Music

Zelensky gives surprise speech and Louis CK win sparks controversy: Grammys highs and lows

Apr 04 2022
Written by Patrick Kelleher

Three photos: Louis CK in a suit and no tie, Doja Cat and SZA in gowns holding their Grammys, and Zelensky in a grey t-shirt

Louis CK’s win sparked controversy, Doja Cat and SZA were wonderful, and Ukrainian prime minister Zelensky made an appearance. (Getty)

There were surprise wins, major snubs, and performances to make you laugh and cry at the 2022 Grammys.

There’s never a shortage of drama and chaos at the Grammys, and this year’s awards ceremony didn’t disappoint.

The 2022 Grammys were dominated by Jon Batiste, who walked away with five awards, including the coveted Album of the Year prize. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish walked away with no awards – despite the fact she’s swept the board for the last two years.

We take a look at some of the biggest talking points from the Grammys, from Lady Gaga being the kind and gracious legend she always is to a certain disgraced comedian taking home an award.

1. Doja Cat almost missed her Grammys moment, while Lady Gaga proved herself a saint once more

We’ve all been there – someone is looking for you for something important, but you’re in the bathroom, probably scrolling through Twitter on your phone.

That’s apparently what happened to “Say So” singer Doja Cat at the 2022 Grammys. She picked up her first ever Grammy for Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside SZA for the song “Kiss Me More”, but at first was nowhere to be seen.

As SZA took to the stage to accept the award, an apparently breathless Doja Cat rushed in from the side.

“I have never taken such a fast p**s in my whole life,” she said.

To make the moment even better, an eternally kind Lady Gaga jumped out of her seat to help SZA with the train of her dress as she got up to accept her award.

2. Louis CK winning a Grammy left a sour taste in people’s mouths

Louis CK performing in 2016. (Kevin Mazur/Getty)

There was some head scratching when the Grammy nominations were announced and Louis CK, the disgraced comedian, was in the Best Comedy Album category. Some criticised the Grammys for nominating him despite the fact that he has admitted to sexual misconduct.

There was immediate backlash on social media when Louis CK was named winner in his category.

“I wonder if the careers of the women comedians Louis CK forced to watch him masturbate – who were allegedly threatened by CK’s manager – have recovered from the stigma of coming forward,” columnist Moira Donegan tweeted. “Louis CK’s own career seems to have bounced back very well.”

https://twitter.com/MoiraDonegan/status/1510780145702952961

3. Billie Eilish’s powerful performance moved audiences to tears

Billie Eilish performs onstage during the 64th annual GRAMMY awards on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Emma McIntyre/Getty)

She may not have won any awards at the 2022 Grammys, but Billie Eilish managed to win the hearts of people watching at home.

The singer performed her song “Happier Than Ever” with her brother Finneas at the ceremony, and she used the opportunity to pay tribute to Taylor Hawkins, the late Foo Fighters drummer.

Hawkins tragically died on 25 March in Los Angeles. He was just 50 years old.

4. Lil Nas X reminded us that it’s his world and we’re all just living in it

Lil Nas X performs at the 64th annual Grammy awards ceremony

Lil Nas X performs at the 2022 Grammy awards (Getty/Rich Fury)

Last year was Lil Nas X’s year. The singer and rapper repeatedly grabbed pop culture by the horns and showed that he had an uncanny ability to shock, amaze and delight the world.

That’s why it was so disappointing that he walked away without any awards at the 2022 Grammys. Still, he blew audiences away with his medley of “Dead Right Now”, “Montero” and “Industry Baby”, and he showed afterwards that his sense of humour is still top notch.

“Can’t believe I lost all my Grammys,” he tweeted after the awards. “I am now no longer gay!”

can’t believe i lost all my grammys. i am now no longer gay!

— ☆ (@LilNasX) April 4, 2022

Speaking of Lil Nas X’s Twitter, his selfie with Lady Gaga was one of the best things to emerge from the awards. Can we get a collab, please?

pic.twitter.com/PIA8zy5XVj— ☆ (@LilNasX) April 4, 2022

5. Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky had an important message

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks on screen during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022. (Kevin Mazur/Getty)

The Grammys weren’t just about the music – the awards ceremony also drew attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In a pre-recorded message, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky said: “Our musicians wear body armour instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals, even to those who can’t hear them. But the music will break through.”

Speaking directly to the artists present, he continued: “Support us in any way you can, but not with your silence. Fill the silence with music.”

6. Lady Gaga’s Tony Bennett tribute moved us to tears

Lady Gaga performs onstage during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards. (Kevin Mazur/Getty)

Lady Gaga’s friendship with Tony Bennett is well documented, which is part of what made her tribute to the singer so moving at the Grammys on Sunday night.

She performed “Love For Sale” and “Do I Love You” in honour of Bennett, who recently retired from live performances due to his Alzheimer’s.

Gaga was visibly emotional when a pre-recorded video of Bennett introducing her was played alongside footage of her long history performing with the legendary singer.

Gaga and Bennett’s album went on to win Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the Grammys.

7. BTS’ Kim Taehyung flirting with Olivia Rodrigo sent fans into a tailspin

Fans are begging for a collab after BTS star Kim Taehyung was seen flirting with Olivia Rodrigo at the Grammys.

Social media erupted when Kim sat beside Olivia and whispered seductively in her ear – and fans were quick to declare them the duo the world needs right now.