Adele Dominates, Bruno Goes Crazy
Adele was the big winner at last night’s 59th Annual Grammy Awards, going home with five Grammys, including three of the “Big Four” — Album of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album honors for 25, and Song Of The Year, Record of The Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for the song that opened the show, her ubiquitous hit, “Hello.” True to her humble nature, Adele used most her Album of The Year acceptance speech to tearfully declare her undying love and admiration for fellow nominee Beyoncé and her amazing album, Lemonade, which did win the Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album and “Formation” won the Best Music Video Grammy.
Adele also participated in the tribute to George Michael, singing “Fast Love.” However, about a minute into the song she abruptly stopped, apologized for swearing and started the song over again. In other technical news, the alliance of Lady Gaga and Metallica, while riveting, was initially plagued by audio problems, as James Hetfield‘s mic not working. He was clearly irritated as the set ended, kicking over his mic stand and tossing his guitar. Luckily, his tech appeared to catch it.
• Judging by the powerful reaction on social media, the evening’s “Holy S**t!” moment was the Prince tribute that kicked off with Morris Day and The Time pulling the crowd to its feet with a medley of “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.” Bruno Mars then proceeded to tear the very large roof off the Staples Center with a phenomenal version of “Let’s Go Crazy” that still has people talking.
• Other moments: Chance The Rapper scored Grammys for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album for Coloring Book, and Best Rap Performance for “No Problem” feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz.
• David Bowie was honored posthumously, as his final album, Blackstar won Grammys for Best Rock Performance, Best Alternative Music Album, Best Recording Package and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. The title track, “Blackstar” also won the Grammy for Best Rock Song.