Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar won big at the 60th annual Grammy Awards, which took place at Madison Square Garden Jan. 29.
The show opened with a performance from Lamar, who was joined by U2 and Dave Chappel.
The night’s other performers included Kesha, Mars and Cardi B, Childish Gambino, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yanky, SZA, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Miley Cyrus and more.
“I enjoyed Kendricks’s performance overall. It showed a strong message of the struggles we face. He’s one of my favorite rappers –— it’s always a lit performance whenever he’s on stage,” said Miguel Mendoza, junior communication sciences and disorders major.
Mars swept his competition and won every category for which he was nominated including, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, Best R&B Song and Best R&B Album.
Rachel Bowlwear, senior communications studies major, said Mars’ wins were shocking.
“Bruno Mars winning all the awards did not only surprise me but it surprised a lot of people on the Internet as well,” Bowlwear said.
However, not all were upset with Mars’ many wins.
Abby Bulanadi, junior public health major, said she thought Mars was deserving of each of his awards.
“I was excited Bruno Mars won six Grammys because it was well-deserved. His performance of ‘Finesse’ with Cardi B was entertaining and I loved the ‘90s vibe it gave off,” Bulanadi said.
Bowlwear said she thought the lack of female winners was odd considering the strong support for Time’s Up movement at the Golden Globes.
“Only one woman artist, Lorde, was nominated for Best Artist of the Year,” Bowlwear said. “One shock was that ‘Shape of You’ by Ed Sheeran won over so many powerful songs. Lady Gaga and Kesha impacted the industry greatly and I don’t think they got the recognition they deserved.”
The Grammy fashion was another part that made the 60th anniversary stand out from previous shows.
“This year was more somber because of everything going on in society, so black was more prevalent in many of the looks,” Bowlwear said.
“Blue Ivy was the best-dressed,” Bulanadi added.
