The 2013 Grammy Awards have come and gone, and like every year, the show left viewers with much to discuss. Opening the show at the Staple Center in L.A. this past Sunday, Taylor Swift performed her single “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” and danced around the stage in an all white get-up, apparently attempting to dress as a ringleader. Regardless of the quality of the song or the bizarreness of the performance, it’s not hard to admit that like always, Swift looked flawless.
Other performers included Mumford & Sons, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5 and Alicia Keys, The Lumineers and Frank Ocean.
Mumford & Sons performed their new single, “I Will Wait,” and Timberlake came back into the music scene with his new singles, “Suit & Tie,” and “Pusher Love Girl.” A natural on the stage, Timberlake proved his dance abilities once again during “Suit & Tie,” and stuck to his vocal strengths during “Pusher Love Girl.” Either way, the music industry and fans seem happy to have him back.
Maroon 5 and Alicia Keys performed together, with Maroon 5 kicking it off with their single, “Daylight,” and Keys coming in throughout with “Girl on Fire.” They collaborated both materials, creating another memorable Grammy moment.
The Lumineers sang the song that put them on the map, “Ho Hey,” and Frank Ocean performed his song, “Forrest Gump,” while a screen, both behind him and in front of his piano, displayed images to make it look as if he was running.
Many artists performed tribute pieces, such as Kelly Clarkson with “Tennessee Waltz” and “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman,” a tribute to Patti Page and Carole King.
Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Sting, Damian Marley and Ziggy Marley performed “Locked out of Heaven,” “Walking on the Moon” and “Could You Be Loved” as a tribute to Bob Marley, whose birthday was a few days before the Awards show.
Throughout all of these performances, awards were given out (who would have thought?). This year, there were three new categories added to last year’s 78 awards—Best Classical Compendium, Best Latin Jazz Album and Best Urban Contemporary Album. 70 of these awards were presented at the pre-telecast at the Nokia Theatre, while 11 were presented at the actual live show.
The big winners of the night, those in the general categories, were “Somebody That I Used to Know,” by Gotye and Kimbra for Record of the Year, Babel by Mumford & Sons for Album of the Year, “We Are Young,” by Fun. for Song of the Year and Fun. for Best New Artist.
The show ended with a tribute to Adam Yauch of The Beastie Boys by LL Cool J, Chuck D., Travis Barker, Tom Morello and DJ Z-Trip. The group performed “Refuse to Lose” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn.” LL Cool J was also the host of the evening, who put on an average show, trying not to step too hard on the toes of those who were being honored.
All in all, the 2013 Grammys recognized many of artists for the work and dedication they put into the music industry every year. It was a night full of congratulations and thank you’s, which is something that can always be appreciated.
By Maura King