Alessia Cara, Khalid, 2018

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Portugal. The Man To Aida Cuevas: Backstage At The 2018 GRAMMYs

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Also see James Fauntleroy, Reba McIntire, Latroit, and more after they stepped off the GRAMMY stage
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Jan 28, 2018 - 4:39 pm

What do artists do the moment they walk off the GRAMMY stage from presenting, accepting an award or performing? Now, you can find out.

Take a peak at Album Of The Year GRAMMY winner Bruno Mars, 60th GRAMMY Awards Host James Cordon, Cardi B minutes before her electrifying performance of "Finesse," and more!

Also see Best Pop Duo/Group Performance GRAMMY winners Portugal. The Man posing with their first career GRAMMY Award, Best Roots Gospel Album GRAMMY winner Reba McIntire right after she walked offstage, Best R&B Song GRAMMY winner James Fauntleroy, Best Remixed Recording GRAMMY winner Latroit, and many more, with these photos from backstage during the 60th GRAMMY Awards.

Bruno Mars, 2018
Backstage At The 60th GRAMMY Awards

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Ice-T to India.Arie: 2018 GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony

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Between giving out awards in more than 70 categories and great performances, you don't want to miss what happened at the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Jan 28, 2018 - 7:01 pm

Each year prior to the GRAMMY Awards telecast, the Premiere Ceremony honors GRAMMY winners in more than 70 categories, complete with a slate of unforgettable performances.

Body Count Perform "Black Hoodie"

During the 60th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony, for example, you must see the hilarious Paul Shaffer present the GRAMMY for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album to Tony Bennett and his son Dae Bennett, Chris Stapleton add two more GRAMMYs to his collection, and Body Count's slammin' performance of "Black Hoodie."

We didn't want you to miss any of the action, so take a look at what happened during this year's prelude to Music's Biggest Night.

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Ice-T and Body Count at the 60th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony in 2018
2018 GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony

Chris Stapleton backstage at the 60th GRAMMY Awards

Chris Stapleton

Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

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Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, Kendrick Lamar: 14 Milestones At The 60th GRAMMYs

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Mars joins rare company, Stapleton makes Best Country Album history, Cara claims a first for the Great White North, and more
Paul Grein
GRAMMYs
Jan 29, 2018 - 8:54 am

Now that you've read all the major storylines about Music's Biggest Night, find out what history was made in New York on Jan. 28. Here are 14 records that were set at the 60th GRAMMY Awards.

Watch: Bruno Mars Wins Album Of The Year

1. Bruno Mars' Sweeps Three Big Four Categories

Bruno Mars swept the awards for Record, Album and Song Of The Year. He's the first male artist to sweep these three awards in one year since Eric Clapton did it 25 years ago.

2. Mars Captures Record, Song Of The Year

Mars is the first artist to win Record and Song Of The Year in the same year with different songs since Carole King achieved the feat 46 years ago. Mars took Record Of The Year with "24K Magic" and Song Of The Year with "That's What I Like." King won Record Of The Year with "It's Too Late" and Song Of The Year with "You've Got A Friend."

3. "That's What I Like": 8 Songwriters Recognized

"That's What I Like," with eight credited songwriters, set a new record as the Song Of The Year winner with the most co-writers. The old record, shared by seven songs, was four co-writers.

4. Alessia Cara: Canada's Best New Artist

Brampton, Ontario, native Alessia Cara won Best New Artist. She's the first artist who was born in Canada to win in this category.

Watch: Alessia Cara Wins Best New Artist

5. Kendrick Lamar Sweeps The Rap Categories (Again)

Kendrick Lamar swept all four awards in the Rap Field. He also swept all four rap awards two years ago. He's the first artist to take home all of the rap awards more than once. Eminem swept the 2000 rap awards (when there were three). Kanye West swept the 2011 awards (when there were four).

Watch: Kendrick Lamar Wins Best Rap Album

6. Kraftwerk's First

Kraftwerk won Best Dance/Electronic Album for 3-D The Catalogue. This is Kraftwerk's first GRAMMY win, though the group received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2014.

7. The Weeknd Doubles Up On Best Urban Contemporary Album

The Weeknd's Starboy took Best Urban Contemporary Album. The Weeknd won in this category two years ago for Beauty Behind The Madness. He's the first artist to win twice in the category since it was added in 2012.

8. Little Big Town's Best Country Duo/Group Performance Triple Play

Little Big Town won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Better Man." It's the quartet's third win in this category, which is more than any other duo or group since the category was streamlined in 2011. The group won for "Pontoon" (2012) and "Girl Crush" (2015).

9. Chris Stapleton Wins Second Best Country Album

Chris Stapleton's From A Room: Volume 1 won Best Country Album. He's the first male solo artist to win twice in this category since the category was re-introduced in 1994.

10. Shakira's Best Latin Pop Album Mark

Shakira took Best Latin Pop Album for El Dorado. The Colombian superstar is the first female artist to win twice in this category (which dates to 1983). She won 17 years ago for MTV Unplugged.

11. The Rolling Stones Roll With Blues Win

The Rolling Stones took Best Traditional Blues Album for Blue & Lonesome. The legendary band took the 1994 award for Best Rock Album for Voodoo Lounge. They are the first artists to win in both of these categories.

12. La La Land Soundtrack Doubles Up

La La Land won both Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media and Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media. La La Land is the first film to win in both of these categories since Ray took both awards for 2005.

13. Greg Kurstin Joins Elite Producer Company

Greg Kurstin took Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for the second straight year. He's the first producer to win two years in a row in this category since Babyface won three years running from 1995-1997.

14. Kendrick Lamar Joins With Best Music Video Win

Lamar took Best Music Video for "Humble." He won in this category two years ago for "Bad Blood," a collaboration with Taylor Swift. Lamar is the first rapper to win twice in this category. (Johnny Cash, Peter Gabriel, Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson are also two-time winners in this category.)

(Paul Grein is a veteran music journalist and historian whose work appears regularly at Yahoo.com and Hitsdailydouble.com.)

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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"

Neil Portnow at the 60th GRAMMY Awards

Neil Portnow

Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

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Neil Portnow Champions MusiCares, Recording Academy Advocacy, GRAMMY Museum | 2018 GRAMMYs

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Recording Academy President/CEO takes a moment to reflect on 60 years of music excellence and look forward to a bright future for the organization's pillars
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
Jan 28, 2018 - 7:46 pm

The 60th GRAMMY Awards proved to be a show for the ages. The show not only featured a variety of colorful performances, it took place in the backdrop of the Big Apple, marking a return to New York for the first time in 15 years. The monumental evening represented a full-circle moment of sorts for Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow, who championed themes of celebration and excellence during his telecast remarks.

Watch Neil Portnow's 60th GRAMMY Speech

"How do you top the milestone of a 60th anniversary?  Well, you celebrate it in New York City," said Portnow. "It was a big night for me 15 years ago, right here on this stage, as I began my first year as President of the Recording Academy."

Delving back to the organization's beginning, Portnow raised a toast to the thousands of recipients who have earned a GRAMMY Award.

"So what do 60 years of excellence look like? We have awarded more than 9,600 GRAMMYs, music's highest accolade, and we are the most-watched music event in the world," said Portnow.

The Recording Academy's work year-round extends into health and human services. Through its affiliated charity, MusiCares, the Academy helps musicians who are in dire need of financial, medical and emergency assistance. MusiCares is also there in the face of terrible tragedy in providing relief to victims of natural disasters.

"Our MusiCares charity has provided nearly $58 million dollars in aid and served more than 125,000 people in our community," said Portnow. "And this includes saving lives with addiction recovery and sober living help.

"We're in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and now California helping music people recover from devastating hurricanes and fires. And as a nation, we must help all of our brothers and sisters until they are back on their feet."

From midterm elections to music licensing and funding for the arts, there are many advocacy storylines music creators should keep their eye on in 2018. The Recording Academy keeps a constant pulse on any new policy developments affecting the livelihood of music creators, a point Portnow underscored.

"The Academy's work on Capitol Hill improves the lives of music creators, and thousands participate in all 50 states in the largest grassroots movement for music in history," he said. "The time is right, and we are working closely with Congress to pass comprehensive music licensing reform, which began with a GRAMMY-timed congressional hearing where I had the privilege to testify, right here in New York, just two days ago."

More than just a museum with amazing exhibits, the GRAMMY Museum raises the flag for music education. Millions have gone through the Museum's collective turnstiles and received a taste of the rich programming offered 365 days a year. Portnow took a moment to reference the incredible work the Museum undertakes to ensure music remains a vital part of our nation's education system.

"The GRAMMY Museum has welcomed more than 5 million visitors to our locations in Los Angeles, Mississippi, Nashville, and New Jersey, and traveling exhibits in 29 cities and 8 countries," said Portnow. "And we've provided over $10 million for our music education programs and opportunities for students.

"The recently launched GRAMMY Music Education Coalition is dedicated to building universal music participation in schools nationwide. Just imagine every student in America having access to music programs; with your help and support, we can make that dream a reality."

Before signing off, Portnow punctuated his remarks with a reminder that music — now, more so than ever — has the power to serve as a uniting force.

"Our music community stands strong and committed to providing hope and inspiration in difficult and divisive times. You can count on our music to soothe our souls, or issue a clarion call to action, as our voices will remain an indelible part of our culture and future."

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