The 2024 Grammys didn’t disappoint this year as it was one for the memory books. So much went down, from star-studded performances to heartwarming moments, the award ceremony was a blast. It is hard to fit all that occurred during the three hour show, so here are the highlights of the Grammys: 

Best dressed: Best known for her ability to compose songs with raw and honest lyrics, Olivia Rodrigo is one of the most influential new artists to dominate the music industry. Her sophomore album, “GUTS,” was nominated for six Grammys, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, at the award ceremony. Even though Rodrigo left the 2024 Grammys empty handed, she took home the award for best dressed. She wore a cream white, vintage Versace gown that was nine years older than her. The dress included a pattern of red beads, sequins and white straps; they were all complemented by her red lip and the loose waves of her hair. The outfit gave her a mature look, while also highlighting some of her key features. 

Best performance: It is shocking to say that Miley Cyrus won her first ever Grammy at the award ceremony, as she has been a part of the music industry for over 18 years and has had several record-breaking songs. Famous for her role in Hannah Montana, and her songs “Party in the USA” and “Wrecking Ball,” she has become a household name. However, one of her proudest and happiest moments was when she was performing her hit song “ Flowers” live on stage. The performance was electric, no one else on stage except for her and her microphone, and she was having the time of her life. Ad-libbing throughout the song, shouting out her Grammy win and audience when they weren’t meeting the vibe, and wearing a shiny, bedazzled silver dress, Cyrus delivered one of the best performances in Grammy history. 

Best speech: Arguably, the best part of any award show are the speeches and the insight that comes from listening to how one wants to reflect on the trophy given to them based on their amazing skill or talent. SZA was the most nominated person at the 2024 Grammys, with a whopping nine nominations, and took home three out of those nine, including Best Progressive R&B album for “SOS.” She gave one of the most touching speeches as she accepted the award for Best R&B Song for her song “Snooze.” She was brought to tears, filled with gratitude for the honor she was given, and shocked with what was going on as she had just performed “Kill Bill” and “Snooze” on stage. SZA took time to thank her family and recording studio, even giving a shout out to Taylor Swift and Lizzo.  

Biggest twist: Over the course of the past few months, Taylor Swift fans, also known as “swifties,” have been eagerly waiting for the release of “Reputation (Taylor’s Version),” the rerecording of Taylor Swift’s 6th studio album, “Reputation.” Many were expecting her to announce this during the Grammys, as countless easter eggs pointed towards its arrival, and she is known for dropping bombshells at the Grammys. However, swifties were in for a treat, as she announced her brand new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” coming out April 19th instead. The 14 time Grammy winner broke the news mid-speech while accepting the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal, and claimed that the project had been in the making for the past two years. Immediately after she exited the stage, the album cover was posted to her Instagram, and only a day later, the entire 16 song tracklist was posted featuring two big collaborations, Post Malone and Florence + The Machine. 

Historic Moment: While there were numerous historic moments, including Billy Joel performing live for the first time in more than 30 years, the winner is definitely Taylor Swift breaking the record for most Grammys for Album of the Year. Competing against a line up including “World Music Radio” by John Batiste, “the record” by boygenius, “Endless Summer Vacation” by Miley Cyrus, “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” by Lana Del Rey, “The Age Of Pleasure” by Janelle Monáe, “GUTS” by Olivia Rodrigo, and “SOS” by SZA, Swift’s “Midnights” took the Grammy home. This made her the artist with the most Grammys for Album of the Year, totaling at four. In the past, she has won Album of the Year for her album’s “Fearless,” “1989” and “Folklore.” Best surprise: Every year, the Grammys always does something special to give its viewers a treat, like bringing in former First Lady Michelle Obama to present an award in 2019. This year it was having Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman performing her song “Fast Car” together. Tracy Chapman was an icon in the 1980s, renowned for her smashing songs, “Fast Car” and “Give Me One Reason,” even winning a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her soothing, sweet voice, along with the rhythm, made the song something special. Luke Combs recently did a rendition of the song, giving it more of a country vibe, and put it on his album, “Gettin’ Old.” The song charted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Combs has talked about why the song is so meaningful to him because it was one of the first songs he learned to play on guitar, and how it reminds him of spending time with his dad in his childhood. The performance was a beautiful rendition of the song, with Chapman on guitar and both of them singing. It provided a full-circle moment for viewers that was one for the memory books.