Grammys 2024: Star-Studded Extravaganza-Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, SZA, and U2 to Headline Spectacular Ceremony.

Grammys 2024: The upcoming Grammys in 2024 will feature an impressive lineup of talented artists. Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, SZA, and U2 are set to take the stage and captivate the audience with their incredible performances.

This star-studded event promises to be a memorable night filled with exceptional music and well-deserved recognition for these renowned musicians.

Could the Grammy Awards finally make the right choices this year?

The annual event, held in Los Angeles every Sunday, has gained a reputation for favoring traditional acts rather than embracing modern, innovative pop music.

However, this year’s selection of nominees is a departure from the norm, as they represent popular choices that appeal to a wide audience. Leading the pack with nine nominations is the talented R&B artist, SZA.

In addition to the exciting lineup of nominees, the ceremony will feature captivating performances by renowned artists such as Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell, and U2.

For the fourth consecutive year, comedian Trevor Noah will take on the role of host, presiding over an impressive 94 categories. These categories span a wide range, from recognizing the best contemporary Christian album to honoring the finest audiobook. Notably, former First Lady Michelle Obama will compete against the esteemed actress Meryl Streep in the audiobook category.

In addition, indie-rock supergroup Boygenius, led by Phoebe Bridgers, and popular singer Victoria Monét have both received an impressive seven nominations each.

Furthermore, prominent chart-toppers such as Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey, and Ice Spice have all garnered multiple nominations in this year’s female-dominated field.

Ahead of the event, there are nine key points to be aware of.

1) A guide to tuning in to the Grammys.

To begin, prepare a robust pot of coffee.

The Grammys are accolades bestowed by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize exceptional accomplishments in music.

Over 80 awards will be distributed during the “premiere ceremony” at 20:30 GMT on Sunday (12:30 in Los Angeles).

It is often worthwhile to tune in. The winners in the lesser-known categories are less polished and more enthusiastic about their victory, while the performances are more relaxed and, dare I say, more melodious compared to the grand Hollywood productions you’ll witness later.

You can view the entire event on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and on live.grammy.com.

The main show, commencing at 01:00 Monday GMT, will be aired live in the US on CBS and streamed on Paramount Plus. Speeches and selected performances are typically uploaded to YouTube the following day.

2) Can Taylor Swift surpass the legendary Ol’ Blue Eyes?

Should Swift win the album of the year award for Midnights, she will achieve a remarkable feat by becoming the first artist in history to secure the prestigious trophy four times. Currently, she shares the record with Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and Frank Sinatra, all of whom have three wins to their names.

However, it is worth noting that the Grammys have traditionally shown more enthusiasm towards Swift’s ventures into country and folk music rather than her pop records.

The competition for album of the year is fierce. Here is the complete lineup of nominees:

1. Boygenius – The Record
2. Janelle Monáe – The Age of Pleasure
3. Jon Batiste – World Music Radio
4. Lana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
5. Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation
6. Olivia Rodrigo – Guts
7. SZA – SOS
8. Taylor Swift – Midnights.

3) Joni and Tracy have the ability to outshine young stars.

The upcoming event is set to showcase the incredible talents of modern-day superstars such as Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, SZA, and Olivia Rodrigo, who are expected to deliver extravagant performances of their chart-topping hits. However, the spotlight may be stolen by two remarkable female artists who have been relatively absent from the public eye in recent times.

Joni Mitchell, a living legend in her own right, will undoubtedly receive a reception befitting her status as she graces the Grammy stage for the first time at the age of 80. Her performance is guaranteed to be a momentous occasion that will leave a lasting impression on all who witness it.

Additionally, there are strong rumors circulating that Tracy Chapman will make a rare public appearance, joining forces with country star Luke Combs to perform her iconic 1988 hit “Fast Car,” which he brought back to the charts last year. This collaboration is highly anticipated and is sure to captivate the audience with its nostalgic charm.

In addition to these extraordinary artists, the night’s lineup will also feature stellar performances by Billy Joel, Travis Scott, and Burna Boy, ensuring a diverse and unforgettable musical experience for all in attendance.

4) Scotland celebrates every victory achieved by SZA.

SZA’s second album SOS achieved great success in the US, reigning at the top of the charts for an impressive 10 weeks. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone in the singer’s career, propelling her into the major league of music.

Originally hailing from Missouri and later raised in New Jersey, SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, initially pursued a path in marine biology before embarking on her musical journey.

Interestingly, if her latest album manages to secure a Grammy, it will also be a triumph for a talented 20-year-old music producer from Scotland. Blair Ferguson, known by his stage name BLK Beats, composed the music for SZA’s popular single “Snooze” right from the comfort of his bedroom in Glasgow. The track went on to achieve remarkable success, selling over two million copies in the US.

In an interview with BBC News, Ferguson expressed his admiration for SZA’s artistic prowess, describing her as a true genius who has the ability to elevate any song with her unique melodies. He firmly believes that no other artist could have brought the same magic to the track he collaborated on with SZA.

5) Who is the more prominent rock star: Mick or Olivia?

The clash between Olivia Rodrigo’s punky Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl and The Rolling Stones’ Angry, a tale of a lovers’ quarrel, makes the best rock song category a clash of cultures. As we ponder who will be the face of rock ‘n’ roll in 2024, the Grammys typically favor longevity, but Rodrigo’s rock revivalism may sway their decision, as it has sparked a resurgence in guitar music after a decade-long lull.

The competition is fierce, with the likes of Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age also vying for the title. However, the true contenders must be acknowledged as Boygenius.

Comprised of indie songwriters Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, Boygenius crafted an album last year that defined an era with its haunting harmonies and poetic lyrics. Their presence is felt not only in the major categories but also in the rock subgenres, making them a potential runaway winner this year.

6) A groundbreaking achievement for the African continent.

The Grammys have introduced a new category called “best African music performance” to recognize the growing influence of genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano, as well as Africa’s significant impact on music history. This category aims to highlight the exceptional talent emerging from the African music scene. Previously, these artists would have competed in the world music category.

The inaugural nominees for this category include renowned Nigerian artists such as Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr, and Davido, as well as breakout South African singer Tyla. Tyla, who achieved global success with her hit song “Water” in late 2023, expressed her excitement about the prestigious recognition from the Grammys.

In addition to the best African music performance category, the Grammys have also introduced two other new awards for 2024: best alternative jazz album and best pop dance recording. These additions demonstrate the Grammys’ commitment to acknowledging diverse and evolving music genres.

7) Seeking Justice for Miley!

Despite her impressive career, Miley Cyrus has not yet received a Grammy award, and she has only been nominated twice in the past.

However, this year is different for the singer formerly known as Hannah Montana. Her all-grown-up pop album, Endless Summer Vacation, has earned her six nominations.

The lead single, “Flowers,” was not only the best-selling song in the UK last year but also topped the US Billboard charts for eight weeks. It is now in the running for record and song of the year, as well as best pop vocal performance.

Nevertheless, with many talented sad girls singing pop songs this year, Miley Cyrus might once again go home empty-handed.

8) Is country music being ignored by the Grammys?

Country music experienced a significant resurgence in the United States last year, with a 20% increase in streams. Notably, in August, country songs occupied the top three positions on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. However, despite this success, none of the prominent country artists such as Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan have received nominations in the Grammys’ major, all-genre categories.

Interestingly, it has been five years since a country album has been nominated for album of the year, with Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour being the last to win the award. This absence raises the question of why country music seems to be overlooked in these prestigious categories.

One possible explanation is the political and racial undertones associated with some of the genre’s biggest stars. Morgan Wallen, for instance, faced backlash after a video surfaced of him using a racial slur earlier this year. This incident has made voters cautious about supporting him.

Similarly, Jason Aldean’s song “Try That in a Small Town” sparked controversy, as some listeners interpreted it as having racial undertones due to its portrayal of vigilante justice. Although Aldean denied these accusations, he apologized when it was revealed that the video was filmed in front of a Tennessee courthouse associated with a brutal lynching in 1927.

Even artists like Jason Isbell and Zach Bryan, who challenged Nashville’s more regressive tendencies with thoughtful songs, were not recognized with major awards. It appears that the Academy, perhaps exercising caution, has chosen to distance itself from the potential controversies surrounding the genre’s biggest stars.

9) What is the required level of freshness for the finest emerging artist?

Tennessee singer Jelly Roll, also known as Jason DeFord, has been nominated for the best new artist award, just 21 years after releasing his first song. Despite not being a conventional contender, his transition from the underground music scene to the mainstream has made him eligible according to Grammy guidelines.

Despite his troubled past as a convicted criminal and former drug dealer, Jelly Roll has turned his life around and even testified before the US Congress in support of anti-fentanyl legislation. His raw and emotional storytelling about addiction and redemption has resonated with audiences, leading to his breakthrough in the charts last year when he shifted from rap to country music.

At the age of 39, if he wins, he will become the oldest recipient of the best new artist trophy, surpassing Sheryl Crow, who was 33 when she won in 1995. However, the Latin Grammys took it to another level by awarding the best new artist trophy to 95-year-old Angela Alvarez in 2022.