The 2019 Grammys - By Anne-Marie Nkhoma

The Grammy awards are presented by the Recording Academy, to recognise artists for their talents and hard work, with their trophy being a golden gramophone. The award show also has artists perform, to showcase their artistry and talents. Many artists such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Chance the Rapper and Adele have all been recipients of the award in the past. The award show commenced on February 11th this year.

Many supporters of artists had shared their opinions online as to how the Grammys didn’t give awards to people who deserved them. One incident included singer Ariana Grande voicing her outrage of Mac Miller not winning in the Best Rap Album category, and instead going to Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy album. In now deleted tweets, she hinted at how hard Mac Miller had worked, saying he had slept in the studio for 2 months. However she had sent out an apology, and then congratulated Cardi B by writing “Nothing to do w(ith) her. Good for her. I promise. I’m
sorry.” Ariana was upset that Mac Miller didn’t win, however she didn’t want people to think she was discrediting Cardi B for her award.

Many fans of artists also speculate that the Grammys is now a popularity contest, rather than to award artists of their hard work. The Grammys was even accused of using K-Pop group BTS for views. Many BTS fans expected a performance, however, the boyband was only there to present the Best R&B Album award that H.E.R. ended up winning. A lot of viewers were also annoyed when watching the award show as well, as Camilla Cabello had performed her hit single from 2017 called Havana, even if it’s been performed plenty of times, and even if it’s gotten plenty of radio play. Dua Lipa had received the award for Best New Artist, and again many fans had argued that the
award should’ve gone to nominees such as Jorja Smith and H.E.R.

However even with all the controversy, the award show was entertaining, with performances from Alicia Keys, Post Malone, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Diana Ross, Travis Scott and J Balvin. Though it might’ve been a waste of time for some watchers, it was a thrilling experience for others to see their favourite artists win or perform.