Los Angeles: Female musicians such as Kacey Musgraves, Cardi B and Lady Gaga shone bright at the 2019 Grammys, making history by taking home top awards in categories generally dominated by male artistes.
A year after the award ceremony faced severe criticism for its lack of female representation, the Recording Academy seemed to make amends by giving women the centre stage as winners, performers and host.
Women had "stepped up" in a big way as best new artist winner Dua Lipa pointed out, in an apparent dig at outgoing Recording Academy president Neil Portnow.
Portnow had created a furore by saying last year that women needed to "step up" if they desired more representation at the Grammys.
With Alicia Keys as a host, the first female emcee after a gap of 14 years, the ceremony was in for major revamp. Keys pulled the night's biggest surprise by inviting her "sisters" -- former First Lady Michelle Obama, Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Obama spoke about how music has played a crucial role in her life, particularly in the last one decade.
"It (music) allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in. Music shows us that all of it matters - every story within every voice, every note within every song," Obama said amid loud cheers from the audience.
Musgraves's four wins, including the biggest prize, album of the year, capped the ceremony's female dominion.
She defeated the likes of Brandi Carlile, Drake, Black Panther: The Album (various artists), Post Malone, Cardi and Janelle Monae to win the award.
The last country LP to win Album of the Year was Taylor Swift's ' Fearless' in 2010.
Musgraves also took home trophies for best country album, best country song and best country solo performance.
"It was unbelievable to be even in a category with such gigantic albums ... It's really crazy. But I'm very thankful. Art is really thriving and it's been really beautiful to see that. I would have nothing without songs. To me, it's just all about the songs," Musgraves said in her speech.
Cardi created history by becoming the first solo woman to win best rap album for 'Invasion of Privacy', beating out Nipsey Hussle, Pusha T, Travis Scott, and the late Mac Miller.
Beck wins Grammy for Best Alternative Album
Beck, the genre-bending experimental artist whose postmodern arrangements have endured since the 1990s, won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album Sunday.
The 48-year-old Californian whose eccentric sound collages have won him both critical and commercial success, beat competition from fellow musical shapeshifters Bjork and St Vincent.
His 13th studio album, "Colors" found praise for its lush soundscapes and energetic ear candy.
The album was his first since 2014's "Morning Phase," for which he earned three Grammys, including the coveted Album of the Year.
Ariana Grande wins first-ever Grammy award
Singer Ariana Grande yesterday won her first Grammy award in the Best Pop Vocal Album category for her LP 'Sweetener '
Her album bested fellow nominees Camila Cabello, Kelly Clarkson, Shawn Mendes, P!nk and Taylor Swift.
The singer, however, was not present at the ceremony and the Recording Academy accepted the award on her behalf.
"I know I'm not there tonight (trust, I tried and still truly wished it had worked out) and I know I said I try not to put too much weight into these things …. But f*** ……. This is wild and beautiful. Thank you so much," Grande tweeted post her win.
Chris Cornell wins Grammy posthumously for best rock performance
Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell was honoured posthumously at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards for his song "When Bad Does Good".
The late singer won in the best rock performance category and his children Toni and Christopher accepted the award. Cornell's song was up against Arctic Monkeys, Greta Van Fleet, Hailstorm and Fever 333. The track was part of 'Chris Cornell', a four-disc retrospective box set released last year featuring 11 unreleased songs.
"When Bad Does Good" features haunting lyrics in light of the singer's suicide in May 2017, while he was on tour with Soundgarden. He was 52.
Childish Gambino's 'This Is America' wins Song of the Year at 2019 Grammys
Childish Gambino won Song of the Year for "This Is America" becoming the first rap track in the history of the Grammys to get the award. Gambino's scathing video about gun violence had a massively viral release last May and remained one of the most talked-about musical moments of 2018.
"This Is America" won Song of the Year, one of the Grammys four top honours, over fellow nominees including Black Panther's hit single "All the Stars" and Drake's "God's Plan". The honour marks Glover's fourth career Grammy award, including This Is America's non-televised wins for best rap/sung performance and best music video (directed by Hiro Murai).
Kacey Musgraves wins Album of the Year
Country singer Kacey Musgraves won the 2019 Grammy Abum of the Year award for her critically acclaimed, genre-bending record "Golden Hour".
Musgraves defeated H.E.R., Brandi Carlile, Drake, Black Panther: The Album (various artists), Post Malone, Cardi B and Janelle Monae to win the biggest award of the ceremony. The album was co-produced by Musgraves, Ian Fitchuk, and Daniel Tashian. She also took home awards for best country album, best country song and best country solo performance. "It was unbelievable to be even in a category with such gigantic albums ... It's really crazy. But I'm very thankful. Art is really thriving and it's been really beautiful to see that. I would have nothing without songs. To me, it's just all about the songs," Musgraves said in her acceptance speech.
AR Rahman attends Grammy Awards with daughter Raheema
Music maestro was present at the 2019 Grammy Awards ceremony with his daughter Raheema. The composer, who won two Grammy awards in 2009 for his work on "Slumdog Millionaire", posted several pictures from the awards night, which saw Kacey Musgraves, Childish Gambino, Cardi B and Qunicy Jones create history in various categories. Rahman opted for a a black and grey suit for the ceremony, while Raheema chose an all-black ensemble.
Quincy Jones makes history with his 28th Grammy win
Veteran record producer Quincy Jones yesterday created history as he took home yet another Grammy with his documentary "Quincy" winning for best music film on the 2019 Grammy awards. The win marks the 85-year-old legend's 28th Grammy, making him the living artiste with the most trophies in Grammy history. Jones has won Grammys in more than 10 categories over his nearly seven decade long career but his win for "Quincy" is his first in the best music film category. The award is also his first in 17 year. His last win was in 2001 for best spoken word album, 'Q - The Autobiography Of Quincy Jones'.