The 64th annual Grammy awards were held on April 3, 2022. There were definitely some expected winners but also some underdogs that came and took the win. Here are my thoughts on some of the bigger category winners from this year.

This year, Silk Sonic took home both record, and song of the year with “Leave The Door Open”

     Honestly, I’m not mad that this song won because I do think it’s a good song and mostly I’m just glad that it won over people like Justin Bieber. However, I really think that Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Driver’s License’ would have deserved at least a record of the year as it was arguably one of the biggest songs this year. It even set a record for the most streams on Spotify in 24 hours (17 million) until that was broken Later on by Adele’s ‘Easy on Me’ (24 million).  This song isn’t bad by any means, however there were a lot of really strong nominees in both of these categories. But again, I’m just glad Justin didn’t win.

John Batiste took home album of the year with “We Are” and best music video for his song “Freedom”.

We Are

Jon Batiste

     I tried to like this album. I really, really tried. But I just can’t really see why it ended up winning arguably the biggest award at the show. I know that on the actual musical side of it, it’s just not my type of music. Not only do I not really like the music, but this album was also by far the least promoted or talked about among any of the nominees. This award to me has always seemed like a combination of production, lyrics, and musicality. But I just didn’t get that from ‘We Are’. In terms of his music video, I believe it should have gone to someone like Billie Eilish or Olivia Rodrigo as both of their music videos were massively popular and very well made. I am happy for John Batiste but honestly I just have a hard time thinking that he took home both of these awards.

     Olivia Rodrigo had a very successful night and took home three awards including Best new artist, Best pop solo performance and Best pop vocal album.

     I don’t think it’s any surprise that Olivia took the win in the best new artist category. None of the other nominees had anywhere near the success she had this year so I think she definitely deserves this. If she wasn’t nominated in the category though I do think it would’ve been a much closer race for the grammy. Best pop solo performance was also one that I kind of expected and I think it was deserved. “Drivers License” was a huge song and broke so many records for her. And once again, I’m not really surprised that she took home the Best pop vocal album as “Sour” was one of the biggest albums of the year. Even if she didn’t take home Album of the year, I think she definitely deserved this one and I’m glad she’s been able to start her career so successfully.

6. Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

Kiss Me More

Doja Cat Featuring SZA

     I really like this song and while there were plenty of other strong contenders in this category, I think this was deserved. It’s a good song and it performed well so I think this is deserved.

7. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Love For Sale

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

     If any other album won this category I would have to throw a fit. Not only was this a great album but it was so meaningful as Gaga was able to make a great album with Tony Bennet after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016. So I just think this album had so much meaning behind it and definitely deserved this.

72. Producer Of The Year, Non-Classica

Jack Antonoff

Chemtrails Over The Country Club (Lana Del Rey) (A)

Daddy’s Home (St. Vincent) (A)

Gold Rush (Taylor Swift) (T)

Sling (Clairo) (A)

Solar Power (Lorde) (A)

Take The Sadness Out Of Saturday Night (Bleachers) (A)

     After looking at the nominees and the songs they produced, I think Jack was the clear winner so I’m not surprised and glad he won. When you produce songs by Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey, I don’t think it’s any surprise to be not just in the running for this category, but definitely one of the strongest contenders.