The GRAMMY Awards. Arguably one of the biggest nights in music, where today’s most talented musicians put on show-stopping performances and take home gilded gramophones.
This year is a little different, with concerns related to the Omicron variant in Los Angeles putting a temporary spoke in the wheel. Otherwise, the show will go on – and it looks to be a massive year with chart-topping contenders vying for the most coveted categories.
The hype is real, and from new categories to performer controversies, here are 10 things we think you should know before tuning in to the 64th GRAMMY Awards.
1. Where will it take place?
Following pandemic-related uncertainties, this year’s Grammys will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on 3rd April 2022, 5pm PT / 1am GMT. The occasion will mark the first time the telecast has happened outside of New York City or L.A. since 1973.
2. Who’s hosting?
The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah will return as master of ceremonies to host this year’s awards show. He hosted the 63rd GRAMMY Awards last March, putting on a strong performance despite the show’s stripped-down format due to the pandemic.
3. What are the recent controversies?
Trevor Noah and Kanye (or Ye) generated headlines after the latter was suspended from Instagram for 24 hours because of a racial slur he used against Noah.
This was in retaliation to Noah’s comments about Ye’s behavior towards ex-wife Kim Kardashian, saying: “What we’re seeing here is one of the most powerful, one of the richest women in the world unable to get her ex to stop texting her, to stop chasing after her, to stop harassing her.”
More recently, Ye has been barred from performing at the show due to his “concerning online behavior”, according to his rep. He has been nominated for five Grammys this year, including Album Of The Year for Donda and Best Rap Song for “Jail”.
4. Who’s performing?
Huge names like BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow, Brandi Carlile, and Brothers Osborne are slated to perform.
5. Who are the top nominees?
This year’s leading nominees include Jon Batiste (11 nominations), Justin Bieber (8 nominations), Doja Cat (8 nominations), H.E.R. (8 nominations), Billie Eilish (7 nominations), and Olivia Rodrigo (7 nominations).
Check out the complete nominations list here.
6. What changed for Album Of The Year nominees?
Previously, any songwriter, engineer, producer, or featured artist was considered a nominee if they worked on 33 per cent or more of the record nominated for Album Of The Year. This year, they are considered nominees even if they only worked on one of the songs on that record.
7. What changed for the four main awards categories?
The Recording Academy has increased the number of nominees in each of the Big Four categories – Album, Record and Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist – from eight to 10.
“Adding new nominees to these [categories] is a way to cast a wider net, to make room for more artists and genres from music’s expansive and diverse landscape, and to embrace the spirit of inclusion,” said Harvey Mason, the Academy’s CEO.
8. What are the new award categories?
Two new categories have been added, bringing the total number of award categories to 86. They are: Best Global Music Performance (Global Music Field) and Best Música Urbana Album (Latin Music Field).
“The latest changes to the GRAMMY Awards process are prime examples of the Recording Academy’s commitment to authentically represent all music creators and ensure our practices are in lock-step with the ever-changing musical environment,” said Ruby Marchand, Chief Industry Officer at the Recording Academy.
9. When does the red carpet begin?
The Grammys red carpet is an event on its own. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it typically takes place 2hrs before the event begins. We suggest tuning in to red carpet and entertainment channels on YouTube to catch those glambot shots and interviews.
10. Where can you stream the Grammys?
The 64th annual GRAMMY Awards will air live on CBS and can be live-streamed through the newly launched streaming service, Paramount+.
Prior to the telecast, the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will be streamed live on grammy.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.
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