BY: Molly Roop

The 2023 Grammy Awards began with the Grammy Premiere Ceremony, the Red Carpet, and concluded with the Grammy Awards. A total of ninety-one awards were handed out on Sunday, February 5th, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. 

Top nominee Beyoncé went into the night with nine nominations and left as the top winner of all time, with thirty-two total prizes, including her four wins of the night. Beyonce made history when she won the Best Dance/Electronic Album for her 2022 release, Renaissance. She thanked her Uncle Johnny for inspiring this album at the award show. However, the Recording Academy awarded Album of the Year to Harry Styles for Harry’s House, and much criticism for not awarding it to Beyonce was created. She has been nominated for the Album of the Year four times but has never won. 

Many people won the first award of their career this night, including Viola Davis, who achieved EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status after winning the Grammy for Best Audiobook. Nigerian artist Tems received her first award for her feature on Future’s “WAIT FOR U,” which won Best Melodic Rap Performance. Kim Petras made history as the first openly transgender woman to win the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Award for “Unholy” with collaborator Sam Smith.

The night was packed with energetic performances, including Bad Bunny, who opened the awards with “El Apagón” and “Despues de la Playa.” Other highlights from the night included Brandi Carlile, Mary J. Blige, and a moving memorial tribute featuring Kacey Musgraves, Quavo, Maverick City Music, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, and Mick Fleetwood. 

The 2023 Grammy Awards were a memorable and history-making event.