The Grammys were all about Lizzo, Lil Nas X and Nipsey Hussle, though the loss of Kobe Bryant earlier in the day hung over Staples Center on Music's Biggest Night.
Kobe was acknowledged in performances and speeches by Alicia Keys, Lil Nas X,and Lizzo, who took home three awards. Host Alicia Keys brought out Boyz II Men to perform "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye" in tribute to Kobe, in the "house that he built." His face was later displayed on a gigantic screen alongside another late legend, Nipsey Hussle.
Tyler The Creator made the most of his performance, which featured a dozen Tyler lookalikes, all dressed and styled like the Igor album cover. He was accompanied by Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men and performed "Earfquake" and "New Magic Wand." He also took home an award for Best Rap Album.
Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus gave an epic "Old Town Road" performance, incorporating remixes by BTS, Mason Ramsayand Diplo. Conspicuous by his absence was Young Thug, who seemingly had a stage built for an appearance but only appeared via pre-recorded vocals. Nas surprised fans when he popped up on stage to perform a "Rodeo" remix with his Lil namesake.
It was a big night for Nipsey Hussle, who earned multiple post-humous accolades including Best Rap Performance and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The tribute to Nipsey featured John Legend, DJ Khaled, YG, and Kirk Franklin. Meek Mill and Roddy Ricch performed a new tribute song.
Grammy Winners
Best Rap Performance: “Racks in the Middle” by Nipsey Hussle featuring Roddy Ricch & Hit-Boy
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:“Higher” by DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle & John Legend
Best Rap Song (Songwriters Award): “A Lot” by 21 Savage Featuring J. Cole
Best Rap Album: Igor by Tyler The Creator
Best R&B Performance: “Come Home” by Anderson Paak featuring Andre 3000
Best Traditional R&B Performance: “Jerome” by Lizzo
Best R&B Song (Songwriters Award): “Say So” by PJ Morton featuring Jojo
Best Urban Contemporary Album: Cuz I Love You (Deluxe) by Lizzo
Best R&B Album: Ventura by Anderson Paak
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus
Best Music Video: “Old Town Road (Official Movie)” by Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus
Best Music Film: Homecoming - Beyonce
Record of the Year:“Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish
Album of the Year: When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? By Billie Eilish