The 54th Annual Grammy Awards took place Sunday, February 12, and as expected “music’s biggest night” gave the music community something to discuss. Although the televised event spent most of its time airing collaborative live performances, some awards actually were handed out.
British soul singer Adele was awarded six Grammys, making her the night’s biggest winner. Her album 21 won Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, while “Rolling in the Deep” won Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Short From Music Video. Her track “Someone Like You” brought home the award for Best Pop Solo Performance as well.
Trailing right behind Adele was Foo Fighters with five Grammy wins. Its latest album Wasting Light brought the group the award for Best Rock Album, and the album’s singles also received praise. “Walk” won Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance, while “White Limo” won Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. Finally, Foo Fighters documentary Back and Forth received honors in the Best Long Form Music Video category.
Kanye West’s already massive ego was fed as he walked away with three Grammys honoring his album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The album won Best Rap Album, while the track “All of the Lights” saw him triumph in the Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration categories. Kanye shared the spotlight with Jay-Z, as Watch The Throne’s second single “Otis” reigned supreme in the Best Rap Performance category.
Justin Vernon left the Grammys triumphant in that he avoided participating in a potentially disastrous collaboration and still receive recognition from the voters. Bon Iver’s self-titled sophomore effort was crowned the year’s Best Alternative Album, and Vernon was also named the year’s Best New Artist—proving that an artist is only new once they’ve achieved cultural ubiquity.
Someway, somehow, former From First to Last singer-turned-dubstep-producer Skrillex walked away with three Grammys in tow. Winning Best Dance Recording, Best Dance/Electronica Album, and Best Remixed Recording, Skrillex proved that no matter how much we all plug our ears and pretend he doesn’t exist, he may have some staying power.
Check out the rest of the 54th Annual Grammy award winners right here.
