LOS ANGELES, March 15, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – The 63rd Grammys kicked off Sunday
with a song from Harry Styles as organizers sought to ditch the virtual
pandemic-era awards show format with a series of live appearances from the
industry’s biggest stars — socially distanced, of course.
Styles delivered his hit “Watermelon Sugar” after host Trevor Noah opened
the normally glitzy affair from Los Angeles, joking that it would be the
largest outdoor event of 2021 since the storming of the US Capitol in
January.
“I know that you haven’t been able to go to a concert in a long time —
neither have I. So tonight we’re bringing the concert to you,” Noah said.
Last year’s big winner Billie Eilish quickly followed up with her own
nominated hit “Everything I Wanted” — the night is expected to be heavy on
music, with some appearances pre-recorded and many others live.
At the ceremony ahead of the gala, Beyonce, Megan Thee Stallion and Eilish
took home early honors.
Beyonce captured her first trophy of the day for Best Music Video, an award
she shared with her eldest daughter Blue Ivy, who was in the clip for “Brown
Skin Girl.”
The megastar did not Zoom in to accept the prize from the Recording Academy
that many say has failed her in the past, with repeated snubs in past years
for critically acclaimed work.
Beyonce still has more chances at Grammy gold including in the prestigious
Record and Song of the Year categories.
She snagged her second trophy for her smash with Megan Thee Stallion, who
accepted her first Grammy ever through tears.
Hopefuls for major awards include pop heavyweights Taylor Swift and Dua
Lipa, along with rapper Roddy Ricch.
A rendition of the bawdy song “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan was on deck, with
Swift, Lipa, South Korean boy band BTS and rapper DaBaby also slated to light
up the screen.