Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar Win Big at Male-Dominated Grammy Awards
The 60th annual Grammy Awards saw male performers sweep the big categories. The Wrap's Ashley Boucher sits down with Alyssa Julya Smith in Los Angeles to talk some of the biggest moments.
She first points out that Bruno Mars swept, winning Album of the Year for "24k Magic," Record of the Year for "24k Magic," and Song of the Year for "That's What I Like." He also won Best R&B Performance for “That’s What I Like,” Best R&B Song for “That’s What I Like,” and Best R&B Album “24k Magic.”
Boucher also highlighted the #TimesUp movement, which made an appearance at the award ceremony. Many attendees and nominees wore white roses in support of Time's Up and gender equality. The group Voices in Entertainment issued a statement this past week saying they chose a white rose "because historically it stands for hope, peace, sympathy, and resistance."
Kesha's emotional performance underscored that movement. She brought on Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Andra Day, Julia Michaels and Bebe Rexha to sing with her. Janelle Monae gave an empowering speech to introduce the pop singer, who in October 2014 sued her producer Dr. Luke for sexual and emotional abuse (he denied those allegations).
The final moment that had everyone talking Monday morning was Hillary Clinton's appearance reading from "Fire and Fury," along with DJ Khaled, John Legend, Cher, Snoop Dogg and Cardi B.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ' administration is moving to forbid classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades, expanding the controversial law critics call “Don't Say Gay” as the Republican governor continues to focus on cultural issues ahead of his expected presidential run.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour recently opened with two nights at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. During a key moment in both shows, Swift performed what Billboard has called a one-of-a-kind stunt that has been leaving fans speechless. (It's not your typical stage dive!)
Musician Bruce Springsteen, actress Mindy Kaling and designer, Vera Wang were some of the celebrities honored at the White House on Tuesday. President Biden and his wife Dr Jill Biden gave honorees medals. Other honorees included Gladys Knight, Julia Louis Dreyfus and Amy Tan. The medals are Biden's first batch of awards for the arts and humanities. They were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.