On the morning of January 26 2020 it was announced that Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna lost their lives in a helicopter crash. The evening, which was meant to be a celebration of music, quickly became a celebration of life. 

Host Alicia Keys was quick to address the sad news and proceeded to continue the night with performances and kind words from herself and other celebrities in honor of Kobe and the others whose lives were lost. All guests and performers took part in making the Grammys a place for everyone to come together in the one language that they all understand: music. 

Celebrities kept the night on a high, congratulating and supporting one another. Artist Billie Eilish received support from other artists as she took home five Grammy awards her first time ever in attendance: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best New Artist. Some people felt Eilish deserved these awards. 

“I believe anyone that earns an award like that obviously got it for a reason,” junior Elijah Ruano said. “I realize a lot of people don’t appreciate her or her music, but I do still believe she worked hard for what she earned.”

Others believed the awards should have gone to Ariana Grande or Lana Del Rey, who were also nominated in some of the same categories as Eilish. 

“I don’t hate Billie,” junior Emma Soreson said. “I just think that the Academy tends to decide on the most mainstream artist as opposed to the best artist.” 

Along with the many awards received, the Grammys also included many emotional performances this year. Camila Cabello sang a song for her father and Demi Lovato performed for the first time live in two years. Lovato chose a song she wrote while she was battling personal issues for the past two years and gave an emotional performance that gained praise from many of her peers such as Selena Gomez and Sam Smith.

“I am in tears,” Smith said, according to Billboard. “That is singing. That is heart and that is truth.”

Other notable performances include The Jonas Brothers debut on the Grammy stage and Lizzo’s high energy opening act. Also worth mentioning is Tyler, The Creator with his abstract performance as well as his win for Best Rap Album.

“They did it right by giving Tyler, The Creator Best Rap Album,” Sorenson said. “He absolutely deserves it.”

While spreading awareness for current issues such as the wildfires in Australia, artists were also able to keep energy and spirits high by spreading love and thanks throughout the entire night. Despite hard times, they stayed motivated to keep the positivity that everyone was in need of.