Of Struggle and Entertainment: The Key Moments of the 2024 Grammys

Joni Mitchell, Phoebe Bridgers’ "Rot in piss," Tracy Chapman's return, Taylor Swift's announcement, Killer Mike's arrest, Billie Eilish's retro chic, the surprise appearance of Céline Dion, and more.

Joni Mitchell. That’s it.

No, the greatest singer-songwriter of all time had never performed at the Grammys. She did it yesterday by singing “Both Sides Now,” the piece with which she won her first gramophone over half a century ago. She sang it, sitting in an armchair that looked like a throne and holding a stick. Emotion galore. Ah, Her Album Her Live in Newport won in the Best Folk Album category.

Killer Mike’s arrest

In the rap field, the winner of the evening was Killer Mike, who took home three awards. But he also made headlines for another reason: he was stopped and handcuffed inside the Crypto.com Arena by the Los Angeles police for a “physical altercation” about which not much else is known. The rapper was questioned and arrested for assault. He was later released.

Taylor Swift announces new album

She is the first artist to win four Grammys for four albums: yesterday’s Midnights, previously folklore, 1989, and Fearless. To thank her fans, she announced “a secret I've kept for the last two years:” On April 19th, she will release her new album, Tortured Poets Department.

Miley Cyrus’ first time

Bonnet and handbag, Miley Cyrus won the first Grammy in its history. In fact, she won two for “Flowers:” Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. She also performed Flowers live, inviting the audience to sing and dance: «How come you act as if you don't know the song?».

Phoebe Bridgers’ “rot in piss”

Quietly, Phoebe Bridgers won in four categories, three with Boygenius and one with SZA. Instead of announcing a new album like Swift, she took the opportunity, speaking to Rolling Stone, to hope that former Grammy chief Neil Portnow would rot in piss once he's dead. “He said that women need to come forward if they want to be nominated and win the Grammys. And he was accused of sexual assault. I would like to tell him: I know you're not dead yet, but when you are, rot in piss.” She likes “Rot in piss:” she also used it on the occasion of the death of Jerry Lee Lewis.

SZA gasped

She won three Grammys and was “breathless” when it came to thanking her for the award for best R&B song. Lizzo announced the winner, but 30 long seconds passed before SZA arrived to collect the award, while the celebrities applauded and looked around as if to ask: where did she go? “I was changing, and I came running,” she explained. During the evening, she sang “Snooze” and “Kill Bill.” During a Mastercard commercial break, a piece of his new song “Saturn” was also heard: “I tread over Saturn, I can't break this pattern of floatin’ away.” It may be included in the deluxe version of SOS, aka Lana.

The Return of Tracy Chapman

The folk-pop singer, in fact, practically the symbol of folk-pop singers for Generation X, is not someone you often see on occasions like the Grammys. In fact, you don't see her often enough on TV since she hasn't been there for about ten years. She returned to sing “Fast Car” with Luke Combs.

Victoria Monét’s night to remember

Victoria Monét not only took home one, not two, but three Grammy awards. One of the awards she took home was the Best New Artist award. She was the first woman R&B artist to snatch it since Alicia Keys in 2002.

Dua Lipa’s gentle gymnastics

The evening’s warm-up was provided by Dua Lipa, who performed a medley including “Houdini” and presented her new single, “Training Season,” live for the first time.

The appearance of Céline Dion

Given the rumors surrounding her illness, seeing Céline Dion arrive at the 2024 Grammys and take the stage was a beautiful moment. The singer presented the award for Album of the Year, which unsurprisingly went to Taylor Swift. “When I say I'm happy to be here, I say it from the bottom of my heart.” We believe it.

Billie Eilish’s intimate and retro-chic

On the evening in which both the Barbie and Oppenheimer soundtracks were awarded, a retro-chic Billie Eilish sang “What Way I Made for?,” accompanied in an intimate version by her brother, FINNEAS, on the piano. Someone complained about the buzz in the room.

Billy Joel plays his first single in 17 years

Last Thursday, Billy Joel released his first new song in 17 years, “Turn the Lights Back On.” He played it at the Grammys last night. “One of the greats!” exclaimed Trevor Noah.

Annie Lennox’s closed fist

Annie Lennox paid tribute to Sinéad O’Connor by singing “Nothing Compares 2 U.” With her, Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman are known, among other things, for her collaboration with Prince, author of the song. With a clenched fist, Lennox also called for a ceasefire in Gaza: “Artists for a ceasefire. Peace in the world.” Boygenius also wore an “Artists for a Ceasefire” pin.

U2 connecting from the Sphere

U2 were not in Los Angeles for the Grammys but in Las Vegas for their show at the Sphere. That didn't stop them from linking up from Nevada and making Atomic City the signature piece of their Sin City residency.

“When I get nervous, I tell the truth.”

Hip-hop is represented in the Grammys, but pop records traditionally win in the main categories. “We love you, everyone,” Jay-Z said as he accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, “and we want you to do what’s right. Or at least come close.” He then mentioned a particular “young lady” whom he married and who won a bunch of Grammys but never for Album of the Year. Bless.