The 2023 Grammy Awards came, saw, gave Tems her first Grammy, aired Burna Boy and failed to give Beyoncé her flowers… again.
Here’s a recap of all the moments that had us shook and the ones we’d very much like to forget.
Criminal: Beyonce losing “Album of the Year” for the fourth time
The most shocking moment of the night has to be when Beyoncé’s Renaissance lost the Album of the Year trophy to Harry Style’s Harry’s House. After putting out the most impactful and well-thought-out album of 2022 (still no visuals sha), everyone assumed this would be Beyoncé’s year to win the top prize, but the Grammys said:
Like Adele said in 2017, after winning Album of the Year, “What the f–k does she [Beyoncé] have to do to win album of the year?”
Say What?: Harry Styles saying, “This doesn’t happen to people like me very often”, after winning Album of the Year
As if beating out Beyoncé wasn’t bad enough, the As It Was singer went on to say things like this don’t happen to people like him. People like who, Harry? White men? British people? Straight men? Former One Direction members?
Boy, bye.
Best: Tems winning her first Grammy
If the world was ending, best believe I’ll carry Tems and her Grammy and leave the rest of you to deal with all the wahala. Tems showed us once again that she’s THAT girl when she took home the Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance alongside Future and Drake for their song, WAIT FOR U. Considering the year Tems has had, I knew she wouldn’t walk away empty-handed. Now, we have to get ready for the Oscars.
Not too bad: Burna Boy losing in both categories
I didn’t see Burna Boy losing in both the Global Music Performance and Global Music Album categories coming. Even if Love, Damini didn’t take home an award, I at least expected Last Last, a massive worldwide hit, to win in its nominated category.
Anyway, maybe this is what you get for insulting and kicking your fans.
Best: Aunty Viola Chinonye Davis winning her first Grammy and getting EGOT status
Viola Davis has had us in a chokehold since How to Get Away With Murder, so it’s time to pop champagne to celebrate her win. Not only did Aunty V win her first Grammy, but the award also makes her the third black woman and one of only 18 people to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. Talk about iconic.
I know that’s right: Lizzo shouting out Beyoncé during her speech for Record of the Year
Is it really the Grammys if one artiste doesn’t talk about how Beyoncé inspired their career? Adele did it in 2017, Megan Thee Stallion did it in 2021, and now, Lizzo. It’s the consistency for me. Grammys, we hope you’re hearing the crowd? The crowd is a lot. Many people are shouting.
RECOMMENDED: Add These Nigerian Artists to Your Playlist If You Like Beyoncé’s “Renaissance”
Interesting: Samara Joy winning “Best New Artist” over Latto, Muni Long and Tobe Nwigwe
I didn’t know Samara Joy until today — apparently, she’s a jazz artiste. But she’s black, and one thing about me?
I.C.O.N.I.C: Beyoncé making history at the Grammys
Coming into the 2023 Grammys, Beyoncé already had 28 Grammy awards and the record for the most-awarded female musician of all time, but the good sis said, “Hold my cup”.
Winning Best Dance/Electronic Album, Best R&B Song, Best Dance/Electronic Recording and Best Traditional R&B Album, Beyoncé moved her total to 32 Grammys, surpassing classical music conductor Georg Solti’s record of 31 Grammys.
Quick question: Where is she putting all these Grammys, abeg?
Here for it: Mary J Blige, DJ Khaled and Rick Ross stanning Tems… as they should
Forget Solape, it’s high time we ask Temilade what she put in her stew.
Very very somehow: Jay Z joining DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and John Legend to perform God Did right after Beyoncé’s loss
DJ Khaled’s set for God Did would’ve been a great and timely performance to close the show if Beyoncé had won. But with the direction the show took, the song and performance felt off. God does many things, but I doubt Harry’s House winning over Renaissance was his handwork. I’ll find out on Sunday.
ALSO READ: Do Nigeria’s Biggest Artists Really Need the Grammys?
