Sunday night'sGrammy Awards took a somber tone as the world continued to process the news of Kobe Bryant’s death earlier that morning. Held in Los Angeles’ Staples Center, known as “the house that Kobe built,” entertainers walked the red carpet as Lakers fans held vigil outside the venue in purple and gold.
But the show must go on and, as Jimmy Jam said during the show’s pre-televised portion, “Music has an ability to speak when words can’t.”
Tanya Tucker was the big winner in country music. The legendary singer-songwriter took home trophies in theBest Country Song category for “Bring My Flowers Now” and Best Country Album forWhile I’m Living.
Billy Ray Cyrus also had a couple of wins with pal Lil Nas X. Their collaboration on the mega-hit “Old Town Road” earned them wins forBest Music Video an d est Pop Duo/Group Performance.
In other country categories,Willie Nelson took home the win in theBest Country Solo Performance category for “Ride Me Back Home,” whileDan and Shay nabbed the win forBest Country Duo/Group Performance with “Speechless.”
Dolly Parton also earned a Grammy for her collaboration withFor King and Countryon “God Only Knows” in theBest Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Songcategory. Nashville songwritersNatalie Hemby,Hillary LindsayandAaron Raitiere, along withLady Gaga, were also awarded for their collaboration on “I’ll Never Love Again” fromA Star Is Born.
Looking like the King of Country and the Queen of Hearts,Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani performed their new duet, “Nobody But You,” early in the show’s broadcast. Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker also performed an impressive scaled down version of “Bring My Flowers Now,” before announcing theBest Comedy Album winner Dave Chappelle.
In one of the most anticipated performances of the night,Lil Nas X,Billy Ray Cyrus,Mason Ramsey,Diplo,BTS and others took the stage together for a mass rendition of “Old Town Road.” On the red carpet, Diplo donned a cowboy hat and insinuated that he, too, may be releasing a country album in the future.
62nd Annual Grammy AwardsWinners:
- Best Country Solo Performance: Willie Nelson - Ride Me Back Home
- Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Dan + Shay- "Speechless"
- Best Country Song: "Bring My Flowers Now: -Brandi Carlile,Phil Hanseroth,Tim Hanseroth, Tanya Tucker
- Best Country Album: Tanya Tucker - While I'm Livin'
- Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus - "Old Town Road"
- Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: For King and Country and Dolly Parton (Songwriters: Josh Kerr,Jordan Reynolds,Joel Smallbone,Luke Smallbone and Tedd Tjornhom)
- Best Song Written For Visual Media: Natalie Hemby,Lady Gaga,Hillary Lindsey&Aaron Raitiere- I'LL NEVER LOVE AGAIN from A Star Is Born
- Best Music Video: Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus - "Old Town Road" (Official Movie)