As it happened: The 2023 Grammy Awards | CNN

As it happened: The 2023 Grammy Awards

Beyonce appears in the audience at the 65th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, in Los Angeles.
Watch Trevor Noah hand Beyoncé the Grammy she won while she was stuck in traffic
01:16 - Source: CNN

What we covered here

  • Music’s biggest night: Stars gathered in Los Angeles for the 2023 Grammy Awards on Sunday. It was a night of vibrant performances and historic milestones.
  • Album of the Year: Harry Styles took home the show’s biggest prize for his album “Harry’s House.”
  • More winners: Beyoncé made history with her 32nd Grammy win, the most in the award show’s history. Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar and Lizzo also took home awards. View a full list of winners here.
  • Red carpet: See all the best looks from when artists arrived at Crypto.com Arena.
  • En español: Sigue acá la cobertura en vivo de los Premios Grammy en español.
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We’ve wrapped up our live coverage. Read more on the night’s big moments here, or scroll through the updates below to experience the show as it happened.

Here's who took home the top prizes at the 2023 Grammy Awards

Beyonce accepts the award for Best dance/electronic music album for "Renaissance."

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards was one for the books, filled with historic moments and celebration of music and audio work from all walks of life.

Beyoncé made history with her 32nd Grammy win, now the most all-time, and Bad Bunny earned the award show’s first album of the year nomination for a project completely in Spanish (he also won Best Música Urbana Album for his work, “Un Verano Sin Ti”).

Viola Davis achieved EGOT status after winning the Grammy for Best Audio Book Narration and Storytelling for her memoir “Finding Me.”

The show also celebrated 50 years of hip hop music with a medley of performers from through the generations. And a new award honoring social justice highlighted the work of Iranian artist Shervin Hajipour.

Here’s who won the biggest honors of the night:

  • Album of the Year — “Harry’s House,” Harry Styles
  • Record of the Year — “About Damn Time,” Lizzo
  • Song of the Year — “Just Like That,” Bonnie Raitt, songwriter
  • Best New Artist — Samara Joy

You can view the full list of winners here.

Analysis: The Grammys said they would embrace diversity, and Sunday night felt like they honored that

Kim Petras and Sam Smith accept the award for Best Pop Duo.

Sunday’s Grammy Awards seemed to have something for almost everyone.

The show has often been targeted as out of touch with music lovers, awarding some of its biggest trophies to winners that were discussed and disputed all over social media.

On the night Beyoncé broke the record for the most wins in the history of the award show, things felt a little different.

That’s not to say that there were no surprises. Even Bonnie Raitt seemed flabbergasted by her Song of the Year win. And Bey fans are surely disappointed that Album of the Year went to Harry Styles (though most people can’t help but love him, even if they were pulling for someone else).

This year just felt more inclusive.

In 2020, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which puts on the show, addressed allegations of having a lack of diversity and being a “boys club.” They announced a series of initiatives to address it and opened up their membership ranks to make it more diverse.

On Sunday, the show’s epic hip hop tribute, marking 50 years for the genre with an all-star lineup that spanned decades of hip hop history, made for some of the show’s most memorable moments. Lizzo gave one of the night’s most striking speeches, celebrating positivity in popular music, including themes of body inclusivity.

Bad Bunny earned the award show’s first Album of the Year nomination for a project completely in Spanish. He was the show’s opening performer and ultimately won Best Música Urbana Album for his work, “Un Verano Sin Ti.”

In a night that also featured a 23-year-old Black jazz singer, Samara Joy, winning Best New Artist, and Sam Smith and Kim Petras making Grammys history as the first non-binary and transgender duo to win in the Best Duo category, it felt like some strides were made.

CNN’s Matt Meyer contributed to this post.

Harry Styles takes home award for Album of the Year

Harry Styles accept the Album Of The Year award for “Harry's House."

Harry Styles won the award for Album of the Year for his project “Harry’s House.”

“This is really, really kind. I’m so, so grateful,” he said while accepting the award. “This doesn’t happen to people like me very often and this is so, so nice.”

He said he was “so inspired” by each of the artists nominated within the category, which included Beyoncé’s “Renaissance,” Lizzo’s “Special” and Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres.”

Samara Joy wins award for Best New Artist

Samara Joy accepts the award for Best New Artist.

American jazz singer Samara Joy, 23, has won the award for Best New Artist.

“All of you have inspired me because of who you are,” the Bronx, New York, native said while accepting her award. “You express yourself for exactly who you are authentically, so to be here by just being myself, by just being who I was born as, I’m so thankful.”

First lady Jill Biden announces first Best Song for Social Change winner: Iranian artist Shervin Hajipour

First lady Jill Biden accepts the award for best song for social change on behalf of Shervin Hajipour for "Baraye."

First lady Jill Biden got a standing ovation as she presented the first ever Grammy for Best Song for Social Change.

The award went to Iranian artist Shervin Hajipour for his song “Baraye.” The song has been labeled the anthem for Iran’s protest movement, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.

Biden noted that Hajipour has been arrested by Iranian authorities.

Hajipour posted the video of himself singing “Baraye” on Instagram on Sept. 27, 2022, and was arrested two days later. The song was viewed over 40 million times on his Instagram page before he took it down on the day of his arrest.

“Baraye,” which in English translates to “For…,” has been watched by millions across the globe.

The poignant two-and-a-half-minute ballad is based on tweets composed by Iranians expressing their anger and frustration with the government. Hajipour despondently sings about reasons why Iranians feel called to protest, including “for dancing in the street,” “for yearning for a normal life ” and “for the children who pick through the trash in search of their dreams.”

CNN’s Artemis Moshtaghian, Celine Alkhaldi and Ramin Mostaghim contributed to this report.

Lizzo wins Record of the Year award for her song "About Damn Time"

LIzzo accepts the award for Record of the Year.

Pop sensation Lizzo won the award for Record of the Year for her song “About Damn Time.”

“This is so unexpected,” she said while accepting the award.

She dedicated her win to the late music icon, Prince.

“When we lost Prince, I decided to dedicate my life to making positive music,” she said, noting that she oftentimes felt “misunderstood” in the industry as feel-good music was not mainstream.

Remember: Record of the Year goes to the person who performed a song – and all those involved in the making of the song, like the producer, the engineer and the mixer.

Here’s the difference between song, record and album of the year.

Bonnie Raitt wins award for Song of the Year with "Just Like That"

Bonnie Raitt accepts the Song Of The Year award for “Just Like That."

American blues singer Bonnie Raitt has won the award for Song of the Year for her track “Just Like That.”

“I’m so surprised. I don’t know what to say. This is just an unreal moment,” she said while accepting her award.

She said the song was inspired by “the incredible story of the love and the grace and the generosity of someone that donates their beloved’s organs to help another person live.”

“This story was so simple and so beautiful for these times,” she said.

Adele wins Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance

Adele accepts the Best Pop Solo Performance award for “Easy On Me."

Adele has won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance for her song “Easy on Me.”

The English superstar dedicated the win to her son.

And a cute moment: “Get up here best friend,” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said when presenting the award to Adele. They were introduced earlier in show during host Trevor Noah’s opening bit. The comedian said Adele was a big fan of The Rock, but the two hadn’t previously met.

The Grammys hip hop tribute was the concert we didn't know we needed

LL Cool J performs during the 50 years of hip hop tribute.

From LL Cool J to Lil Baby, the Grammys honored the 50th anniversary of hip hop this year by bringing out a slew of the genre’s biggest names.

“Multi-generational!” LL Cool J yelled at the end of the performance by dozens of artists, including Run DMC, Rakim, Salt-N-Peppa, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Queen Latifah, GloRilla and Ice-T — just to name a few.

The artists represented the entire country, from Bay area artist Too Short to Wu Tang’s Method Man, who is Staten Island’s finest.

The performance, which had the Grammys audience (and the CNN newsroom) on its feet, was curated by QuestLove.

It came after hip hop producer and artist Dr. Dre was presented with an inaugural award named after him.

Queen Latifah 
Flavor Flav and Chuck D. of Public Enemy
Lil Uzi Vert
Ice-T
Missy Elliott
Salt-N-Pepa
Run DMC

Photos: The best moments from the Grammy Awards

It’s been a record-breaking night filled with some memorable performances. Take a look at some of the biggest moments from the Grammys so far.

For a full look at the night as it unfolds, check out our photo gallery.

Kim Petras and Sam Smith celebrate after winning the Grammy for best pop duo or group performance ("Unholy"). Petras, who is transgender, gave the acceptance speech on the duo's behalf. She thanked "all the transgender legends before me who kicked these doors open for me."
Lizzo performs a medley during the show that included her Grammy-nominated song "About Damn Time" and "Special."
Shania Twain walks on stage to present the Grammy for best country music album. It went to Willie Nelson for "A Beautiful Time." Nelson wasn't there to accept the award.
Bad Bunny opens the show with "El Apagón" and "Después de la Playa." Both tracks are from his Spanish-language album, "Un Verano Sin Ti." It earned the first album of the year nomination for an album completely in Spanish.
Kendrick Lamar accepts the Grammy for best rap album from Cardi B. He won for "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers."
Legends Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder perform together during the show.
Brandi Carlile performs "Broken Horses" during the show.
Host Trevor Noah speaks to the audience at the start of the show.
Kacey Musgraves performs during the "in memoriam" segment.

Beyoncé makes history with win for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album

Beyonce accepts the award for best dance/electronic music album for "Renaissance."

Beyoncé won the award for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for her project, “Renaissance.”

She now has the most wins in Grammy Award history with 32.

She received a standing ovation from the likes of her husband, Jay-Z, Lizzo and many others in the arena.

While accepting her award, she thanked God, her family and the queer community.

“Renaissance” pulled inspiration from Black queer icons who pioneered house music: from trans icon Ts Madison and fashion pioneer Telfar Clemens, to late queen of the downtown drag scene, Moi Renee, and Beyoncé’s own uncle.

“I’m trying not to be too emotional,” the singer said in her acceptance speech. “I’m trying to just receive this night.”

CNN’s Scottie Andrew contributed reporting.

Cardi B stuns in silver dress while presenting award

Cardi B presents the award for Best Rap Album.

Rapper Cardi B won fashion accolades on music’s biggest night.

While presenting the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, she wore a figure-hugging dress with silver accents that produced a sequined effect, as well as a complementary headdress.

Cardi B in a blue Gaurav Gupta gown.

Earlier in the night, the rapper wowed the red carpet in a sculptural electric blue gown by Indian designer Gaurav Gupta, who recently made his Haute Couture Week debut in Paris.

Back at the 2019 Grammy Awards, she stunned in a clam shell-inspired vintage Mugler dress.

More of CNN Style’s red carpet coverage here.

Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Mick Fleetwood honor Christine McVie

Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Mick Fleetwood.

The “in memoriam” portion of this year’s Grammys was incredibly special, because they had various performers take to the stage to honor the talents we lost last year.

One of those poignant moments came from Sheryl Crow, who teamed up with two of her longtime idols, Mick Fleetwood and Bonnie Raitt, to honor the late Christine McVie, who famously was part of the band Fleetwood Mac. She died in November.

Crow spoke to CNN earlier this week about why it was such a “full circle” moment for her because she had been part of inducting the group into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Migos rapper Quavo performed a tribute to Takeoff, three months after his killing

Quavo performs onstage.

Three months after the murder of Takeoff, the rap artist’s uncle and fellow Migos member Quavo performed a tribute to him during the Grammys “in memoriam” segment.

The gospel music group Maverick City Music joined Quavo to perform the tribute song, “Without You.”

The song was released in January in honor of Takeoff who was shot and killed in Houston, Texas in November at age 28. The lyrics speak to Quavo’s grief for his loved one and collaborator.

“Tears rollin’ down my eyes/ Can’t tell you how many times I cried/ Days ain’t the same without you/ I don’t know if I’m the same without you,” Quavo ped.ps.e pair pair had been together when Takeoff was killed outside a private party.

Along with their longtime friend Offset, the two had been members of the platinum selling rap trio Migos. They released their final studio album, “Culture III,” in 2021.

DQuavo’sntribute ammys perfo,rmance photos of othe we’ve lost, lost including Irene Cara, PnB Rock and StetWen “Twitch,” Boss appeared on the wall behind them.

Photos: Behind the scenes at the Grammy Awards

It’s a big party in Los Angeles tonight, with some of the biggest musical artists in the world in attendance.

Check out these shots of the stars mingling backstage and in the audience, and view more of the top photos from the Grammys here.

Adele, Beyonce and Lizzo
Bonnie Raitt and Taylor Swift 
Simone Smith, Mary J. Blige and LL Cool J
Viola Davis 
Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck and Adrien Brody
Shania Twain and Mick Fleetwood
Nelly and Swizz Beatz
Cardi B and Offset 
Flavor Flav 

Beyoncé and Jay-Z — they're just like us

Beyoncé made a stir when she finally arrived at Crypto.com Arena for the Grammys telecast, but the first shot of Bey at her table with her husband also gave viewers at home something to relate to.

Host Trevor Noah made the announcement that Bey was in the house while standing right next to her table. When cameras panned over to Beyoncé’s husband, rap legend Jay-Z, he seemed totally unfazed by the big moment. Instead, he was nibbling on what appeared to be some crackers.

The best part was that he held them in his hand — and when he thought Noah was done speaking, he began to eat again.

A man’s gotta eat!

Beyoncé wasn’t present to accept the Grammy award that tied her with Georg Solti’s 31-win record. Noah had earlier said that Los Angeles traffic was to blame for her absence in the historic moment.

Kendrick Lamar wins award for Best Rap Album

Kendrick Lamar accepts the Best Rap Album award for “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers."

Kendrick Lamar took home the award for Best Rap Album for his project “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.”

He said the album was one of his “toughest records to make.”

While accepting his award, he thanked his family for giving him “the courage and the vulnerability to share these stories and share my truth with this album.”

He also thanked his fans and “the culture” for his win.

Beyoncé has arrived at the Grammys

Beyonce appears in the audience.

Beyoncé has finally arrived to the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, after being delayed by traffic, according to host Trevor Noah.

Queen Bey was shown sitting at her table with rapper Jay-Z, the other half of one of music’s most prodigious power couples.

Earlier in the show, Noah had said: “Beyoncé is on her way. But, you know, the upside of hosting the Grammys in LA … is that everyone can be here. The downside of hosting the Grammys in LA is the traffic.”

Bad Bunny wins award for Best Música Urbana Album

Bad Bunny has won the award for Best Música Urbana Album for his work, “Un Verano Sin Ti.”

He said he made the album with “love and passion” and dedicated his award to Puerto Rico, where he is from.

“I dedicate this award to Puerto Rico, the birthplace and capital of reggaeton throughout the world,” the superstar artist said in Spanish while accepting the award. “I want to dedicate it to all the legends and especially, also, to the new ones that keep the movement alive and fresh. Thanks to all the new talent, let’s keep taking this genre to another level.”