Viewers probably weren’t expecting music’s biggest night to include a marriage ceremony and metal helmets, but CBS’s 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards brought all that and more. The show took place in Los Angeles on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. and was hosted by James Todd Smith, better known as rapper LL Cool J.
Cool J praised the Grammys as a “true celebration of the power of music” after Grammy veteran herself Beyoncé opened the show with her hit single “Drunk in Love” from her self-titled album that surprised fans in December. Of course, it wouldn’t be a hit performance without collaborating with her husband Jay-Z, who comfortably placed his hand on that signature Bey backside as she danced with him. The couple sat front row enjoying the night’s festivities, and Jay-Z even took home the award for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.”
Actress Anna Kendrick sarcastically joked that she had planned to perform Beyoncé’s chart-topping single as she presented the award for “Best New Artist” to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Kendrick’s humor, however, isn’t what everyone was talking about. The “Pitch Perfect” movie star boasted tasteful cleavage and a simply sexy high slit in a metallic Azzaro dress that had heads turning on the red carpet.
Speaking of fashion, was anyone hoping that the helmets would come off the heads of French duo Daft Punk? The “Lucky” pair took home the awards for “Record of the Year” and “Album of the Year.” Co-artist Pharrell Williams, who was nominated for seven Grammys, spoke on their behalf sporting a Vivenne Westwood overly sized hat that managed to get its own twitter account during the show.
Hats off to Lorde for snagging the award for “Best Pop Solo” and “Song of the Year.”
“Thank you to everyone for letting the song explode,” said the 17-year-old singer from New Zealand.
Another explosive moment came with the collaboration of Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar and band Imagine Dragons. Many Twitter users dubbed it the best performance of the night.
Perhaps one of the more exciting moments during the Grammys is seeing classic performers hit the stage again. Legendary Beatles‘ members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr performed as recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the award-winning Stevie Wonder joined the stage with Pharrell Willams, Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers performing “Get Lucky.”
Dozens of even luckier couples chose Grammy night to exchange vows. That’s right. Gay, straight and multiracial couples exchanged rings in an iconic performance by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Mary Lambert, Queen Latifah and Madonna had audience members in tears as brides and grooms kissed and hugged in holy matrimony.
Check out the Best and Worst Grammy moments on E!
