Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, and Blue Ivy were among the artists who made history during the latest Grammys ✨
It was a night of many firsts at the 2021 Grammys. As Houston's own Megan Thee Stallion took home three Grammys, including a historic win for Best New Artist, the woman who inspired her every step of the way, Beyoncé, also made history — as did Bey's 9-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter.
Former boy-bander Harry Styles and current boy banders BTS also made history, while rapper Lil Baby turned his first Grammys' performance into a vital call for action. Of course, with every historic first comes a bit of frustration. We can celebrate Megan Thee Stallion and also ask why so few Black women are recognized in the Best New Artist category. We can delight in the technicolor dreamscapes of every BTS performance of "Dynamite" while holding the Recording Academy accountable for their reluctance to acknowledge non-English pop for any major awards. In fact, as more history is being made with every telecast, we're getting good at compartmentalizing these feelings. It's joyous to witness someone be the first, if only because it means they won't be the last.Blue Ivy Carter won her first Grammy at age 9 For the Carters, the Grammys are a family affair. Beyoncé and Jay-Z's daughter was among the winners for Best Music Video for "track, making the 9-year-old the second-youngest person to win a Grammy ever. Just to recap: Blue Ivy has a Grammy before turning double digits. A young legend in the making!Hotties, it's time to celebrate some good news. Coming off a pre-show Grammy win for Best Rap Performance for "Savage," Meg took home one of the night's most coveted awards: Best New Artist. But what makes her win so historic is that Houston's resident Hot Girl is theBlack woman rapper to be crowned Best New Artist since Lauryn Hill in 1999. Upon accepting the prized gramophone, Meg was visibly emotional. "I don't want to cry," she said through tears. And her night only got more historic from there. Later in the evening, Meg and her hero Beyoncé accepted the Grammy for Best Rap Song for their "Savage" remix. It was a euphoric moment for the 26-year-old Texas rapper, who has looked up to Bey since childhood. "If you know me, you have to know that ever since I was little I was like 'One day I'm going to grow up and be the rap Beyoncé," she said, standing next to her idol. With encouragement from her mother, Meg said she lived her like according to the philosophy "What would Beyoncé do? But let me make it a little ratchet." After letting Megan enjoy her moment, Beyoncé added, "I'm honored that you asked me to be part of the song." Then, as they were leaving the stage, she told Meg, "I'm so proud of you."Black artists from the top awards, especially Black women, so watching Megan Thee Stallion so confidently bask in the golden glow of her success feels both long overdue and like a public coronation of a new queen.The 2021 Grammys kicked off how most things should: with a sexy, soulful rendition of Harry Styles's summertime hit "Watermelon Sugar." For his first-ever Grammy performance, Harry donned a leather suit — opened in the front, sans shirt, showing off his chest tats — and a sage green feather boa. He brought style, grace, and an undeniable sex appeal to the vacuous soundstage with a swivel of his hips and a charismatic grin. Musician Dev Hynes, of Blood Orange fan, joined Harry on stage on the bass.The first-timer was also nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance , Best Pop Vocal Album , and Best Music Video — the very first Grammy nominations of his solo career.Are the interests of young women finally being taken seriously at the Grammys?! Navigating the transition from boy-bander to a successful solo artist can be tricky. But Harry Styles makes it look easier. The 27-year-old star took home the award for Best Pop Solo Performance for "Watermelon Sugar," becoming the first member of One Direction to win a Grammy — a huge moment for Directioners everywhere . "To everyone who made this record with me, thank you so much," the English singer said, accepting the award with a now-purple boa wrapped around his neck. "I feel very grateful to be here."Haim took "The Steps" toward world domination with their first Grammy performance Typically, the Grammys love to highlight white men with guitars. It is the honorary rock and roll section of the night. This year, however, Haim electrified audiences with "The Steps."Este's strut! Danielle playing the drums and the guitar! Alana's little nude dress! The Haim sisters gave us everything and more for their first-ever Grammy performance. The trio of talented multi-instrumentalists were nominated for Album of the Year for. They eventually lost to their good friend and collaborator Taylor Swift, someone who's no stranger to the Grammy winner's circle. Mickey Guyton, the first Black woman to be nominated in a country category, stunned with "Black Like Me" Several of country music's most talented, fearless women took the stage at the 2021 Grammys, but it was Mickey Guyton who captivated viewers with a stunning performance of her single "