Taylor Swift made history this Sunday by clinching her fourth Album of the Year trophy at the 66th Grammy Awards, this time for Midnights. In doing so, she stands alongside a legendary roster of winners that includes Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, and Stevie Wonder, among others who have defined decades of music.
The moment underscored Swift’s enduring influence while she reflected on a career filled with milestones. In her acceptance remarks, she expressed gratitude and shared a candid glimpse of the work behind the scenes, noting how moments of creation and rehearsal fuel her passion for the craft. She also recognized the broader community of artists, including Canadian icon Céline Dion, who has faced health challenges that kept her from the spotlight at times. The winner added that this journey will likely continue, promising more music and performances to come.
Miley Cyrus captured the Record of the Year accolade for her breakout hit Flowers, a track that also sealed her first Grammy win in the Best Pop Solo Performance category. Cyrus spoke of staying true to her extraordinary life while asking fans to keep the moment in perspective, emphasizing that the celebration should not redefine the past or present either artist.
Billie Eilish performed What Was I Made For, a standout from the Barbie soundtrack that helped bring the film’s energy into the Grammys. The track secured Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media, highlighting the collaboration that powered the film’s acclaimed soundtrack. Eilish commented on the electric atmosphere and thanked Greta Gerwig for the movie that captivated audiences worldwide.
Victoria Monét earned the Best New Artist honor, marking a landmark night for her as she participated in the ceremony with her new work Jaguar II, alongside the two other Grammophones she earned. This milestone signals a rising trajectory for an artist who has been steadily building momentum in the pop scene.
Phoebe Bridgers, leading the night in awards
Phoebe Bridgers emerged as the most awarded artist of the evening. She collected trophies with SZA for Best Pop Duo/Performance for Ghost in the Machine and added three Grammophones for her work with Boygenius. Bridgers also triumphed in the Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance, and Best Alternative Music Album categories for The Record, underscoring her versatility and impact across genres.
Meanwhile, SZA—who started the night as a strong favorite—took home three of her nine nominations. Her victories included Best R&B Song for Snooze, reflecting a remarkable performance across multiple categories for the artist.
The 66th Grammys in the United States were notable for strong representation by women in the major categories, framed by conversations around accountability in the music industry. The event occurred amid broader discussions about leadership at the Recording Academy and related industry concerns, highlighting the ongoing push for greater equity and accountability in the music world.
Dua Lipa and U2 deliver standout moments
Dua Lipa opened the broadcast with a high-energy set, showcasing material from her forthcoming album Training Season and a new track titled Houdini. U2 delivered a live performance from their immersive Sphere venue in Las Vegas, an energetic showcase that blended their classic sound with modern production.
Veteran acts also graced the stage, including Joni Mitchell and Billy Joel. Mitchell delivered a landmark performance that resonated with fans who have followed her career for generations, while Joel offered a late-night finish with Turn the Lights Back On, his first new single in years.
Tributes paid homage to artists who passed away in the prior year, with performances that celebrated the legacies of Tina Turner and Tony Bennett. The evening honored those who influenced generations of musicians, keeping their memories alive through music.
Moments off the floor drew attention as well, including a surprising incident involving a rapper who had earned multiple nominations. The event carried through with a spirit of resilience and a focus on music as a unifying force.
As the gala concluded, a collaborative moment brought together Palestinian and Israeli musicians, and the Recording Academy President emphasized a message of awareness and empathy. The remarks reaffirmed a belief in music as a space for dialogue and healing, even amid political tensions in the world.