As the past years most influential musicians, such as Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Tyler The Creator arrived at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, one of the most distinguished nights in music commenced on January 26th, 2020. Donning designers such as Gucci, Mugler, and Versace, select musical acts from 2019 put on live performances for audience members and 18.7 million additional television viewers at home. Despite recent scandals regarding the Me Too movement and a record-breaking dip in viewership, the 62nd Grammys had its fair share of memorable moments. 

Ever since the first annual Grammys awards ceremony on May 4th, 1959, music has evolved and with it, every succeeding ceremony. This evolution has been transformed into a series of distinct live performances for the 62nd Grammys. With artists including but not limited to Lizzo, Demi Lovato, and Tyler the Creator as some of the night’s most talked about performances, the ceremony has come a long way from its roots, when singers such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald headlined the show. 

One major highlight of the night was when Billie Eilish, one of pop’s most popular newcomers, won five Grammys. The four biggest awards of the night, Best New Artist, Best Song (Bad Guy), Best Record (Bad Guy), and Album of the Year, along with Best Pop Vocal Album for her debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Although many are happy for Eilish’s success, some people feel as if other artists such as Lana Del Rey or Taylor Swift were snubbed for these awards. 

Another key moment was Alicia Keys’ and Boyz II Men’s tribute to Kobe Bryant, who had passed away in a helicopter crash that had killed 8 others hours before the production. Bryant, who played basketball for the Los Angeles Lakers knew many of the artists personally, resulting in a number of emotional performances and tributes. Keys prefaced her homage to Bryant with a touching speech where she asked audience members and viewers at home to “Take a moment and just hold them [Bryant and the other victims] inside of you… And share our strength and our support with their families.” Keys and Boyz II Men, a 90s boy band, then sang “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye”. Other artists who gave tributes to Bryant included Lizzo and Lil Nas X.

All in all, the 62nd Grammys may have been surrounded by tragedy and scandal, but it was still a moving night. After more than half a decade of being music’s most reputable night, a dip in viewership will be easy to overcome due to the high regard these awards are held in, along with its undeniable impact on music as a whole.