Picture this. It’s May 4, 1959 and you’re watching the Gramophone Awards. First year of it. You think to yourself, “Who cares who wins a lousy trophy.” Little did you know, that lousy trophy would be one of the most prestigious music award still 63 years into the future.

     The Grammy’s are a very hot topic around the beginning of the year when they air. The main categories at the Grammy’s are Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, and the biggest one of the night, Album of the Year. Here’s the breakdown of these categories:

Best New Artist

     This category was first introduced at the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards. It’s handed out to the artist who, in the previous year, released work that establishes their public identity. It was first given to Bobby Derin in 1960. Some of this year’s nominees include: Omar Apollo, Måneskin, Molly Tuttle, and this year’s winner, Samara Joy. Joy, who released her self-titled debut album in 2021, was nominated because of her alluring sound within the jazz community. 

Record of the Year

     This category was introduced at the first ever award show. It’s given to the performing artist for that song. It was first awarded to Domencio Modugno for his song “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu” in 1959. A few of this year’s nominees are Beyonce for her song, Break My Soul; Adele for her song, Easy on Me; Harry Styles for As It Was; and this year’s recipient, Lizzo for About Damn Time. This record was the lead single from her album, Special, and topped the charts here in the U.S. becoming her second song to do so. 

Song of the Year

     This category was also introduced at the first award show. This award is given to the songwriter who actually wrote the lyrics. It was first given to Domencio Modugno, who also won record of the year for the same song. Some of this year’s nominees include All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift, Bad Habit by Steve Lacy, The Heart Part 5 by Kendrick Lamar, and this year’s winner, Just Like That by Bonnie Raitt. Raitt is a 13 time grammy winner for her American blues music. 

Album of the Year

     Lastly, this category was introduced at the first ever award show. Possibly the biggest nomination in music, this award has practically everyone on their feet as it’s being announced. The first winner of this award was Henry Manicni for his album, The Music from Peter Gunn. Some of this year’s nominees include Voyage by ABBA, Un Verano sin Ti by Bad Bunny, Special by Lizzo, and this year’s recipient, Harry’s House by Harry Styles. This was Harry’s third studio album and its lead single, As It Was, topped the charts for 15 weeks, becoming the longest topping song by a UK artist. 

     The Grammy Awards will probably go down as one of the greatest award shows in history. For years and years to come, they will continue to appreciate artists’ work and send new artists into new found fame. The show has definitely lived up to its reputation as “Music’s Biggest Night” and will continue to for generations. 

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Harry Styles receiving his award for Album of the Year