Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

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Nielsen Music: "Despacito" Wins Early GRAMMY Effect Sales

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A GRAMMY win means a lot, but the same can be said for performing live, rewarding artists whose surging downloads were tracked by Nielsen
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Jan 30, 2018 - 2:13 pm

Each year following the broadcast of the GRAMMY telecast, many artists experience the "GRAMMY Effect," a significant boost in sales. The 60th GRAMMY Awards was no different.

Nielsen Music's initial numbers for Jan. 28 following on-air GRAMMY performances show how they immediately influenced download sales in the U.S. The combined total shift of songs performed during the broadcast went from 17,000 downloads on Saturday to 74,000 on Sunday, a 328 percent increase overall.

The performance of "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee was the night's big winner in downloads, moving from 3,000 the previous day to 10,000 units in sales, a 263 percent climb, including download sales for the Justin Bieber remix. So the summer smash that moved the most streams in 2017, also moved the most downloads on GRAMMY night in the U.S. It shows the power and longevity of such a rare hit that rather than being used up, energy and sales continue to surge with its beat.

Other songs performed at the 60th GRAMMYs that experienced impressive growth on the download charts included "Praying" by Kesha, which grew 720 percent, from 1,000 to 9,000 downloads. The performance of "1-800-273-8355" by Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid, resulted in an increase from roughly 1,000 to 5,000, a 463 percent surge.

The performance of "Better Man" by Little Big Town spurred sales from less than 1,000 to 7,000 sold (up 2,166 percent). "Terrified" performed by Childish Gambino went from few sales to roughly 4,000 downloads, and Pink's "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken" performance pushed her song to 5,000.

Catching Up On The GRAMMY Awards Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? Just Say "Talk To GRAMMYs"

Cardi B photographed in 2017

Cardi B

Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams/WireImage.com

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2018 GRAMMYs: Who's Performing?

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Find out which of your favorite artists are performing on the 60th GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Jan. 28
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Jan 26, 2018 - 5:30 am

The 60th GRAMMY Awards celebration in New York is quickly approaching. From rolling out the red carpet to tuning the guitars and adjusting the lights at Madison Square Garden, the Recording Academy is getting ready for the big milestone installment of Music's Biggest Night. But how about the performers?

Who's Performing On The 60th GRAMMYs?

Spanning multiple genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, country, and more, this year's lineup of GRAMMY performers — many of them current nominees or past winners — will make for three-and-a-half hours of must-see television.

Without further ado, here is the list of performers for the 60th GRAMMYs.

Childish Gambino
60th GRAMMY Awards Performers

Hosted by James Corden, the 60th GRAMMY Awards will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York on Jan. 28, airing live on CBS from 7:30–11 p.m. ET/4:30–8 p.m. PT.

'2018 GRAMMY Nominees' album
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'2018 GRAMMY Nominees' Album, Featuring 21 Hits, Available Now

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Get your copy of the genre-spanning compilation featuring 60th GRAMMY nominees Bruno Mars, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Pink, Kesha, Kenny Chesney, and more
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
Jan 12, 2018 - 6:30 am

Available now, the 2018 GRAMMY Nominees album features a 21-deep track listing reflecting the world's top recording artists and emerging talent.

The collection commemorating the 60th GRAMMY Awards nominees includes Album Of The Year nominees Childish Gambino, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, and Bruno Mars; and Song Of The Year nominees Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber, Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid, and Julia Michaels, among others. See the full track listing below.

1. Bruno Mars, "24K Magic"
2. Kelly Clarkson, "Love So Soft"
3. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Feat. Justin Bieber, "Despacito" (Remix)
4. Kendrick Lamar, "HUMBLE."
5. Lorde, "Green Light"
6. Childish Gambino, "Redbone"
7. Jay-Z, "The Story Of O.J."
8. Zedd & Alessia Cara, "Stay"
9. Lady Gaga, "Million Reasons"
10. Imagine Dragons, "Thunder"
11. Portugal. The Man, "Feel It Still" 
12. The Chainsmokers & Coldplay, "Something Just Like This" 
13. P!nk, "What About Us"
14. Logic Feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid, "1-800-273-8255"
15. Julia Michaels, "Issues"
16. Kesha, "Praying"
17. Chris Stapleton, "Broken Halos"
18. Little Big Town, "Better Man"
19. Thomas Rhett Feat. Maren Morris, "Craving You"
20. Lady Antebellum, "You Look Good"
21. Kenny Chesney, "All The Pretty Girls"  

Pick at your copy at any of the below links:

A portion of album proceeds benefits the year-round work of the GRAMMY Museum and MusiCares — two charitable organizations founded by the Recording Academy that focus on music education programs and critical assistance for music people in need.

The 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live on CBS Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

Cardi B at the 60th GRAMMY Awards

Cardi B

Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

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GRAMMY Effect On Streams Lifts Bruno Mars, Cardi B's "Finesse"

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Performances at the 60th GRAMMY Awards move streaming charts as gains also go to "Despacito" and "1-800-273-8255"
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Feb 7, 2018 - 2:45 pm

The Billboard streaming songs chart dated Feb. 10 shows GRAMMY Effect gains for many of the performances seen on the 60th GRAMMY Awards telecast.

Bruno Mars' "Finesse" from his Album Of The Year GRAMMY-winning 24K Magic had its best streaming week ever, breaking 40 million. Cardi B's featured spot on the remix version of the track helped bolster the GRAMMY performance on YouTube, which has 18 million views already and helped the song to its record-breaking streams.

Another song that did well in several different versions is "Despacito," the Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee original and their remix with Justin Bieber had a 9 percent increase in streams moving from position 30 to 24, again boosted by their performance at the 60th GRAMMYs.

The show's closing number, Logic's "1-800-273-8255," featuring Best New Artist winner Alessia Cara and nominee Khalid, jumped 15 percent in total streams and 47 percent on YouTube.

The GRAMMY Effect has also made itself felt on download sales of performances and on Billboard album charts, once again demonstrating that people are moved by great music when they get a chance to experience it.

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"

Janelle Monáe at the GRAMMYs

Janelle Monáe

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

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Bruno Mars, Alessia Cara, Time's Up: 12 Big Moments At The 2018 GRAMMYs

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With the milestone 60th GRAMMY Awards are in the books — here are 12 moments that made the Madison Square Garden homecoming a night to remember
Kathy Iandoli
GRAMMYs
Jan 28, 2018 - 10:14 pm

For any music lover, GRAMMY Sunday is very much like the Super Bowl or World Series to a sports fanatic.

Watch: Unforgettable 60th GRAMMY Moments

The only difference being, while sports teams typically find out who will be the final competition within a week or two of the showdown, GRAMMY nominations arrive months prior to the big show. The ceremony is arguably a culmination of all of that energy and anticipation. The 60th GRAMMY Awards was no different, as James Corden returned to host the Music's Biggest Night.

Returning to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 15 years, the milestone telecast proved to be a celebration that broke down barriers — with the wins, performances, and acceptance speeches showing that the power of music can literally change the world.

Of course, the GRAMMYs' return to the Big Apple was cause enough for excitement. (Cut to Tony Bennett and John Legend singing "New York, New York" before presenting Best Rap/Sung Performance). And there was Bruno Mars netting six wins and nearly doubling his career output to 11 in one fell swoop. But there was plenty of excitement to go around.

Whether you were there, watching on TV or live streaming, here are 12 moments from the 60th GRAMMY Awards that made it a night to remember.

1. Kendrick Lamar, U2, Dave Chappelle Open With An Army

Kendrick Lamar has a steady track record of impactful performances on the GRAMMYs, and this time he opened the ceremony with a groundbreaking performance before winning the first award of the evening for Best Rap/Sung Performance ("LOYALTY." with Rihanna). Opening with "XXX" before an American flag backdrop and U.S. soldiers marching, the rapper was joined by U2's Bono and The Edge. A war simulation followed before Dave Chappelle hit the stage to punctuate segues in between heated musical vignettes performed by Lamar. It was history in the making, much like everything he touches.

2. Lady Gaga's Tearjerker Performance with Mark Ronson

"This is for love and compassion …even when you can't understand," Lady Gaga uttered before a white piano wrapped in lace as she opened her performance with "Joanne." Mark Ronson assisted on guitar as the acoustic set segued into another moving ballad, "Million Reasons." The emotional performance was poignant, but most importantly showed Gaga's unreal vocal range. It's OK if you shed a tear while watching. We were all cutting onions when it happened.

3. James Corden Rapping For Jay-Z

If you watch "The Late Late Show With James Corden" or are tuned into any episode of his "Carpool Karaoke" series, you'll know that Corden was the perfect return host for this year's telecast. On the eve of the show, Jay-Z was honored at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Corden informed the crowd, but began riddling off his knowledge of Jay-Z facts — including Jay’s former apartment address of 560 State Street in Brooklyn. Corden then launched into spitting a few bars for an amused Mr. Carter. "You call it the Big Apple, I call it the Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of …just something I made up," Corden joked.

4. Bruno Mars And Cardi B's #TBT Performance Of "Finesse (Remix)"

A few weeks back — when the video for Bruno Mars' remix to "Finesse" featuring Cardi B hit the internet — we were all bit by the nostalgia bug. The video (directed by Mars himself) was not only a clear nod to the sketch comedy series "In Living Color," but it was also a Polaroid of a bygone era of ‘90s R&B and hip-hop—complete with bright colors. Cardi B donned a legendary Cross Colours bucket hat with Mars dancing onstage like a New Jack Swing-era frontman before a dance-off to House Of Pain’s "Jump Around." It was #ThrowbackThursday on a Sunday night.

5. Alessia Cara Claims Best New Artist

"I've been pretend winning GRAMMYs since I was a kid in the shower," Alessia Cara said with a shaky voice before a towering microphone as she accepted her first GRAMMY. While the Canadian was already considered a strong candidate for the award, the competition was fierce — including SZA and newcomer Julia Michaels. But as Cara continued into her speech, she acknowledged and showed support for her peers, which included her fellow nominees and indie acts. "Support real music and real artists," she said. Then she thanked her fans, because there will be no more pretend GRAMMYs in the shower from now on.

Alessia Cara: 2018 GRAMMYs Backstage Interview

6. Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee Bring On More "Despacito"

Over the course of 2017, the infectious "Despacito" hasn't left our brains. Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee hit the stage to perform the diamond-certified single and brought former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera in two. Rivera also appeared in the music video, but took center stage to dance amid a mock club scene. "That is a catchy song. I've never heard that song before," Corden deadpanned after the performance.

7. "Subway Carpool Karaoke"

Corden's viral "Carpool Karaoke" series made a cameo during the evening. How could it not? This time, however, it was a special "Subway Carpool Karaoke," featuring Corden, Sting and Shaggy. The former Police frontman couldn't even get through "Every Breath You Take" before being shushed by a construction worker on the train. And Shaggy barely sang "It Wasn't Me" before another passenger hushed even Corden. Then a fight broke out on the train and Corden got a bloody nose. It was a dangerous karaoke scene. You had to be there.

James Corden Subway Carpool Karaoke | 2018 GRAMMYs

8. Janelle Monáe Says #TimesUp, Kesha Sings #MeToo

All one has to do is read the news in recent months to know that injustice to women is no longer an option across industries. As Janelle Monáe introduced Kesha's performance of "Praying," she delivered a powerful speech hooked to the sexual harassment initiative Time's Up. "We are also daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, humans," Monáe told the crowd. "We come in peace, but we mean business." When Kesha hit the stage, her performance was that much more intense, especially understanding all she's been through in the music industry. With Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Bebe Rexha, Julia Michaels, and Andra Day joining on background vocals, the performance ended with the women hugging and in tears. They weren't alone.

Janelle Monaé's "Time's Up" Speech

9. Elton John, Miley Cyrus Transcend Generations Onstage

Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" is one of those classic songs that can bring you immediately back to a moment or an era (or a movie scene, like that bus ride in Almost Famous). However, tonight a new moment was made with Miley Cyrus. With John seated at his piano, he opened the song and Cyrus joined to help carry the song home. While the "Wrecking Ball" singer is no stranger to classic music — especially given her godmother is Dolly Parton — this performance was particularly special. Call it onstage chemistry, or call it bridging the gap, but this "Tiny Dancer" performance was one for the ages.

10. Ben Platt, Patti LuPone Wow With Broadway Style

This special Leonard Bernstein-Andrew Lloyd Webber tribute kicked off properly, as Ben Platt from "Dear Evan Hansen" gave the audience a rousing dose of "Somewhere" from the former's "West Side Story." But as James Corden could barely stand as he introduced Patti LuPone, we soon found out why. LuPone delivered a riveting rendition of “Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from Evita. Posted at a podium, just as the musical/movie depicts, she belted like it was her first time singing the song and it was our first time hearing it.

11. Logic, Khalid, Alessia Cara Bring Hope

There's a reason why "1-800-273-8255" was nominated for Song Of The Year. The powerful track comes with a real message of suicide prevention. When the trifecta of Logic, Khalid, and Alessia Cara hit the stage to perform the monumental hit single, there was no denying the magic. Performing on opposite stages before an army of survivors in "You Are Not Alone" shirts, Logic addressed the crowd and closed the performance with a speech pointing out many societal injustices — from the treatment of women to neighbors from other countries. There are no weak individuals, per Logic, just people waiting to realize the power of their voice.

12. Bruno Mars' Magical Evening: 6 For 6

Bruno Mars emerged above the stiff competition in Album Of The Year, taking home the final GRAMMY of the evening for 24K Magic. The nod topped off a GRAMMY sweep for the Hawaii native, with Mars winning all six categories for which he was nominated. He also earned R&B Album, Record Of The Year for "24K Magic," Best R&B Performance, Best R&B Song and Song Of The Year for "That's What I Like." As he explained in his Album Of The Year speech, Mars' mission was to spread love and he did just that — even shouting out previous greats like Babyface who paved the way for him.

(Kathy Iandoli has penned pieces for Pitchfork, VICE, Maxim, O, Cosmopolitan, The Village Voice, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and more. She co-authored the book Commissary Kitchen with Mobb Deep's late Albert "Prodigy" Johnson, and is a professor of music business at select universities throughout New York and New Jersey.)

Catching Up On The GRAMMY Awards Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? Just Say "Talk To GRAMMYs"