Grammy success for Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar

Grammy success for Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar
Euronews

USA -- They are to music what Oscars are to films.

And for Taylor Swift, this year’s Grammies were a night to remember.
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Not only did the 26-year-old country-turned-pop artist take home three awards on Monday but she also made history – becoming the first woman to win the coveted Album of the Year twice.

This time her album 1989 did the trick.

She delivered a feisty acceptance speech on female empowerment.

“To all the woman out there … there will be people who try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame,” the singer said on stage, adding “don’t let people sidetrack you.”

But topping the leader board was rapper Kendrick Lamar who won five Grammies including best rap album.

He also stole the show with a politically charged performance on stage.

The rapper wore chains and a prison uniform to perform “The Blacker The Berry,” a powerful commentary on racial issues facing America’s black youth.

He then broke free and rapped his anthemic track “Alright” surrounded by African tribal dancers.

“I’m African-American, I’m African, I’m black as the moon, heritage of a small village, pardon my residence, came from the bottom of mankind,” rapped Lamar, 28, who hails from Compton, California, the birthplace of hip-hop.

Lamar’s performance ended with a backdrop of a large map of Africa with the name Compton written across it.

‘Thinking out Loud’ won Brition’s Ed Sheeran his first Grammys with Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

R&B singer Bruno Mars and producer Mark Ronson won two Grammys for their upbeat track “Uptown Funk!” including record of the year.

“We wouldn’t be up here if it wasn’t for the people dancing to this song,” Mars said.

Music legends we have lost were also remembered at the ceremony in Los Angeles where Lady Gaga brought the audience to its feet with a psychedelic tribute to David Bowie, who died in January.

Source: http://www.euronews.com/2016/02/16/grammy-success-for-taylor-swift-and-kendrick-lamar/

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