As is traditional, the new musical year begins with one of the most important and highly anticipated events on the international stage. On the night of 26–27 January 2020 at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, Alicia Keys hosted the 62nd edition of the Grammy Awards, in other words, the Oscars of the music world! A major event that we at DJ4 We always observe these events with interest in order to better understand and interpret the tastes of both Italian and international audiences: indeed, we are organising an increasing number of events featuring foreign guests (mostly corporate events).
It was a truly special event, overshadowed by the sad news of the death of Kobe Bryant who, incidentally, played for the Los Angeles Lakers for years at the very same Staples Centre. The a cappella performance by Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men, who sang “It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday”.
As for the competition itself, the star of this year’s event was the very young and talented Billie Eilish, winner in no fewer than five categories (out of six nominations): Best New Artist, Best Song and Best Recording for the global hit Bad Guys, Album of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album for her album *When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?*
There have been several remixed versions of ‘Bad Guys’ released since its original release, now almost a year ago. We at DJ4 have really loved Tiësto’s remix and played it at our private parties; the Dutch DJ and producer also played it at Tomorrowland last July, amongst other places. Have a listen HERE!
The multiple nominee Lizzo, on the other hand, won three Grammys: Best Pop Solo Performance (‘Truth Hurts’), Best Traditional R&B Performance (‘Jarome’) and Best Contemporary Album (‘Cuz I Love You’). She, too, paid tribute to Kobe Bryant by dedicating ‘Truth Hurts’ and ‘Cuz I Love You’ to him – the latter being the title track of the award-winning album of the same name in the Contemporary category. We’re still playing it to great effect Juice remixed by Dino Brown & Paky Francavilla.
Once again this year, Lady Gaga was honoured with no fewer than two awards, both in categories relating to visual media: alongside Bradley Cooper for “A Star Is Born” in the Best Compilation Soundtrack category and for the track “ ”I’ll never love again!" awarded the prize for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Beyoncé
It did, however, win in the “Best Music Film” category with
“Homecoming”.
Award,
posthumously, for Best Rap Performance (“Best Rap
”Performance“ to Nipsey Hussle for ”Rocks in the Middle’.
To pay tribute to the rapper (who died last year at the age of just 33 in a
(shooting in Los Angeles) were John Legend, Meek Mill and DJ
Khaled. Well done, everyone!
USHER’S TRIBUTE TO PRINCE
The Grammys, however, are not simply an awards ceremony, but a full-blown musical spectacle of the very highest calibre. Once again this year, the evening was characterised by memorable performances, which were truly moving and some of which we’ll find hard to forget, such as those already mentioned in honour of Kobe Bryant.
Let’s stick up for Usher who performed a medley of three masterpieces by Prince: ‘Little Red Corvette’, ‘When Doves Cry’ and ‘Kiss’. His tribute divided fans and drew some criticism, but when it comes to Prince, it’s a truly daunting task, and the audience that loved him – and continues to love him – is extremely demanding. In any case, it’s a wonderful opportunity to remember the Prince of Minneapolis, and the American rapper, whom we never fail to feature with Yeah! It’s time for the early 2000s hip-hop revival.
Definitely
Demi Lovato’s return, however, was deeply moving following her struggles with
Health: the artist let all his raw emotion show
singing the song ‘Anyone’.
And finally, for rock fans, how could we not mention the Aerosmith who, after playing a few of their own songs, performed “Walk this way” alongside Run-DMC, with whom they recorded a rock-rap version of the track way back in 1986. What do you reckon, shall we give it a go?
See you soon at the next party with us at DJ4 – the professional DJs providing sound and lighting for your events.
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