03/12/2024

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Six biggest talking points, from Louis CK’s shock win to Zelensky’s surprise appearance

Six biggest talking points, from Louis CK’s shock win to Zelensky’s surprise appearance

The 2022 Grammys took place tonight (3 April), with winners on the biggest night in music including Jon Batiste, Silk Sonic and Olivia Rodrigo.

The ceremony, which was originally set to happen in January, took place in Las Vegas, marking the first ceremony since changes to the nomination process were announced.

Jon Batiste was the most-nominated artist ahead of the ceremony with 11 nods. In the end he won five, including the prestigious Album of the Year award for We Are.

Other big winners on the night included Silk Sonic, the R&B superduo composed of singer Bruno Mars and rapper and singer Anderson .Paak, who took home the Grammy for Song of the Year for their single “Leave The Door Open”. Mars celebrated by lighting up a cigarette on stage, leading fans to ask: “Can I bum a smoke?”

Doja Cat and SZA won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the collaboration “Kiss Me More”, with Doja Cat almost missing the award as she rushed back to the stage from the toilets. “I have never taken such a fast p*** in my whole life,” she joked. “Thank you everybody. I really appreciate it.”

Earlier on, Lady Gaga received a standing ovation from the audience after her performance of “Do I Love You” from her joint album with Tony Bennett, Love for Sale.

Other memorable moments on the night included a video address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a shock win for comedian Louis CK, fashion designer Donatella Versace appearing on stage with Dua Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion and Billie Eilish performing in a T-shirt bearing the image of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died suddenly on 25 March in Colombia, aged 50.

See a full list of 2022 Grammy winners here.

Grammys 2022 – Key Talking Points

  • Jon Batiste says music is his ‘spiritual practice’ as he wins Album of the Year

  • Bruno Mars lights up a cigarette after Silk Sonic triumph in Record of the Year

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky makes surprise video appearance

  • Olivia Rodrigo makes cameo during BTS performance

  • Billie Eilish performs wearing a T-shirt tribute to Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins

  • Viewers in uproar as Louis CK wins Grammy for Best Comedy Album

Sunday 3 April 2022 14:06 , Jacob Stolworthy

Hello, and welcome to The Independent’s Grammys live blog!

Sunday 3 April 2022 14:45 , Jacob Stolworthy

If you’re wondering what time the Grammys will be on, where you can watch them in the UK, and who is hosting, we have you sorted.

Find all the details you need to know about the ceremony below.

Six biggest talking points, from Louis CK’s shock win to Zelensky’s surprise appearance

What time is the 2022 Grammys and how to watch it

Sunday 3 April 2022 15:15 , Jacob Stolworthy

The 64th Grammy Awards have announced the names of its guest presenters – find the full list below.

Joni Mitchell, Dua Lipa, and Jared Leto among Grammys 2022 presenters

Sunday 3 April 2022 15:45 , Jacob Stolworthy

The 2022 Grammys ceremony, which was originally set to take place in January, will proceed in Las Vegas, marking the first ceremony since changes to the nomination process were announced.

Find out more about those changes here.

Everything you need to know about the Grammys’ two new categories

Sunday 3 April 2022 16:15 , Jacob Stolworthy

Jon Batiste leads this year’s Grammys pack with 11 nominations, while Justin Bieber, Doja Cat and H.E.R. all have eight each. Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo are tied with seven nominations.

Find the full list of nominations here.

See the full list of Grammy nominations for 2022

Sunday 3 April 2022 16:45 , Jacob Stolworthy

This year there will be two brand new categories at the Grammy Awards.

This will bring the grand total of categories up to 86.

Read more about the new categories here,

Everything you need to know about the Grammys’ two new categories

Sunday 3 April 2022 17:15 , Jacob Stolworthy

There will be a tribute at the Grammys to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died on 25 March, aged 50.

Grammys to pay tribute to Taylor Hawkins during ceremony

Sunday 3 April 2022 18:15 , Jacob Stolworthy

If you’re wondering what time the Grammys will be on, where you can watch them in the UK, and who is hosting, we have you sorted.

Find all the details you need to know about the ceremony below.

Six biggest talking points, from Louis CK’s shock win to Zelensky’s surprise appearance

What time is the 2022 Grammys and how to watch it

Sunday 3 April 2022 18:45 , Jacob Stolworthy

Jon Batiste leads this year’s Grammys pack with 11 nominations, while Justin Bieber, Doja Cat and H.E.R. all have eight each. Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo are tied with seven nominations.

Find the full list of nominations here.

See the full list of Grammy nominations for 2022

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:06 , Isobel Lewis

10 albums are competing for the prestigious Album of the Year award, including former Disney Channel star Olivia Rodrigo’s pop-punk debut Sour.

Rodrigo has seven nominations, including for Record of the Year and Song of the Year (for “Drivers License”) and Best New Artist.

You can check out The Independent’s three-star review below.

Olivia Rodrigo’s album Sour makes for an impressive debut – review

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:15 , Isobel Lewis

Kanye West is also up for Album of the Year for his much-delayed album Donda.

You can read The Independent’s review at the link below.

Marilyn Manson overshadows everything about Kanye West’s Donda – review

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:30 , Isobel Lewis

Five-time nominee Allison Russell recently spoke to The Independent about her album Outside Child.

“When you have queer women, Black women, and queer and Black women – as I am – being nominated, intersectional identities that have been shut out for so long, that to me shows positive progression,” she said.

Read the full interview below.

Allison Russell interview: ‘I was a severely abused child and hiding was safer’

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:34 , Isobel Lewis

The Grammys pre-show should be about to kick off any second! Who’s tuning in?

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:37 , Isobel Lewis

Very bizarre being able to hear the announcer telling the guests to the move closer to the stage at the MGM Garden Arena…

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:40 , Isobel Lewis

And the pre-ceremony is off! With a performance from The Isaacs, John Popper and Nnenna Freelon and Maddison Cunningham.

We’ll be seeing a lot of the genre categories given out over the next couple of hours.

You can tune in here.

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:44 , Isobel Lewis

“The start of music’s biggest night!” Here we go…

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:49 , Isobel Lewis

Lovely message there about the “indispensable” power of music to bring people together in times of trouble.

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:52 , Isobel Lewis

Taylor Swift is also nominated for Album of the Year for Evermore, the surprise record she dropped in December 2020.

You can read our review below.

Taylor Swift’s new album Evermore is full of haunting tales – review

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:53 , Isobel Lewis

LeVar Burton here to take us through the first awards of the night.

“We’re back, y’all. We’re back!”

 (Recording Academy)

(Recording Academy)

Yes, we are!

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:55 , Isobel Lewis

LeVar tells the audience to keep their acceptance speeches short (45 seconds max, to be precise) and not to send up any substitute acceptors.

Who doesn’t love a bit of pre-award show admin?

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:56 , Isobel Lewis

“If you’re name isn’t called out, please don’t come up” gets a laugh I expect it probably wouldn’t in a time pre-WSS (Will Smith slap).

Sunday 3 April 2022 20:57 , Isobel Lewis

And the first award of the night – for Best Musical Theatre Album!

It goes to TikTok stars Emily Bear and Abigail Bartle for The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical. Now that’s impressive!

They’re thanking the internet for their award, which is very sweet.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:00 , Isobel Lewis

Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Visual Media up next – now that’s a mouthful.

The United States Vs Billie Holliday takes it, but no speech.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:01 , Isobel Lewis

Another soundtrack award now, which is… a tie!?

First up, it’s The Queen’s Gambit.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:02 , Isobel Lewis

And the award is shared with Soul! Also no speech…

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:03 , Isobel Lewis

For Best Song Written for Visual Media, it’s Bo Burnham. But he’s not there!

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:09 , Isobel Lewis

Best Global Music Performance now – some great nominees here.

But it goes to Mohabbat. “I feel like this should be called ‘yacht party’ category,” she jokes.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:11 , Isobel Lewis

Best Global Music Album, however, goes to Angelique Kidjo for Mother Nature.

Doesn’t she look amazing! We love a woman with names to read out on a list – now that’s preparation!

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:13 , Isobel Lewis

We are steaming through these genre nominees! Best Instrumental Composition up now.

Late jazz pianist Lyle Mays wins it, with his niece expecting the award on his behalf.

The musician died two years ago.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:16 , Isobel Lewis

Best Arrangement (Instrumental or A Cappella) now, which goes to “Meta Knight’s Revenge” from Kirby Superstar.

They’re skipping down the aisle and giving us a shimmy – more shimmying please!

“Long live video game music”.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:17 , Isobel Lewis

Vince Mendoza takes home the award for Best Arrangement (Instruments and Vocals) – or he would, if he was there.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:17 , Isobel Lewis

Best New Age Album up next, which goes to Stewart Copeland and Ricky Kej.

Drummer Copeland dedicates the award to Kej, then tells the band “don’t you dare” when they threaten to play them off. Legendary behaviour…

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:21 , Isobel Lewis

Best Improvised Jazz Solo goes to the late Chick Corea, but is accepted by Bernie Kirsch following his death in 2021.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:23 , Isobel Lewis

The award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album is awarded to Skyline.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:26 , Isobel Lewis

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album goes to The Christian McBride Big Band who, with 17 members, really are a large jazz ensemble.

McBride jokes he’ll stay on stage, “sit in” and have a dance at the move along music, which I’d love to see.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:28 , Isobel Lewis

Best Latin Jazz Album is another ensemble effort, won by Eliane Elisa with Chick Corea and Chucho Valdes.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:29 , Isobel Lewis

Another name competing for Album of the Year tonight is Billie Eilish with her sophomore record Happier Than Ever.

You can read The Independent’s review below.

Despite the perky title, the darkness still remains on Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever – review

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:31 , Isobel Lewis

The supremely talented Allison Russell is performing now.

She opens her performance with the powerful words: “We are not alone, we are not what we’ve lost. We are more than the sum of our scars.”

Check out our recent interview with Russell below.

Allison Russell interview: ‘I was a severely abused child and hiding was safer’

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:36 , Isobel Lewis

And back to the awards, this time with Arlo Parks on stage to dish out some prizes!

 (recording academy)

(recording academy)

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:39 , Isobel Lewis

Best Country Solo Performance is given to Chris Stapleton.

“It’s a brotherhood up here, all the nominees in the category,” he says.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:39 , Isobel Lewis

Now we have Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group, which goes to Brothers Osborne.

TJ Osborne says the song was about coming out as gay, something he thought would be “life-changing, potentially in a negative way”. And now he’s got a Grammy for it!

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:44 , Isobel Lewis

Best Country Song is given to “Cold” by Chris Stapleton.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:45 , Isobel Lewis

Now we’ve got Best American Roots Performance. It goes to Jon Batiste, who sadly isn’t there.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:46 , Isobel Lewis

Best American Roots Song is awarded to “Cry”, by Jon Batiste and Steve McEwan.

“These things aren’t really important… until you win won,” gets the first proper laugh of the night.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:50 , Isobel Lewis

Best Americana Album now, which goes to Los Lobos for Native Sons.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:50 , Isobel Lewis

And the award for Best Bluegrass Album goes to… Béla Fleck. She’s not here either, though.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:52 , Isobel Lewis

Best Traditional Blues Album is given to Cedric Burnside.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:53 , Isobel Lewis

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram takes home the gong for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:55 , Isobel Lewis

Best Folk Album is given to Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi for They’re Calling Me Home.

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:58 , Isobel Lewis

Best Regional Roots Album now, which goes to an emotional Kalani Pe’a for his album Kau Ka Pe’a.

“I’m proud to be Hawaiian,” he says. “I’m so overwhelmed with joy.”

Pe’a then jokes that his mum is single and praises her for giving birth to this “big boy”. And a shout out to LGBTQ+ youth! What a speech!

Sunday 3 April 2022 21:59 , Isobel Lewis

Onto reggae now, with Best Reggae Album going to Soja’s Beauty in the Silence.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:05 , Isobel Lewis

A much-needed pause from all the awards for a performance from Jimmy Allen.

 (Recording Academy)

(Recording Academy)

He’s dedicating it to his late father.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:07 , Isobel Lewis

Mother and son Nnenna and Pierce Freelon presenting now, both of whom are nominated tonight.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:08 , Isobel Lewis

Moving on to some new genres, we have Best Dance/Electronic Recording.

It goes to Rüfüs Du Sol.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:12 , Isobel Lewis

Best Dance/Electronic Music Album is taken home by South African DJ Black Coffee for Subconsciously.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:16 , Isobel Lewis

Best Recording Package goes to Taiwanese art directors Li Jheng Han, Yu and Wei for Pakelang.

“Taiwan is a beautiful and peace-loving country,” they say, encouraging us all to visit.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:18 , Isobel Lewis

Best Boxed or Special Limited Package is given to the 50th anniversary edition of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass.

“I guess [this album’s] here to stay,” the art director jokes.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:20 , Isobel Lewis

More awards for the true music heads now, with Best Album Notes going to Ricky Riccardi for a Louis Armstrong collection.

“Anyone writing album notes in 2022, you’re doing the lord’s work,” he says.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:23 , Isobel Lewis

Best Historical Album – a category I had never heard of until 30 seconds ago!

It goes to Joni Mitchell for her archive album. And she’s actually there!

Mitchell thanks her collaborators, her physical therapist and her assistant. Of course, she looks phenomenal at 78.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:26 , Isobel Lewis

Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) goes to Love For Sale by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.

Bennett’s son praises the musicians, calling his father “the man who puts ‘great American’ in ‘great American songbook’”.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:29 , Isobel Lewis

Now we have Best Remixed Recording (Non-Classical) for Mike Shinoda’s “Passenger”. He’s not there to accept it, however.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:31 , Isobel Lewis

Best Immersive Audio Album is given to Alicia Keys’ self-titled album.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:33 , Isobel Lewis

Ooh, a big one now – Best Music Video. It goes to “Freedom” by Jon Batiste, beating out Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and Justin Bieber! Not bad…

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:36 , Isobel Lewis

Best Music Film is a win for Summer of Soul by Questlove – fresh off his win at the Oscars too!

 (Recording Academy)

(Recording Academy)

Two parts of the EGOT in a week ain’t bad, right?

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:40 , Isobel Lewis

“Who’s having a better week than Questlove? Nobody!” jokes LeVar Burton. Saying what we’re all (OK, me) thinking!

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:43 , Isobel Lewis

Another breather, with a performance of “La Mujer” by Mon LaFerte.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:45 , Isobel Lewis

Best New Artist nominee Jimmy Allen’s back on stage now to present some more awards.

His first one is Best Gospel Performance/Song, which goes to “Never Lost” by CeCe Winans.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:46 , Isobel Lewis

Best Contemporary Christian Music Song/Performance goes to “Believe For It”.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:48 , Isobel Lewis

Best Gospel Album is awarded to Winens again!

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:50 , Isobel Lewis

The award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album goes to Old Church Basement by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:52 , Isobel Lewis

Best Roots Gospel Album – it’s a win for Carrie Underwood for My Saviour.

She’s not there, but Allen jokes: “You live in Nashville, you know where to get it.”

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:53 , Isobel Lewis

Now we have Best Latin Pop Album, which goes to Alex Cuba.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:55 , Isobel Lewis

Best Música Urbana Album is won by Bad Bunny in a pretty stacked category.

He’s not there to accept this one, although we expect he may make an appearance later.

“I don’t see him hopping around here,” Allen dad-jokes.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:57 , Isobel Lewis

Now it’s Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album, which goes to Juanes.

Allen has to get help pronouncing his name, but he’s not there anyway.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:58 , Isobel Lewis

Best Regional Mexican Music Album is another no-show, this time for Vicente Fernandez.

Sunday 3 April 2022 22:59 , Isobel Lewis

And Best Tropical Latin Album goes to Salswing! by Roberto Delgado, Orquesta and Rubén Blades.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:01 , Isobel Lewis

Meanwhile the celebrities are arriving on the red carpet! Check out the best-dressed stars so far…

Grammys 2022: All the best-dressed stars on the red carpet

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:01 , Isobel Lewis

Inside, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album is won by Taylor Eigsti’s Tree Falls.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:03 , Isobel Lewis

Curtis Stewart performing now, with a violin rendition of “Isn’t She Lovely”.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:06 , Isobel Lewis

Tonight’s show promises to feature some truly amazing performances, including Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish.

You can see the full list below.

Who is performing at the Grammys 2022?

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:08 , Isobel Lewis

And it’s our first Will Smith joke of the night! Ding ding!

Burton introduces comedian Nate Bargatze, who’s wearing a helmet.

“Remain in your seats and keep your hands to yourself,” Burton jokes.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:09 , Isobel Lewis

More awards now – Best Spoken Word album for Don Cheadle.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:11 , Isobel Lewis

Best Engineered Album (Classical) is given to Carry On: Reflections For A New Generation From John Lewis.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:14 , Isobel Lewis

Producer of the Year (Classical) is given to Judith Sherman.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:14 , Isobel Lewis

Then it’s Best Orchestral Performance, for the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:18 , Isobel Lewis

Best Choral Performance is won by Gustavo Dudamel.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:19 , Isobel Lewis

Best Chamber Music Small Ensemble Performance goes to Yo-Yo Mar.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:22 , Isobel Lewis

Now it’s Best Classical Instrumental Solo Performance – won by Jennifer Koh!

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:25 , Isobel Lewis

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album is won by Sangeeta Kaur and Hila Plitmann!

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:25 , Isobel Lewis

Best Classical Compendium is won by Women Warriors – The Voices of Change.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:30 , Isobel Lewis

Best Contemporary Classical Composition goes to Caroline Show.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:35 , Isobel Lewis

Best Rock Performance goes to Foo Fighters, following the tragic death of Taylor Hawkins.

The band aren’t there to accept.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:38 , Isobel Lewis

Best Metal Performance goes to Dream Theater.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:40 , Isobel Lewis

Two more wins for Foo Fighters! This time for “Waiting on a War” and Best Rock Album for Medicine at Midnight.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:41 , Isobel Lewis

St Vincent wins for Daddy’s Home! In the Best Alternative Music Album category.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:42 , Isobel Lewis

The second tie of the night in the Best R&B Performance category. It’s shared between Silk Sonic and Jazmine Sullivan.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:43 , Isobel Lewis

HER wins her first award of the night, with Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Fight For You”.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:45 , Isobel Lewis

Silk Sonic win again for Best R&B Song for “Leave the Door Open”.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:46 , Isobel Lewis

Best Progressive R&B Album is won by Lucky Daye.

Sunday 3 April 2022 23:47 , Isobel Lewis

Kanye West wins his first award of the night for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Hurricane”.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website