Jan. 28, At the 60th annual Grammy Award show, Bruno Mars swept the stage with his “24k Magic” album, Kesha spoke for all women in the music industry, and Kendrick Lamar brought his electric performance. With only nine awards handed out on air, the 60th annual Grammy award show was, as usual, all about the performances.

For the second year in a row, James Corden hosted the Grammys. However, I believe Dave Chappelle would have made a better host. Chappelle took home an award himself that night and appeared in the first few minutes of the show when he joined Kendrick Lamar during the show-opening performance. Chappelle cut in between the performance with funny statements, which was pure adrenaline to start off the show.

From Kesha’s powerful #MeToo performance to Childish Gambino singing with a child on stage, many of the performances that night did not disappoint. One of the best moments came from Camila Cabello, former member of Fifth Harmony, who spoke for the ‘Dreamers’. The “Havana” singer spoke with confidence, and she was the right person to touch on immigration at the awards. This speech was a perfect transition to introducing the audience to U2’s motivational rock anthem that took place on a floating stage right below the Statue of Liberty.

Anyone who has heard Bruno Mars’ music definitely knows his voice brings joy to listeners around the world. At last year’s Grammy Award show, Mars brought an excellent Prince tribute along with his own unique voice. He did not stand-alone this year, and although “Finesse” is one of his best hits of the season, the performance was not as exciting as his previous performances at the Grammys.

Although Kendrick Lamar dominated in the rap category, it was a shock to see his album lose both Record and Album of the Year. Lamar’s new album “DAMN” includes lyrics covering a whole genre of issues and relationships today. “24k Magic” deserved the attention it got by winning several Grammys that night, but it was unexpected to see Kendrick Lamar lose both Record and Album of the Year.

Jay Z, who was also nominated for Album of the Year, did not get his time to shine. In previous years, Jay Z has performed with his wife Beyonce, and without a performance from the  duo this year, the award show lacked in variety. I consider Jay Z’s performance to be somewhat of a tradition at the Grammys, so the absence of his appearance this year proved disappointing.

The 2018 Grammy award show had its ups and downs, from Lamar stealing the show with his electric performances to some of the unexpecting winners. The performances did more justice than the actual handing out of awards on air. Every performer stole the show with outstanding choreography and creative presentation, and every nominee at the 60th annual Grammy Award Show are amazing at what they do in the music industry.