Silk Sonic, Olivia Rodrigo, Jon Batiste, and Chris Stapleton were among the big winners at the 2022 Grammy Awards, which also featured an emotional speech from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos,” Zelensky remarked in his virtual address. He emphasized that “the music will break through anyway” and mentioned the importance of defending freedom “to live, to love, to sound.”
Noteworthy Performances
John Legend collaborated with Ukrainian singer Mika Newton and Ukrainian-American musician Siuzanna Iglidan to perform his moving song, “Free.” Ukrainian poet Lyuba Yakimchuk contributed to this powerful performance.
Top Award Winners
Silk Sonic: The duo won major accolades including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for “Leave the Door Open.”
Olivia Rodrigo: Named Best New Artist; also secured Best Pop Vocal Album for “Sour” and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Drivers License.”
Chris Stapleton: Dominated the country categories, winning Best Country Album for “Starting Over,” Best Country Song for “Cold,” and Best Country Solo Performance for “You Should Probably Leave.”
Jon Batiste: With the most nominations, he won five Grammys, including Album of the Year for “We Are.”
The Grammy Awards took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, having initially been scheduled for Los Angeles in January but rescheduled due to Covid-19 concerns. The event was filled with live performances from a diverse range of top acts.
Event Hosting
Trevor Noah hosted the event for the second consecutive year, bringing his signature humor to the proceedings.
John Legend performs his song “Free” with Ukrainian singer Mika Newton, left, and Ukrainian-American musician Siuzanna Iglidan.The performance of “Free” was preceded by a video from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Carrie Underwood performs “Ghost Story” during the show.SZA, left, and Doja Cat accept the Grammy for best pop duo/group performance (“Kiss Me More”).From left, H.E.R., Travis Barker and Lenny Kravitz perform together.Justin Bieber plays the piano while performing his song “Peaches.”Jon Batiste performs “Freedom.”From left, Ben Platt, Rachel Zegler, Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr. sing during the annual In Memoriam segment.Chris Stapleton holds several of his Grammys in the press room.Olivia Rodrigo gets a hug after winning the Grammy for best new artist.Lady Gaga paid tribute to Tony Bennett with a couple of songs: “Love for Sale” and “Do I Love You?”Jazmine Sullivan accepts the award for best R&B album (“Heaux Tales”).Lil Nas X, flanked by backup dancers, performs a medley of songs during the show.Joni Mitchell, left, and Bonnie Raitt speak on stage before introducing Brandi Carlile.Carlile performs her song “Right on Time.”Lil Nas X takes a selfie with Lady Gaga.BTS performs its song “Butter.”Dua Lipa, left, and Megan Thee Stallion present an award during the show.Billie Eilish performs her song “Happier Than Ever” with help from her brother, Finneas.Aymée Nuviola performs “La Gota Fria” on a rooftop stage in Las Vegas.Leon Bridges, left, and Batiste greet each other at the show.J Balvin performs “In da Getto.”Rodrigo performs her hit song “Drivers License” in the show’s first hour.Host Trevor Noah delivers the show’s opening monologue.BTS poses on the red carpet before the show.
