The 2021 Grammy Awards: Celebrating Music’s Biggest Night, Historic Wins, and Unforgettable Performances

The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, music’s most prestigious event, took place on March 14, 2021, marking a significant moment for artists and fans alike. Initially postponed from its original January date due to the ongoing global pandemic, the ceremony adapted to an unprecedented format, delivering a night of memorable performances, groundbreaking wins, and heartfelt tributes. Hosted masterfully by Trevor Noah, the event unfolded live from outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, with a carefully managed, socially distanced audience and innovative stage setups to ensure everyone’s safety.

Despite the challenges, the 2021 Grammy Awards successfully celebrated the incredible talent and resilience of the music industry. The night was filled with electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Megan Thee Stallion. These artists performed on multiple stages, often separated from the small, intimate gathering of nominees and essential personnel, creating a unique, cinematic experience for viewers at home. The blend of live segments and pre-recorded elements showcased both the adaptability and enduring spirit of music in a world undergoing profound change.

Beyoncé Makes History with Record-Breaking Grammy Wins

One of the most talked-about and momentous highlights of the evening was Beyoncé’s historic achievement. The global superstar broke the record for the most Grammy wins by any singer in history, securing her 28th award. This incredible milestone solidified her legendary status and cemented her place in the annals of music. Her wins for Best R&B Performance (“Black Parade”), Best Rap Performance (“Savage” with Megan Thee Stallion), Best Rap Song (“Savage”), and Best Music Video (“Brown Skin Girl”) underscored her immense influence across multiple genres and her continuous innovation as an artist.

Beyoncé’s powerful acceptance speeches reflected on the journey of her career and her dedication to using her platform for positive change. Her “Black Parade” win, released on Juneteenth, was particularly resonant, celebrating Black culture and resilience. The collaborative success of “Savage” with Megan Thee Stallion further showcased her ability to elevate and champion other artists, reinforcing her role as an icon who inspires and empowers.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Triumphant Night as Best New Artist

Another major winner who dominated headlines was Megan Thee Stallion, who had a phenomenal night, taking home three prestigious awards. Her victory as Best New Artist was a powerful testament to her meteoric rise in the music industry, captivating audiences with her unique flow, fierce persona, and undeniable talent. This win solidified her position as a groundbreaking artist who is reshaping the landscape of hip-hop.

In addition to Best New Artist, Megan Thee Stallion’s chart-topping hit “Savage,” featuring Beyoncé, earned her wins for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song. The remix of “Savage” became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the incredible synergy between two of music’s most powerful women. Her acceptance speeches were filled with emotion and gratitude, highlighting her journey and inspiring countless aspiring artists. Her success at the 2021 Grammys marked a definitive moment in her career, proving her status as a force to be reckoned with.

Key Wins in the Major Categories

The 2021 Grammy Awards also saw wins for other beloved artists in the night’s most anticipated categories:

Record of the Year

This coveted award went to Billie Eilish for “Everything I Wanted.” Eilish, who swept the major categories the previous year, continued her Grammy success with this melancholic yet powerful track. Her humble acceptance speech, where she suggested that Megan Thee Stallion perhaps deserved the award, resonated with viewers and showcased her gracious spirit.

• Beyonce, “Black Parade”
• Black Pumas, “Colors”
• DaBaby Ft. Roddy Ricch, “Rockstar”
• Doja Cat, “Say So”
• Billie Eilish, “Everything I Wanted”
• Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now”
• Post Malone, “Circles”
• Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyonce, “Savage”

Album of the Year

Taylor Swift made history by winning Album of the Year for her critically acclaimed surprise album, Folklore. This marked her third win in this prestigious category, making her the first female artist to achieve this feat. Her introspective and emotionally resonant album, recorded during the pandemic, captivated audiences worldwide and demonstrated her unparalleled songwriting prowess. Her acceptance speech thanked her collaborators and her fans, acknowledging the album’s role as a comfort during uncertain times.

• Jhene Aiko, Chilombo
• Black Pumas, Black Pumas Deluxe Elimination
• Coldplay, Everyday Life
• Jacob Collier, DJesse Vol.3
• Haim, Women In Music Pt. III
• Dua Lipa, Future Nostalgia
• Post Malone, Hollywood’s Bleeding
• Taylor Swift, Folklore

Song of the Year

H.E.R. took home Song of the Year for “I Can’t Breathe,” a poignant and powerful anthem inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The song’s timely message and raw emotion resonated deeply, highlighting the role of music in reflecting and influencing social change. Her acceptance speech underscored the importance of using art as a platform for advocacy and justice.

• “Black Parade” Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim “Kaydence” Krysiuk & Rickie “Caso” Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé)
• “The Box” Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch)
• “Cardigan” Aaron Dessner & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
• “Circles” Louis Bell, Adam Feeney, Kaan Gunesberk, Austin Post & Billy Walsh, songwriters (Post Malone)
• “Don’t Start Now” Caroline Ailin, Ian Kirkpatrick, Dua Lipa & Emily Warren, songwriters (Dua Lipa)
• “Everything I Wanted” Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
• “I Can’t Breathe” Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.)
• “If The World Was Ending” Julia Michaels & JP Saxe, songwriters (JP Saxe Featuring Julia Michaels)

Best New Artist

As mentioned, Megan Thee Stallion was recognized as Best New Artist, a testament to her breakout year and undeniable impact on popular music. Her charismatic stage presence and chart-topping hits solidified her as one of the most exciting new voices in the industry.

• Ingrid Andress
• Phoebe Bridgers
• Chika
• Noah Cyrus
• D Smoke
• Doja Cat
• Kaytranada
• Megan Thee Stallion

Additional Notable Winners Across Genres

Beyond the major categories, many other artists were honored for their exceptional work during the pre-show telecast and throughout the main ceremony. The breadth of talent recognized at the 2021 Grammys truly showcased the diversity and innovation within the music world.

Best Rap Performance

• Big Sean ft. Nipsey Hussle, “Deep Reverence”
• DaBaby, “Bop”
• Luke James, “What’s Poppin”
• Lil Baby, “The Bigger Picture”
• Megan Thee Stallion Ft. Beyonce, “Savage”
• Pop Smoke, “Dior”

Best Melodic Rap Performance

• DaBaby fr. Roddy Ricch, “Rockstar”
• Drake Ft. Lil Durk, “Laugh Now, Cry Later”
• Anderson .Paak, “Lockdown”
• Roddy Ricch, “The Box”
• Travis Scott, “Highest In The Room”

Best Rap Song

• “The Bigger Picture” Dominique Jones, Noah Pettigrew & Rai’shaun Williams, songwriters (Lil Baby)
• “The Box” Samuel Gloade & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (Roddy Ricch)
• “Laugh Now, Cry Later” Durk Banks, Rogét Chahayed, Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Ron LaTour & Ryan Martinez, songwriters (Drake Featuring Lil Durk)
• “Rockstar” Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, Ross Joseph Portaro IV & Rodrick Moore, songwriters (DaBaby Featuring Roddy Ricch)
• “Savage” Beyoncé, Shawn Carter, Brittany Hazzard, Derrick Milano, Terius Nash, Megan Pete, Bobby Session Jr., Jordan Kyle Lanier Thorpe & Anthony White, songwriters (Megan Thee Stallion Featuring Beyoncé)

Best Rap Album

Nas, a legendary figure in hip-hop, finally secured his first-ever Grammy for Best Rap Album with King’s Disease. This long-awaited victory was met with widespread acclaim, celebrating his enduring impact and continued artistic relevance.

• D Smoke, Black Habits
• Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, Alfredo
• Jay Electronica, A Written Testimony
• Nas, King’s Disease
• Royce Da 5’9, The Allegory

Best R&B Performance

• Jhené Aiko ft. John Legend, “Lighting & Thunder”
• Beyoncé, “Black Parade”
• Jacob Collier Ft. Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign, “All I Need”
• Brittany Howard, “Goat Head”
• Emily King, “See Me”

Best R&B Song

• “Better Than I Imagine” Robert Glasper, Meshell Ndegeocello & Gabriella Wilson, songwriters (Robert Glasper Featuring H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello)
• “Black Parade” Denisia Andrews, Beyoncé, Stephen Bray, Shawn Carter, Brittany Coney, Derek James Dixie, Akil King, Kim “Kaydence” Krysiuk & Rickie “Caso” Tice, songwriters (Beyoncé)
• “Collide” Sam Barsh, Stacey Barthe, Sonyae Elise, Olu Fann, Akil King, Josh Lopez, Kaveh Rastegar & Benedetto Rotondi, songwriters (Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG)
• “Do It” Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Anton Kuhl, Victoria Monét, Scott Storch & Vincent Van Den Ende, songwriters (Chloe X Halle)
• “Slow Down” Nasri Atweh, Badriia Bourelly, Skip Marley, Ryan Williamson & Gabriella Wilson, songwriters (Skip Marley & H.E.R.)

Best Progressive R&B Album

• Jhené Aiko, Chilombo
• Chloe x Halle, Ungodly Hour
• Free Nationals, Free Nationals
• Robert Glasper, F— Yo Feelings
• Thundercat, It Is What It Is

Best R&B Album

• Ant Clemons, Happy 2 Be Here
• Giveon, Take Time
• Luke James, To Feel Love/d
• John Legend, Bigger Love
• Gregory Porter, All Rise

Best Country Solo Performance

• Eric Church, “Stick That In Your Country Song”
• Brandy Clark, “Who You Thought I Was”
• Vince Gill, “When My Amy Prays”
• Mickey Guyton, “Black Like Me”
• Miranda Lambert, “Bluebird”

Best Country Song

• “Bluebird” Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
• “The Bones” Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
• “Crowded Table” Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby & Lori McKenna, songwriters (The Highwomen)
• “More Hearts Than Mine” Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis & Derrick Southerland, songwriters (Ingrid Andress)
• “Some People Do” Jesse Frasure, Shane McAnally, Matthew Ramsey & Thomas Rhett, songwriters (Old Dominion)

Best Country Group/Duo Performance

• Brothers Osbourne, “All Night”
• Dan + Shay Ft. Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours”
• Lady A, “Ocean”
• Little Big Town, “Sugar Coat”
• Old Dominion, “Some People Do”

Best Country Album

• Ingrid Andress, Lady Like
• Brandy Clark, Your Life Is A Record
• Miranda Lambert, Wildcard
• Little Big Town, Nightfall
• Ashley McBryde, Never Will

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Kanye West’s Jesus Is King, his gospel-inspired album, won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, showcasing his continued versatility as an artist.

• Cody Carnes, Run To The Father
• Hillsong Young & Free, All Of My Best Friends
• We The Kingdom, Holywater
• Tauren Wells, Citizens of Heaven
• Kanye West, Jesus Is King

Best Pop Solo Performance

Harry Styles took home his very first Grammy for “Watermelon Sugar,” delivering a charming and energetic performance during the ceremony. His win was a celebrated moment for fans, recognizing the song’s widespread popularity and his status as a global pop icon.

• Justin Bieber, “Yummy”
• Doja Cat, “Say So”
• Billie Eilish, “Everything I Wanted”
• Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now”
• Taylor Swift, “Cardigan”
• Harry Styles, “Watermelon Sugar”

Best Pop Vocal Album

Dua Lipa’s critically acclaimed album Future Nostalgia earned her the Best Pop Vocal Album award. The album was widely praised for its infectious disco-pop sound and became a global phenomenon, solidifying her status as a leading voice in pop music.

• Justin Bieber, Changes
• Lady Gaga, Chromatica
• Dua Lipa, Future Nostalgia
• Harry Styles, Fine Line
• Taylor Swift, Folklore

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

• J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy, “Un Dia (One Day)”
• Justin Bieber ft. Quavo, “Intentions”
• BTS, “Dynamite”
• Lady Gaga Ft. Ariana Grande, “Rain On Me”
• Taylor Swift Ft. Bon Iver, “Exile”

Best Rock Performance

• Fiona Apple, “Shameika”
• Big Thief, “Not”
• Phoebe Bridgers, “Kyoto”
• HAIM, “The Steps”
• Brittany Howard, “Stay High”
• Grace Potter, “Daylight

Best Rock Album

• Fontaines D.C., A Hero’s Death
• Michael Kiwanuka, Kiwanuka
• Grace Potter, Daylight
• Sturgill Simpson, Sound & Fury
• The Strokes, The New Abnormal

Best Metal Performance

• Body-Count, “Bum Rush”
• Code Orange, “Underneath”
• In This Moment, “The In-Between”
• Poppy, “Bloodmoney”
• Power Trip, “Executioner’s Tax (Swing Of The Axe) – Live”

Best Alternative Music Album

Fiona Apple’s Fetch the Bolt Cutters was a celebrated winner, recognized for its raw honesty, experimental sound, and profound lyrical depth. The album was a critical darling and a favorite among many music enthusiasts.

• Fiona Apple, Fetch the Bolt Cutters
• Beck, Hyperspace
• Phoebe Bridgers, Punisher
• Brittany Howard, Jaime
• Tame Impala, The Slow Rush

Best Latin Pop or Urban Album

• Bad Bunny, YHLQMDLG
• Camilo, Por Primera Vez
• Kany García, Mesa Para Dos
• Ricky Martin, Pausa
• Debi Nova, 3:33

Best Music Video

• Beyoncé, “Brown Skin Girl”
• Future Ft. Drake, “Life Is Good”
• Anderson .Paak, “Lockdown”
• Harry Styles, “Adore You”
• Woodkid, “Goliath”

Best Song Written For Visual Media

• Andrew Lloyd Webber & Taylor Swift, “Beautiful Ghost” [From Cats]
• Billie Eilish, “No Time To Die” [From No Time To Die]
• Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth & Tim Hanseroth, “Carried Me With You” [From Onward]
• Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, “Into The Unknown” [From Frozen 2]
• Joshuah Brian Campbell & Cynthia Erivo, “Stand Up” [From Harriet]

A Night to Remember

The 2021 Grammy Awards proved to be an unforgettable night, not only for its unique format but for the incredible talent it celebrated. From Beyoncé’s historic record-breaking achievement to Megan Thee Stallion’s powerful breakthrough, and Taylor Swift’s third Album of the Year win, the ceremony honored both established legends and rising stars. The performances captivated, the speeches inspired, and the music reminded us of its enduring power to connect, uplift, and reflect our shared human experience, even in the most challenging of times. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners who made the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards a truly special event.