The 2023 Grammys have come and gone, leaving everyone with plenty of Beyoncé takes, new Ben Affleck memes and stellar performances to rewatch over and over again.
The night’s biggest moments featured Beyoncé both becoming the most-decorated artist in Grammy history and controversially losing the Best Album honor for a fourth time. Queen Bey was also late to the show because she was stuck in Los Angeles traffic.
The show also featured some hilarious Ben Affleck clips, some incredible tribute performances and great little moments like Adele meeting Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The Grammys always land with a bang and leave plenty of people both amazed and frustrated.
Rather than dwell on the negative, let’s break down five great things about this year’s installment.
The 50th anniversary of hip-hop performance was absolutely jaw-dropping
50-year anniversary of hip-hop performance at the #GRAMMYs by some of the greats including RunDMC, LL Cool J, Salt N Peppa, Ice T, Queen Latifah, Wu-Tang, Big Boi, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Nelly, Too Short, GloRilla, The Roots, and more… pic.twitter.com/HmGB0bvGZX
— Leon Carrington (@LeonCarrington) February 6, 2023
The Grammys have not always had the best track record with recognizing hip-hop, but the show rolled out the red carpet for a truly stunning 50th anniversary celebration of the music genre.
The full list of performers during this absolutely electric segment will blow your mind. It was a sprawling list of heavyweights like Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, Queen Latifah, Big Boi, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Method Man, Lil Baby, GloRilla, Lil Uzi Vert and plenty more.
The entire history of hip-hop was on beautiful display, making this the de-facto performance of the night.
Lizzo's Best Record acceptance speech reminded everyone why she's so beloved
It’s virtually impossible to not like Lizzo.
While not everyone might’ve agreed with her taking home Best Record for “About Damn Time,” how could you not just love her vibrant acceptance speech?
The best part? Lizzo giving Beyoncé her flowers during the speech by sharing that she skipped school in the fifth grade to see the music legend perform.
If that doesn’t make you smile, we’re not sure what will.
"You clearly are the artist of our lives." -Lizzo to Beyoncé #grammys pic.twitter.com/ECF8FjuQpT
— Vulture (@vulture) February 6, 2023
Trevor Noah continued to establish himself as an elite awards host
the way Trevor Noah paused the entire ceremony just so he could announce that Beyoncé arrived and hand her her 30th Grammy? love pic.twitter.com/qOvdPOmupm
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) February 6, 2023
Will someone book Trevor Noah for the Oscars already?
The former Daily Show host and comedian once again nailed his emcee duties at the Grammys, reminding everyone as to why he’s emerging as one of the best awards hosts out there.
He was very funny, knowledgeable about the music, incredibly personable with the artists with the audience and very adept to maneuvering a room as big as where the Grammys are held.
CBS will most likely want him back next year, but you have to think ABC might make a play for him to host the biggest awards show out there (the Academy Awards) in 2024.
Stevie Wonder led an incredible tribute to Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson
Stevie Wonder delivered a show-stopping tribute performance honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at the #Grammys:https://t.co/k0cj2PZHAmpic.twitter.com/3f9a2IiHBN
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) February 6, 2023
A legend recognized two fellow legends on Sunday night as music virtuoso Stevie Wonder led a fantastic tribute performance to Motown legend Berry Gordy and stellar singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson. The latter also took to the stage to sing for the crowd.
Country artist Chris Stapleton also flanked Wonder for a rendition of “Higher Ground,” making this one of those Grammy moments you just can’t find anywhere else.
Harry Styles gave a superfan a huge hug after his Best Album win
this might be the purest moment of the night ❤️
#GRAMMYs #HarryStyles pic.twitter.com/EtZSk03Fch— Access Hollywood (@accesshollywood) February 6, 2023
While some felt that Beyoncé should’ve finally taken home the Best Album award on Sunday, Harry Styles winning for his 2022 album Harry’s House sparked a beautiful moment toward the end of the ceremony.
As the Grammys featured various fans of the Best Album nominees throughout the show who shared why their favorite artists should win the award, Styles’ fan happened to be the one who actually read the winner aloud to the crowd.
To celebrate, Styles gave the fan a really sweet hug as he accepted the milestone award for his career. It was just one of those great Grammy moments that warmed the heart.
