The 68th Grammy Awards, held on the evening of 1/2 Los Angeles time (morning of 2/2 Hanoi time), served as a stage for music artists to shine. Beyond the award presentations, the event drew attention with a series of performances by rising stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Rose, alongside veterans such as Lauryn Hill, Pharrell Williams, and Lady Gaga.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber's performance of "Yukon," a track from his album Swag, was one of the biggest surprises at this year's Grammys. Dressed only in shorts and socks, Bieber presented the R&B song with a gentle vocal style. In contrast to his rebellious image, he used a loop machine to record guitar segments, building the backing track live on stage.
According to experts, this performance, focusing on technical skill and emotion, showcased the mature image of the artist once dubbed the "prince of pop." Camera shots of his wife, Hailey Bieber, in the audience further emphasized the song's narrative tone.
Bruno Mars and Rose
Bruno Mars and Rose opened the show with "APT.," a global hit that has been popular for two years. On stage, Bruno Mars maintained a calm demeanor, focusing on playing his electric guitar and allowing Rose ample space to perform. The Blackpink member appeared in a pop-punk style, wearing a tank top and tie, moving and interacting continuously with the cameras.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga, often called "Mother Monster," infused the song "Abracadabra" with a rock style and an energetic performance. Dressed in an outfit resembling a bamboo-woven lampshade, she played DJ and sang amidst smoke, evoking the pop-rock spirit of her early career.
Critics noted that despite intense flashing lights and rapid choreography, Gaga maintained vocal power, demonstrating her ability to balance performance skills with professional technique. Before taking the stage, Gaga won two awards, and later, she was named for the Best Pop Album category with "Mayhem."
Lauryn Hill
According to Variety, the tribute to artists D'Angelo and Roberta Flack, arranged by Lauryn Hill and her close colleagues, received a warm reception from the audience. At the center, Lauryn Hill led a group of artists through songs associated with the legacies of the two legends.
For "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," she chose a restrained style, highlighting the emotional depth and lyrical beauty of Roberta Flack's work. The performance concluded with "Killing Me Softly With His Song," transitioning the atmosphere from solemn to explosive, prompting many in the audience to rise and applaud.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter brought her song "Manchild" to the Grammys with the confidence of an artist accustomed to large stages, according to USA Today. Though not the opening act, her energetic performance made a lasting impression.
For this segment, Sabrina transformed the stage into an airport setting, drawing inspiration from the Pan Am (Pan American World Airways) era, the golden age of American aviation from the 1930s to 1991, with a classic pin-up aesthetic. She performed alongside male dancers, incorporating props and pilot costumes to emphasize the song's humorous spirit.
8 nominees for Best New Artist
A medley by various artists brought diverse musical flavors to the show's early segment. The Marias opened with "No One Noticed," featuring a dream-pop vibe mixed with English and Spanish. Next, Addison Rae energized the atmosphere with "Fame Is a Gun." Katseye then rocked the stage with their hit "Gnarly," before Leon Thomas performed the title track from his album MUTT, concluding with a guitar solo.
In the latter half, Alex Warren presented "Ordinary," and Lola Young reimagined her TikTok hit "Messy" as a ballad. Olivia Dean brought 1970s disco flair to "Man I Need," while sombr concluded with "12 to 12" in a dynamic performance, interacting directly with the audience.
Bruno Mars
Mid-show, Bruno Mars "painted" the stage red with "I Just Might," embracing a Valentine's theme. Against a backdrop of sparkling hearts and dressed in red and white, Bruno collaborated with his band, creating a nostalgic, romantic atmosphere. Many guests, including Sabrina Carpenter, Joni Mitchell, and Rose, stood up and swayed to the melody.
Cat Tien (according to Vanity Fair, USA Today)
