Hailed as the most prestigious night of the music industry, the Grammy awards this year proved monumental for women artists. Although marred with a lot of controversies, the awards still turned out to be a success in terms of women’s representation, which spoke for itself right from the host to the winners to the performances.

Hosted for the first time by 15-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys, the night turned out to be especially big for Kacey Musgrave as her album Golden Hour fetched her not one but two honours, including the album of the year and the best country album award. 

Cardi B became the first woman ever to win the award for the best rap album. She clinched the Grammy for her album Invasion Of Privacy. “I can’t breathe. Oh my goodness. I’m sorry, I just… I just… ooh, the nerves are so bad. Maybe I need to start smoking weed,” said Cardi B upon receiving the award as she was joined by her husband Offset on the stage.

Despite being absent from the pre-telecast ceremony to accept the honour, Ariana Grande had a grand night as well as she clinched her first ever Grammy. She won the award for the best pop vocal album for her song Sweetener. Childish Gambino, who was also absent from the ceremony, created history as his song This Is America won the song of the year award. Full of racial symbolism, the song was the topic of many discussions last year.

While Dua Lipa won the Grammy for Best New Artist award, H.E.R. clinched the best R&B album award for her eponymous album. Lady Gaga also took away her share of the Grammys as she won the best pop duo/group performance award for Shallow along with Bradley Cooper.

She said while accepting the award, “I’m so proud to be a part of a movie that addresses mental health issues. … A lot of artists deal with that. And we gotta take care of each other.”

US First Lady Michelle Obama also took to the stage during the ceremony and talked about music. She said, “Music has always helped me tell my story.” Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jennifer Lopez, and Alicia joined her on stage.

Some of the high-profile performances of the evening included Camila Cabello, who kick-started the ceremony, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, Diana Ross, Travis Scott, Alicia Keys, and Cardi B. Miley Cyrus also performed along with Dolly Parton in a commemorative performance where the latter was honoured for her contribution to the art and music industry. Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves also joined the performance.

H/T: Hindustan Times