The Amrit Bains
This year’s GRAMMYs was one to be remembered. There were statements and scandals from the red carpet to the stage. Standout performances came from Doechii, Chappell Roan, Benson Boone and many more.
Doechii’s First GRAMMYs Win
Doechii won Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal (2024), becoming the third woman to win the award since the category was introduced in 1989. The rapper took to the stage to express her appreciation and recognition to her predecessors, Lauryn Hill and Cardi B.
She delivered a flawless performance that uplifted women through the curation and creative direction of the Doechii persona, from braiders and nail artists to stylists and designers.
The Swamp Princess also acknowledged the talent of her hometown, Tampa, Florida, and Black women. She received a standing ovation as she said:
“Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark, or that you’re not smart enough, or that you’re too dramatic, or you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be.”
After years of studying hip hop, Doechii’s hard work has paid off with her winning and then performing her two new singles, ‘CATFISH’ and ‘DENIAL IS A RIVER’. The artist performed in a Thom Browne school uniform, a monochromatic and sleek look. She paid homage to Jay Z’s 70s-inspired style, which featured the start of hip hop legends demonstrating the duality of the genre, wearing not only tracksuits but also fine suits.
Doechii often experiments with her music, utilising breathing exercises. Each breath during the performance was calculated to create a seamless transition between Doechii and her backing singer. This allowed her to never miss a beat whilst dancing a highly choreographed routine with an outfit change mid-performance.
Kanye West And Bianca Censori Made A Statement
The infamous couple made an appearance as Kanye West was nominated for the Best Rap Song. They walked the red carpet to reveal a scandalous ‘outfit’. Bianca Censori draped her fur coat down her back to reveal a complete mesh dress, naked beneath it. Debates regarding West and his wife have been frequent since their marriage, and this appearance has boosted public engagement once again.
Though Censori’s body confidence cannot be faltered, the narrative behind the media performance sparked controversy. Rather than providing a performance of female empowerment, West’s contribution perpetuated the male gaze. He appeared to be showing off his property, further objectifying Censori’s body as a mannequin for him to dress up.
Fans questioned Censori’s lack of body hair, with the baby-smooth and childlike representation of the female body bringing the Hollywood wax back. Online audiences saw the correlation of West’s power and Censori’s childlike display as missing the mark. At that moment, she stripped off not only her clothes and body hair but also her identity.
However, I speculate Censori had input with her architectural background favouring the minimal and brutalist style.
Interviewer Disrespects Babyface Live At The GRAMMYs
During an Associated Press live interview with the producer and singer-songwriter Babyface, interviewer Krysta Faurier made an embarrassment of herself and the press agency. She cut off 13-time Grammy Winner Babyface mid-answer, as she called Best New Artist winner Chappell Roan over.
“The event increased the controversy of influencers being given opportunities”
This encounter showed Faurier’s lack of experience alongside misreading producer signalling and bouncing around the carpet. Furthermore, she displayed her lack of industry knowledge towards the R&B jazz producer, who pioneered the music industry and shaped it into what it is today. Her co-host, Leslie Ambriz, looked completely shocked and embarrassed by her colleague’s lack of professionalism.
The event has increased the controversy over influencers being given opportunities as interviewers and presenters. They often bypass experienced journalists, such as Ambriz and creative industry professionals, who have devoted their lives to being industry insiders and skilful communicators.
Beyoncé Wins Album Of The Year At The GRAMMYs
Finally, Beyoncé. Despite a year of online scandal and rumours around her connection to Diddy, she ultimately managed to receive recognition at this year’s GRAMMYs for Best Country Album, COWBOY CARTER (2024).
This year’s GRAMMYs signifies the growth of new artists who have produced amazing albums and singles while also reminding us of the artists who shaped music into the respected and diverse industry it is today.
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Image courtesy of Sudhith Xavier on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.
