It was one of the best Grammy Awards in years, and between glorious Lady Gaga, incomparable Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus (tongue firmly out of cheek) and legendary producer Lou Adler, Malibu was well represented. Adler received special recognition as well as iconic Diana Ross and country queen Dolly Parton, who put on a special performance.
The red carpet was a mixed bag, with everything from country flash festooned with rhinestones and all the fixings, to one-of-a-kind couture gowns with serious ruffles, bows and trains.
Cardi B had the most original outfit, looking like she jumped out of Botticelli’s “Venus” emerging out of her seashell.
Soon it was showtime, and 15-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys opened the evening with charm and grace. J.Lo, Lady Gaga and former first lady Michelle Obama made a dramatic entrance.
All made an emotional appeal on behalf of the importance of music. “Music shows us everything that matters,” the former first lady said. “Whether you like rap, rock or country, it shows us that every story matters.”
After winning a Golden Globe for her hit “Shallow,” Lady G picked up another two Grammys for “A Star is Born.” But she was bested by Kacey Musgraves, who nabbed four Golden Gramophones including album of the year for “Golden Hour.”
Still immersed in her shell, Cardi B became the first solo female rapper to win with her smash “Invasion of Privacy.”
Other winners included H.E.R. who took the R&B category as well as an absent Ariana Grande, whose “Sweetener” was named best pop vocal album. Alicia Keys had everyone on their feet by playing a medley, not on one but two pianos.
Equally as exciting as the awards were the special performances and honors.
One of those singled out for special honors and performances was Diana Ross, who brought the audience on their feet on her 75th birthday and crooned “reach out and touch somebody’s hand.”
And of course, Tennessee’s Dolly Parton.
The “Jolene” singer has composed more than 3,000 tunes over the years. The 73-year-old shared some of her greatest hits with goddaughter Miley Cyrus. Her honor comes just one day after she was declared MusiCare’s “person of the year” at a lavish bash thrown by Clive Davis.
So, OK, they said women were underrepresented last year. But this year was definitely ladies night and we are feeling right.