The Beatles and the Rolling Stones both won Grammy Awards as the ceremony kicked off in Los Angeles. The awards were presented at the Grammys' "premiere ceremony," held before the main event at 5 pm Los Angeles / 1 am London time.
Early winners included Sabrina Carpenter for Best Pop Solo Performance with her summer hit Espresso and Charli XCX, who bagged three awards, including Best Dance/Pop Album for Brat. The show began with a star-studded performance of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," dedicated to the victims of the LA Wildfires.
Yolanda Adams and Angelique Kidjo delivered a moving, gospel-infused rendition of the 60s classic to honor the first responders who bravely faced the inferno to protect the vulnerable.
Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr. highlighted music's power to inspire, heal, and unite, stating that the awards would recognize the resilience of the community and celebrate the first responders, aiming to uplift the beloved city of Los Angeles.
Beyoncé leads the nominations this year with her country-themed album Cowboy Carter competing in 11 categories. Despite winning Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group, she was surpassed by Kacey Musgraves for Best Country Song with The Architect.
Musgraves emphasized the role of music in combating darkness, a sentiment echoed in her past win for Album of the Year in 2019 for "Golden Hour." They compete for the same title this year, alongside Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, and rapper André 3000.
Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter, also nominated for Best Album, are anticipated contenders for the evening's top prize after their initial victories.
Although both artists were absent to collect their early accolades, Charli's producer, Finn Keane, accepted the awards on her behalf, praising her artistry.
Upon receiving the Beatles' award, John Lennon's son, Sean Ono Lennon, hailed the band as "the greatest of all time," advocating for their music to be shared across generations for its message of peace and love.
Kendrick Lamar achieved a remarkable feat by clinching three consecutive awards for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video with "Not Like US," a track that provided a candid critique of fellow musician Drake.
Lamar's producer, Mustard, acknowledged the intensity of Lamar's performance, emphasizing his dedication to the song.