We couldn’t really begin without mentioning Billie Eilish’s landslide victory of five awards. At 18 years old, she became the youngest ever winner of the Album of the Year accolade, and the first woman to win the main four awards, which include Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist. Her brother Finneas O’Connell, who produced her winning album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, was also the recipient of five awards. Eilish and O'Connell took to the stage to perform her hit when the party’s over.
Billie Eilish Wins Album Of The Year | 2020 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech
Recording Academy / GRAMMYsBillie Eilish - when the party's over (Live From The Grammys)
BillieEilishVEVOThe most nominated artist of the night, Lizzo, took home three awards (out of a possible eight). She was up first to perform, giving a cracking rendition of Cuz I Love You and Truth Hurts.
The ceremony took place in the Staples Center in Los Angeles, home of the LA Lakers. Just as the awards were set to begin, news broke of basketball superstar Kobe Bryant’s death in a tragic helicopter crash along with several others, including his daughter. As the Staples Center was such an important part of the sporting legend’s career, many of the performances were dedicated to his memory, including Lizzo’s, as well as host Alicia Keys’ rendition of It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday with Boyz II Men.
A Moment of Silence for Kobe Bryant at 2020 GRAMMYs
Recording Academy / GRAMMYsOther tributes included an honouring of Prince’s memory by Usher on vocals, Sheila E. on drums and FKA twigs dancing. Nispey Hussle, the American rapper who was shot dead in March 2019, was honoured with a performance which included DJ Khaled, John Legend and Meek Mill, as well as winning a posthumous award for Best Rap Performance.
The 2020 Grammys began on a dark note, but after the glitz of the red carpet and the heartfelt emotions elicited by the tributes, the live performances and the thank you speeches, the ceremony served as a welcome reminder of the power of music to bring people together and help see the light in difficult times.
Who will win big next year? Stay tuned with us at Qobuz as we bring you the best music 2020 has to offer...
