Black Mamba and The Marathon continue

It was a night of mourning and celebration during the 62 annual Grammy Awards at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

This year’s ceremony kicked off with an electrifying opener from Lizzo. Alongside plump-sized ballerinas and a flute solo-set, Lizzo performed “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts”, which earned her Best Pop/Solo Performance. She also took home Best Urban Contemporary Album for Cuz I Love You and Traditional R&B Performance “Jerome”.

Returning as host, Alicia Keys’ opening remarks included a tribute to Kobe Bryant with “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye” with Boyz II Men. The former NBA star died in a fatal helicopter crash earlier in the day.

Accompanied by an army of clones, Tyler, The Creator, donned his signature blonde wig and attire and rocked a fiery stage with “EARFQUAKE” and “NEW MAGIC WAND” alongside Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men. Earlier in the evening, Tyler’s IGOR took home Best Rap Album.

The late Nipsey Hussle posthumously earned his first Grammy wins with Best Rap Performance with “Racks In The Middle” and his feature on DJ Khaled’s “Higher” earned him a Best Rap Sung Collaboration gramaphone. Nipsey’s legacy was also celebrated with an all-star tribute that included the new track, “Letter To Nipsey” featuring Meek Mill and Roddy Ricch, and “Higher” featuring DJ Khaled, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, and YG.

Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus took the STAPLES Center down to “Old Town Road”, which earned them wins in both Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video. Lil Nas X then brought out Nas for a surprise debut of their “Rodeo” remix.

Other performances in the evening included Usher’s performance of a Prince medley with Sheila E and FKA Twigs, H.E.R.’s soothing premiere of her new single, “Sometimes” as well as a blast from the past performance by Aerosmith and Run D.M.C. with “Walk This Way”.

Noteworthy wins this year included 21 Savage and J.Cole’s “A Lot” for Best Rap Song and Anderson .Paak for both Best R&B Album (Ventura) and Best R&B Performance (“Come Home”). Elsewhere, Beyonce’s Homecoming took Best Music Film and 19 year-old Koffee became the first female reggae artist ever to win Best Reggae Album (Rapture).

Full list of winners, performances and highlights can be viewed here.