Rapper Megan Thee Stallion
Credit: © Scott Dudelson, Getty Images

On March 14, 2021, the 63rd Grammy Awards were held in and around the Los Angeles Convention Center. Because of the ongoing pandemic (global outbreak) of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, very few people were in attendance. In an open-air tent, nominees—in masks coordinated with their couture (custom clothing)—sat at their own tables spaced several feet or meters from other guests. Winners accepted their awards on stage. As the winners approached the stage, they removed their stylish, protective coverings, revealing wide smiles and making it easier to understand their acceptance speeches. The South African comedian and television personality Trevor Noah hosted the event.

British singer Dua Lipa
Credit: © Kevin Mazur, Getty Images

Many concert venues have been closed for the past year. So, music’s biggest night acted as a three-hour music festival. The night began with performances by such musicians as Billie Eilish and Harry Styles. Throughout the night, performers from a variety of genres played electrifying sets that spurred dance parties across the country, even if the dance parties were limited to the sofa. The British singer Dua Lipa performed her hits “Don’t Start Now” and “Levitating,” with an appearance by the American rapper Da Baby. Country music artists Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, and Maren Morris gave soulful performances. The American rapper Lil Baby delivered a powerful performance of his song “The Bigger Picture.” Inspired by the worldwide protests set off by the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, the song is anthem for racial justice. Other performers included the Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, the Korean pop music group BTS, and the American hip-hop musician Post Malone.

Perhaps the most anticipated performances of the night were those by the American rappers Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. Megan delivered a rousing show, which included her hit “Savage.” Cardi B then performed her song “Up” and was joined by Megan to sing “WAP.”

Beyoncé is a popular American singer and actress. She first gained fame as a member of the singing group Destiny’s Child. In the early 2000′s, Beyoncé established herself as a successful solo performer. Credit: © Shutterstock

Women dominated the winner’s circle. Taylor Swift won album of the year for Folklore. Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia won best pop vocal album. Miranda Lambert took home the award for best country album for Wildcard. For her song “Everything I Wanted,” Billie Eilish accepted the award for record of the year. In her acceptance speech, Eilish said she believed the award should have gone to Megan Thee Stallion. But, the rapper did not go home empty handed. Megan won the award for best new artist. Megan went on to share two more awards—best rap performance and best rap song—with the American singing legend Beyoncé, who was featured on “Savage.” These wins—along with several others—earned Beyoncé the record for most lifetime Grammy wins by a female artist.