Grammy Awards 2024: Women Dominate Major Categories, Arrest of Rapper, and Memorable Moments
The 2024 Grammy Awards took place on Sunday night and made history with women dominating the major categories. Taylor Swift took home the coveted album of the year award, while Billie Eilish won song of the year. Miley Cyrus was recognized for record of the year, and Victoria Monét was named best new artist. These headlines have been circulating, but there were many other noteworthy moments that occurred inside the Crypto.com Arena. The Hollywood Reporter was there to capture all the action that didn’t make it to the CBS telecast.
Arrest of Rapper Killer Mike
The night started with a shocking incident as Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike was arrested before the first award was even handed out. Killer Mike, whose real name is Michael Render, had just won three Grammys during the pre-televised portion of the event. He was detained and handcuffed for a physical altercation that occurred outside the arena. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news as it developed, with Killer Mike being led through the arena in handcuffs and taken to a private security room for questioning. He was later placed under arrest and booked for misdemeanor battery. The incident arose after a scuffle with a security guard.
Killer Mike’s Inspiring Words
Before his arrest, Killer Mike delivered inspiring words from both the Peacock Theater stage and backstage press room. He expressed his gratitude for winning in every category he was nominated in and encouraged others not to give up on their dreams. He reflected on his journey in hip-hop and emphasized that age should never limit one’s ability to pursue their passion. Killer Mike’s resilience and determination were evident as he shared his personal growth and the lessons he has learned throughout his career.
Taylor Swift’s Eventful Night
As always, all eyes were on Taylor Swift at the Grammy Awards. She made history by winning her fourth album of the year honor. However, there was some online discourse surrounding her exit from the stage, as she did not acknowledge Celine Dion, who handed her the trophy. Despite this, Swift and Dion were later photographed in a tight embrace, dispelling any rumors of bad blood. Throughout the night, Swift caught up with fellow music stars and showed her support for other artists. She stood up and gave a rousing standing ovation during Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs’ performance and consoled her collaborator Ice Spice after missing out on a Grammy. Swift also congratulated Billie Eilish on her win for song of the year.
Celine Dion’s Surprise Appearance
Celine Dion made a triumphant return to the public eye as she presented the highest honor of the night during the Grammy telecast. It was her first public appearance in quite some time due to her battle with stiff-person syndrome. Dion made a casual entrance into the arena through the VIP doors, accompanied by her stylist Law Roach. Roach, known as the “image architect,” played a significant role in Dion’s fashion transformation. Dion’s surprise appearance had been teased by Grammys executive producer Ben Winston, creating anticipation among fans.
Other Memorable Moments
The Grammy Awards were filled with memorable moments, including Billy Joel’s world premiere performance of his first new single in 17 years. One guest in the audience caught everyone’s attention with a reflective coat that shined brightly when the lights went down. Joni Mitchell, an 80-year-old singer-songwriter, performed at the show for the first time and received a tender moment with Brandi Carlile backstage. Phoebe Bridgers used her time in the press room to slam former Recording Academy president Neil Portnow for his comments about women in the industry. Producer Jack Antonoff expressed his thoughts on Universal Music Group’s decision to remove its song catalog from TikTok. Victoria Monét’s win for best new artist moved fellow nominee Coco Jones to tears, showcasing the support and camaraderie among artists. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen showed love to fans as they made their exit from the Grammys, and host Trevor Noah reminded nominees of the time limit for their acceptance speeches. Lastly, the glamour of the evening faded as guests faced a rainy and windy scene outside the arena, with some resorting to using garbage bags as makeshift ponchos.
The 2024 Grammy Awards were a night filled with historic wins, unexpected moments, and powerful performances. Women took center stage in the major categories, breaking barriers and showcasing their talent. The event was not without its share of controversies and surprises, but it ultimately celebrated the achievements of artists across various genres. As the rain poured outside, the memories of this unforgettable night will continue to resonate in the music industry.