The Grammy Awards wrapped up the weekend without The Weeknd.
For all the controversy surrounding the singer's snub from the awards and his vow to boycott future ceremonies, the 63rd iteration of the industry's biggest night went ahead smoothly.
Hosted by the affable South African comedian Trevor Noah, the epic three-and-a-half-hour broadcast featured 20 performances, broke new Grammy records and featured guests sporting some seriously fashionable face masks.
Here are 11 things we learnt from the show.
1. Masks On
Ten years ago, Lady Gaga came to the Grammys inside an egg, and now we are talking about matching face masks and gloves.
The ceremony continues to inspire new fashion trends, with more than a dozen celebrities arriving at the show with some next-level colour co-ordination.
To complement the woodland theme of the nominated album Folklore, Taylor Swift wore a matching floral dress and mask.
Harry Styles took it up a notch by adorning a lavender boa over a matching tweed suit and mask.
It was Billie Eilish, however, who stole the show. The Copycat singer wore a four-piece combo of matching grey-pink suit, mask, bucket hat and nails.
Perhaps, correctly sensing Coldplay won’t be winning anything this year, singer Chris Martin fixed himself up with an official Grammy black face mask.
Scroll through our gallery of celebrities matching their outfits with their masks below:
2. A VIP party
To say the ceremony downsized this year is an understatement.
Instead of being held in the sprawling Staples Centre, public safety measures meant the award took place in the smaller Los Angeles Convention Centre nearby.
In a cross between an intimate celebrity soiree and the UK music show Later ... with Jools Holland, selected musicians sat in spaced out tables, sipping beverages while others performed on various stages across the venue.
It didn't exactly scream "awards show", but the relaxed vibe did result in heartfelt winners' speeches.
3. Trevor Noah's dig at the royal family
Noah used the homely vibes to make some caustic comments about the British royal family.
His opening monologue alluded to Oprah Winfrey's recent interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“The whole thing is going to be pretty different,” he said, referring to the new ceremony format.
“But it’s going to be even more exciting because our nominees will be sitting at those tables for their awards, so right now there’s more tension in that tent than at a family reunion at Buckingham Palace.”
4. Women run the pop music world
With Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and Beyonce coming into the night with six nominations each, the ceremony was shaping up to be a pop music battle royale.
Swift emerged victorious as she became first artist to win Album of the Year three times, with the latest going to the pandemic-inspired Folklore.
Beyonce set records of her own by becoming the female artist with most Grammys wins with 28 trophies. She picked up three awards in genre-specific categories, including Best RnB Performance for Black Parade.
Meanwhile, Lipa's disco-tastic Future Nostalgia won for Best Pop Vocal Album.
5. BTS wowed from home
BTS took their trademark synchronicity to new heights (literally) with a smashing rendition of their Grammy-nominated hit Dynamite.
To ensure the performance gelled with the ceremony, a set was constructed in Seoul to match the one in Los Angeles.
The seven-piece group – all high kicks, sparkling smiles and smooth vocals – performed the first part of the song there, before wrapping it up on a helicopter pad.
“Wow,” exclaimed host Noah at the end. Indeed.
6. Kanye West and Jay-Z Grammy battle heats up
Recent Kanye West news almost exclusively revolves around his divorce from Kim Kardashian. The Grammy Awards reminded us, however, he still remains a musical force.
With gospel release Jesus Is King winning Contemporary Christian Music Album, West temporarily tied with Jay-Z for the most awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy Awards history, with 22 wins.
Jay-Z wasted no time in getting back on top, however, by winning the Best Rap Song award for Savage.
2022's ceremony is already looking interesting.
7. That Noah Cyrus outfit
Noah Cyrus rolled out of bed, and the bed came along with her to the Grammys.
This is just one of the many memes circulating about the singer, 21, and her, let's just say, "sprawling" Grammys outfit.
Cyrus wore a Schiaparelli couture gown that extended beyond the July singer in various ways. Twitter users understandably had a field day with this and her name began trending promptly. Mission accomplished.
8. Bill Burr puts his foot in his mouth
What did the Grammys expect when hiring an acerbic comedian to present several esoteric awards, including Best Classical Compendium?
In what was a smooth broadcast, the ceremony had its only controversial moment when comic Bill Burr kept mangling Best Regional Mexican Music Album winner Natalia Lafourcade's name.
Burr eventually gave up and said: “I will accept on behalf of her. If I butchered her name, I'm sorry. Natalia, you won."
Viewers expressed outrage on social media.
9. Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak bring the vibe with Silk Sonic
After going on Twitter last week to essentially beg the Grammys to offer him a slot in the ceremony, Bruno Mars repaid the favour with a sparkling debut performance of new side project Silk Sonic.
This was a collaboration with fellow Grammy winner Anderson .Paak, as the duo channelled RnB groups of the 1970s with Leave The Door Open.
One notable fan is American-Filipina soprano Lea Salonga, who tweeted shortly after the group’s set: “Silk Sonic just killed me. Oh my God.”
10. The show goes on without The Weeknd
With all that was said and written about The Weeknd's epic snub from this year's Grammys nominations, not to mention his reported vow to boycott the awards altogether, organisers rightfully feared his no-show would hover over the proceedings.
The committee will breathe a sigh of relief as the ceremony often felt like a high-school reunion.
There was none of the ego and competitive vibes of previous years. Instead, there was a rallying spirit from an industry battered by the pandemic. This led to some truly tender moments.
For example, after accepting the Best Rap Song Grammy for Savage, Beyonce was heard telling joint winner Megan Thee Stallion: "I am so proud of you."
We're not sure anyone really noticed The Weeknd's absence.
11. Winning songs speak of our lives
A quality defining this year's winners list is the work often reflected the times we are living in.
Taylor Swift's Folklore is already viewed as the quintessential pandemic pop album.
In her acknowledgement speech, Dua Lipa explained how the exuberant sounds of album Future Nostalgia was meant to spread much-needed cheer amid this gloomy period.
Meanwhile, the powerful Song of the Year winner I Can't Breathe by HER captured the anger and anguish of injustice that resulted in nationwide Black Lives Matter protests across the US.
Everything Now
Arcade Fire
(Columbia Records)
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
TICKETS
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
Scoreline:
Barcelona 2
Suarez 85', Messi 86'
Atletico Madrid 0
Red card: Diego Costa 28' (Atletico)
The studios taking part (so far)
- Punch
- Vogue Fitness
- Sweat
- Bodytree Studio
- The Hot House
- The Room
- Inspire Sports (Ladies Only)
- Cryo
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The 12
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
THE SPECS
Engine: AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost and electric auxiliary compressor
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 429hp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh360,200 (starting)
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
How to keep control of your emotions
If your investment decisions are being dictated by emotions such as fear, greed, hope, frustration and boredom, it is time for a rethink, Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG, says.
Greed
Greedy investors trade beyond their means, open more positions than usual or hold on to positions too long to chase an even greater gain. “All too often, they incur a heavy loss and may even wipe out the profit already made.
Tip: Ignore the short-term hype, noise and froth and invest for the long-term plan, based on sound fundamentals.
Fear
The risk of making a loss can cloud decision-making. “This can cause you to close out a position too early, or miss out on a profit by being too afraid to open a trade,” he says.
Tip: Start with a plan, and stick to it. For added security, consider placing stops to reduce any losses and limits to lock in profits.
Hope
While all traders need hope to start trading, excessive optimism can backfire. Too many traders hold on to a losing trade because they believe that it will reverse its trend and become profitable.
Tip: Set realistic goals. Be happy with what you have earned, rather than frustrated by what you could have earned.
Frustration
Traders can get annoyed when the markets have behaved in unexpected ways and generates losses or fails to deliver anticipated gains.
Tip: Accept in advance that asset price movements are completely unpredictable and you will suffer losses at some point. These can be managed, say, by attaching stops and limits to your trades.
Boredom
Too many investors buy and sell because they want something to do. They are trading as entertainment, rather than in the hope of making money. As well as making bad decisions, the extra dealing charges eat into returns.
Tip: Open an online demo account and get your thrills without risking real money.
Results
Women finals: 48kg - Urantsetseg Munkhbat (MGL) bt Distria Krasniqi (KOS); 52kg - Odette Guiffrida (ITA) bt Majlinda Kelmendi (KOS); 57kg - Nora Gjakova (KOS) bt Anastasiia Konkina (Rus)
Men’s finals: 60kg - Amiran Papinashvili (GEO) bt Francisco Garrigos (ESP); 66kg - Vazha Margvelashvili (Geo) bt Yerlan Serikzhanov (KAZ)
HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX RESULT
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 1:39:46.713
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 00:00.908
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-GP 00:12.462
4. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-GP 00:12.885
5. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing 00:13.276
6. Fernando Alonso, McLaren 01:11.223
7. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 1 lap
8. Sergio Perez, Force India 1 lap
9. Esteban Ocon, Force India 1 lap
10. Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren 1 lap
11. Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso 1 lap
12. Jolyon Palmer, Renault 1 lap
13. Kevin Magnussen, Haas 1 lap
14. Lance Stroll, Williams 1 lap
15. Pascal Wehrlein, Sauber 2 laps
16. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber 2 laps
17r. Nico Huelkenberg, Renault 3 laps
r. Paul Di Resta, Williams 10 laps
r. Romain Grosjean, Haas 50 laps
r. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing 70 laps
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final, second leg (first-leg score):
Manchester City (0) v Tottenham Hotspur (1), Wednesday, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
