After being postponed for several months, the Grammys showcased an array of talent and fashion. This high-class event displayed nothing less than an elegant vibe from the carpet to the stage that gave the viewers a sense of higher class.

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” felt raw and emotionally driven when performed. Her connection to her fans through the song came through in her performance. The song that genuinely called her fame will always be a part of her and her fandom.

Also giving an emotionally memorable performance was Billie Eilish with “Happier than Ever.” Billie has immense control over the audience, and through her voice, it is evident Billie drove her raw emotions in the song.

Moving to the awards, there were many somewhat expected surprises. Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open” over songs like “Montero” by Lil Nas X, “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo, and “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish. Whether the song honestly had enough over the others to take the award is questionable, but it is always good to see some soul and R&B taking awards. Rodrigo swept many categories including Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance for her performance of “Drivers License.” This was expected with the immense love she has gotten for the past two years following her music career.

The outfits this year on the red carpet weren’t up to the standards of previous years—some decent outfits like Lil Nas X in Balmain and BTS in Louis Vuitton generic suits. Among the crowd, remarkably few stood out, but it was either breathtaking or borderline scary for the people who did. SZA’s Jean-Paul gown is an example of what the Grammy’s fashion needs to be. It was a beautiful brownish gown with flowers arranged on the front. In a magnificent red robe, Dancehall artist Spice served the carpet in ways that others failed to do. When she let the robe drop behind her and posed for the pictures, it was a moment that left me gasping for air. Finally, Yola’s purple dress was nothing less than beautiful. It was so elegant it required three different people to position it.

Speaking with senior Taylor Canty, I think she said what many people were thinking after watching the show. When asked what she wished she saw more of, she replied, “I wish I saw more diverse winners.”

The Grammys are the biggest showcase of music yearly, but it does bring the question of who we are showcasing. These people are winning five to six awards for one song they wrote. There needs to be more diversity among the artists. This doesn’t just mean diversity among races and ethnicities; there needs to be more diversity among the genres. Although there are different categories for different genres, the bigger categories are dominated by either Pop or R&B artists.  As a showcase of music and talents it needs to highlight all music genres.

Finally, you can not talk about the Grammys without talking about the pre-recorded video from Volodymyr Zelensky pleading for Ukraine. He pre-recorded a message that was played. He says the following, which was heartbreaking for many, “Support us in any way you can. Any – but not silence.”

The Grammys did not disappoint with music, fashion, and excitement. Following events of other award shows, it was nice to have something that was very chill and had a great vibe. I recommend that anyone watch them or even clips of highlights.