johnson) February 6, 2023 @Ryan_Johnson
Incredible 50 Years of Hip-Hop Tribute
50-year anniversary of hip-hop performance at the #GRAMMYs by some of the greats including RunDMC, LL Cool J, Salt N Peppa, Ice T, Queen Latifah, Wu-Tang, Big Boi, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Nelly, Too Short, GloRilla, The Roots, and more... pic.twitter.com/HmGB0bvGZX
— Leon Carrington (@LeonCarrington) February 6, 2023 @LeonCarrington
The Grammys filled Crypto.com Arena with some of the biggest names in hip-hop to celebrate 50 years of the genre that revolutionized music. It was an epic performance that will likely go down as one of the most iconic moments in Grammys history!
Curated by Quetlove, the celebration was kicked off with LL Cool J honoring Dr. Dre with the inaugural Dr. Dre Global Impact Award before bring out a who's who of the history of hip-hop for a medley through history.
LL Cool J was part of it, as was Black Thought, Ice-T, Pubic Enemy, Run DMC, Queen Latifah, Wu-Tang Clan, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Nelly, Too Short, GloRilla, Lil Baby and so many more.
"From the Bronx, to TikTok to the whole world!" LL Cool J said to wrap the epic performance that had fans and celebrities alike on their feet and roaring their enthusiasm.
This catalog Hip Hop performance happening on #TheGrammys is next level amazing, and an education on the genius of the genre’s origin story. True fire. These Greats are incredible. Everyone is killing it.
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) February 6, 2023 @UzoAduba
Y’all. #Grammys2023 #hiphop tribute 🔥that’s all
— Star Jones (@StarJonesEsq) February 6, 2023 @StarJonesEsq
HIP HOP HAS TRULY EVOLVED!!! #50 years for the culture! #Grammys2023
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) February 6, 2023 @thesherylralph
I know you can’t include everyone but… come on… snoop, diddy, kim, Wayne and Nikki… should have been on that stage! #Grammys2023 pic.twitter.com/TT3jl39wRb
— Karamo (@Karamo) February 6, 2023 @Karamo
This is a fantastic reminder that hip hop has produced more than beautiful artists. The #Grammys2023 stage is full of inventors and visionaries! ✊🏾
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) February 6, 2023 @JackeeHarry
They went through all fifty years of Hip hop... and it was a blast 🔥🔥🔥🔥thank you @RecordingAcad #Grammys2023
— loni love (@LoniLove) February 6, 2023 @LoniLove
That damn @questlove is a genius. That tribute to hip hop was insane.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) February 6, 2023 @jemelehill
THE UNQUESTIONABLE GREATEST PERFORMANCE THE GRAMMYS HAS EVER SEEN 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) February 6, 2023 @SheaSerrano
This walk through 50 years of #hiphop history has me losing my mind!!!!! LOVE IT! #Grammys pic.twitter.com/UcXQ46lScl
— Kizzy Cox (@RealKizzyCox) February 6, 2023 @RealKizzyCox
Loving this 50 anniversary Hip Hop tribute. Omg yessssss #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/fpOUsIRiKH
— 2 Seater 🚗 (@EdnaLeroy) February 6, 2023 @EdnaLeroy
The 50 years of Hip Hop tribute was everything 😭🔥 #Grammys #HipHop #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/fRMDKQimXR
— FaRah🍀 (@JaJaFaRah1) February 6, 2023 @JaJaFaRah1
Bonnie Raitt's Shocking Win
A shocking win according to many, including Bonnie Raitt herself. The legendary blues singer was up for Song of the Year against huge current artists Lizzo, Adele, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khaled, Beyonce, Harry Styles, Gayle, Steve Lacy and Taylor Swift.
With every other artist in an entirely different generation than Raitt, it's no wonder her jaw hung wide open when First Lady Jill Biden announced her as the winner.
She was humbled and touched by the win, but her shock at winning was definitely echoed online. Especially as many of those in the younger generations are completely unfamiliar with her or her work.
Raitt, though, is a bona fide icon of the music industry, which is why the reception in the room was so much warmer than online. And there were those on social media who had her back, too.
Meme of the night 😭#grammys pic.twitter.com/zLpNMMMnGF
— brittany packnett cunningham. (@MsPackyetti) February 6, 2023 @MsPackyetti
Bonnie Raitt’s reaction to winning Song of the Year is everyone’s reaction to her winning Song of the Year #Grammys pic.twitter.com/HYcMZK00hc
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) February 6, 2023 @SpencerAlthouse
Anyone under 50 watching Bonnie Raitt take home song of the year #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/qN7qqrR2QE
— A (@AceMoore21) February 6, 2023 @AceMoore21
#GRAMMYS
— Rachel. (@_loveRachel_) February 6, 2023 @_loveRachel_
“And the song of the yr award goes to…Bonnie Raitt.”
Everybody:pic.twitter.com/mlBmn1QDnC
we respecting ms bonnie on my watch
— Craig Bro Dude (@CraigSJ) February 6, 2023 @CraigSJ
Not too much on Bonnie Raitt icon legend okay!?
— Ira (@iramadisonthree) February 6, 2023 @iramadisonthree
Bonnie Raitt looked the most shocked of anyone in the room.
— Charlotte Clymer 🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) February 6, 2023 @cmclymer
I’m sorry WHO won song of the year?!? #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/QmXoUYMR7D
— alienfromPlanetHer 🛸 (@Kayray426) February 6, 2023 @Kayray426
Bonnie Raitt when she won #Grammys pic.twitter.com/nKBIWMc6bN
— • (@ericmass_) February 6, 2023 @ericmass_
Bonnie Raitt wasn’t even sure who Bonnie Raitt was 👀 #GRAMMYs
— Al Baked (@baked_al24) February 6, 2023 @baked_al24
(Jk my mom loves her, lol) pic.twitter.com/E3v6Qc6vTo
Gen X’ers watching Gen Z have a meltdown over Bonnie Raitt winning song of the year at the #Grammys pic.twitter.com/QU6rZw7fV7
— WTFUSA😒 (@dudeonthebay) February 6, 2023 @dudeonthebay
that guy sitting behind bonnie raitt looking for bonnie raitt when they announced her as the winner for song of the year #grammys pic.twitter.com/qtexf4AlEK
— ♡ (@clovdkyeom) February 6, 2023 @clovdkyeom
I WILL NOT HEAR ANY BONNIE RAITT SLANDER ON MY TIMELINE!!! #Grammys pic.twitter.com/TAbYjZ3KTq
— Joseph Lamour 🇭🇹🏳️🌈 (@lamour) February 6, 2023 @lamour
Upset of the Year?
The night felt like it was going a certain way and for much of the night, that's exactly what happened. Perhaps Bonnie Raitt's win was actually a harbinger of surprises to come, with no bigger surprise waiting than the one for Album of the Year.
After cementing her status as the queen of the Grammys, Beyoncé did not take home the night's top award. Instead, a shocked and quiet Harry Styles took the stage, saying that things like this don't happen often to people like him.
As proof that she can be amazing and gracious in victory as well as in defeat, Beyoncé gave Harry a standing ovation and stood on her feet smiling as he and his partners gave their acceptance speech.
Twitter did not take it quite as well.
Harry’s reaction winning Album of The Year at the #Grammys pic.twitter.com/DlzketRvVw
— Harry and Niall News! (@HarryNiallNews) February 6, 2023 @HarryNiallNews
The Grammys just now pic.twitter.com/fSMTZz79pl
— Vulture (@vulture) February 6, 2023 @vulture
Beyonce has yet again been robbed AOTY. I cant rn #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/Y52rlKsGuI
— coreyn 💗 (@coreynmarie) February 6, 2023 @coreynmarie
Beyoncé has 33 #GRAMMYs and no Album of the Year wins. Jesus Christ.
— Bobby Olivier (@BobbyOlivier) February 6, 2023 @BobbyOlivier
YALL CHOSE HARRY STYLES OVER BEYONCÉ FOR AOTY???? #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/ScFouJfISf
— Blaise (they/them) (@blaiser8201) February 6, 2023 @blaiser8201
“ThIs dOeSn’t hApPeN To pEoPlE LiKe mE VeRy oFtEn.”
— Gemini’s Groove (@atb__william) February 6, 2023 @atb__william
YOUR LITERALLY THE UMPTEENTH WHITE MAN TO WIN AOTY😑STFU HARRY NO STYLES #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/pJI73V4GSY
You’re done @RecordingAcad
— RENAISSANCE Updates 🪩 (@B7Album) February 6, 2023 @B7Album
BEYONCÉ DID NOT JUST LOOSE AOTY TO HARRY STYLES IN BLACK HISTORY MONTH ??? #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/uvYgwgG1tz
— positiviTEA (@ksthoughtss) February 6, 2023 @ksthoughtss
Tonight marks the 24th year in a row a Black woman doesn’t win Album Of The Year. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/dvV7Ah5mSL
— JIGGAMAN. (@imtoomuchnigga) February 6, 2023 @imtoomuchnigga
WE STORMING THE GRAMMYS TOMORROW! FEBRUARY 6th!!!!! pic.twitter.com/rxjlyModrk
— 💫 (@heyjaeee) February 6, 2023 @heyjaeee
You can be the absolute best at your craft! You can create change and break records. You can exist at the top of the game for decades and they will still say...work harder. #grammys
— Kalen Allen (@TheKalenAllen) February 6, 2023 @TheKalenAllen
#Grammys
— Chris Cooper (@PirateCoop) February 6, 2023 @PirateCoop
Harry Styles for “Album Of The Year?” pic.twitter.com/JguAXuGE2O
HARRY WON ALBUM OF THE YEAR OVER BEYONCÈ, LIZZO, ADELE AND MARY J? #GRAMMYS pic.twitter.com/JUdpBHnigZ
— #teamluxx (@whatsafastgame) February 6, 2023 @whatsafastgame