J'na Jefferson is a Recording Academy/GRAMMY.com contributor.
2024 was a year of unprecedented change in the music industry. Along with the concept of genre becoming perhaps more fluid and obscure than ever, artists were arguably more fearless in expression and speaking their truth — from Beyoncé and Post Malone dabbling in country music to pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and Chappell Roan offering lyrics as…
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect Beyoncé’s 2023 GRAMMYs wins, the 2024 release of COWBOY CARTER, and her new GRAMMY win count as of the 2025 GRAMMYs. One name says so much: Beyoncé. Throughout her 20-plus-year career, the 35-time GRAMMY-winning artist has inspired awe with a divine voice, top-notch performances and thorough bodies of work, demonstrating a complete…
With more than 200 million records sold worldwide, 11 No. 1 singles and six GRAMMYs, Whitney Houston was undoubtedly one of music's biggest superstars — and even in the years without her, her influence continues to sparkle. Feb. 11 marks 10 years since Houston's untimely death at the age of 48. Though her time was cut short, the music she made…
Chika has always been aware of the power of her words, and she continues to hone in on that gift to make a difference. The 23-year-old Alabama-bred rapper (born Jane Chika Oranika) got her start in the game writing and performing slam poetry since she was young. After dropping out of the University of Southern Alabama to focus on her…
Rosaliá made her presence felt on the GRAMMY stage at the 62nd annual ceremony, which was held on Sun., Jan. 26. The Spanish language artist sang her tracks "Juro Que" and "Malamente," and set the stage on fire with a flamenco-inspired hip-hop routine, showing that she not only sings, but can dance her tail off with the greatest of ease. Rosaliá is…
In light of the passing of another California-based legend just hours before the 62nd Annual GRAMMYs Awards, Sunday's (Jan. 26) tribute to rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle took on an even more retrospective and powerful resonance. The performance featured some of Hussle’s collaborators and some of the most respected figures in hip-hop, R&B and gospel: DJ Khaled, John Legend, Meek…
The Atlanta native wore an iridescent cowboy suit while singing his Billboard record-breaking song, "Old Town Road." In a “who’s who” carousel of verses, the 20-year-old was accompanied by Billy Ray Cyrus, BTS, Mason Ramsey and Diplo. The original song saw its chart reign bolstered by various remixes featuring some of the aforementioned artists. Lil Nas X also surprised the…
Ariana Grande made her return to the GRAMMYs stage during the 62nd Annual ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 26. With her chill-inducing vocals on prominent display, the powerhouse didn’t miss a beat during her medley. Grande started off her performance with an orchestra-heavy take on her song "Imagine." After getting back to her Broadway roots with a string-assisted rendition of "The Sound…
Some of the most celebrated singers, dancers and instrumentalists in the industry took to the stage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast to honor the late musical icon Prince. Usher kicked off the performance with a soulful rendition of "Little Red Corvette." The R&B superstar was accompanied by master drummer and Prince’s former protege, Sheila E., and ran through two…
Fans of Odd Future head honcho Tyler, The Creator are used to expecting the unexpected when it comes to his performances, and his appearance during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday (Jan. 26) was truly memorable. The California native, who performed "NEW MAGIC WAND" and "EARFQUAKE" off of his Best Rap Album-winning (he earned the title later in the…
The 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards was seemingly overshadowed by the unfortunate news of the passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who was pronounced dead just hours before the ceremony after being involved in a helicopter crash. Host Alicia Keys addressed the tragedy with grace and class, noting that the Staples Center is the home of many memories created by Bryant…
Genre-bending superstar Lizzo opened up the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards and wasted no time bringing the energy to the packed Staples Center on Sunday (Jan. 26). Donned in a black, crystallized, off-the-shoulder gown, Lizzo sent out a spoken tribute to Kobe Bryant ("Tonight is for Kobe!") and crooned her way through her album’s title track "Cuz I Love You," which was…
At 26 years old, Tayla Parx has solidified her spot as an industry force, thanks to her songwriting accomplishments on the pop, rock and R&B fronts. She began penning hits for superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Fifth Harmony and Mariah Carey as early as 2013, and since then, she’s added Alicia Keys, BTS and Anderson. Paak to her roster of clientele.…
Destiny's Child's sophomore album The Writing's On The Wall is the final project from the original four members of the iconic girl group: Beyoncé Knowles, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson and Kelly Rowland. It was released to a moderate response, debuting at No. 6 in July 1999 and receiving mixed reviews from critics. However, one of the LP's breakout singles revitalized…
