GRAMMYs 2019: All of the Best Performances, Biggest Winners and Most Memorable Moments

"Oh...my..." Musgraves mouthed from her seat when Alicia Keys announced that Golden Hour is Album of the Year. "Oh my god. I don't even know what to say..." a teary Musgraves said onstage. "It was unbelievable to be even in a category with such gigantic albums, really brilliant works of arts. Winning this doesn't make my album better than anybody else's in that category, they're all so good...I really don't know what to say."

After winning Song of the Year earlier in the night, Donald Glover’s anthemic hip-hop hit completed the single sweep with a win for Record of the Year. “I just want to say, creating music with Childish Gambino has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” producer Ludwig Göransson said as he accepted the award without Glover. “No matter where you’re born, or what country you’re from, you connect with ‘This Is America.’”

Following an "In Memoriam" segment which included tributes to Carol Channing, Joe Jackson, Avicii, Mac Miller, and more members of the recording industry who passed over the last year, Yolanda Adams, Fantasia and Andra Day took the stage to show off their stunning vocals with a rendition of “Natural Woman” in celebration of Aretha Franklin, who died last August.

Last year's winner Alessia Cara and Bob Newhart presented the award for Best New Artist to Dua Lipa, immediately following her performance with St. Vincent. "I guess where I want to begin is by saying how honored I am to be nominated alongside so many incredible female artists this year," the singer emotionally told the crowd, before making a pointed dig at Recording Academy President Neil Portnow’s comments after last year’s awards. “I guess we really stepped up!”

"R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Find out what it means to me," Dua Lipa purred as she joined St. Vincent on the stage. Looking like two fembots with matching black bobs, the two GRAMMY winners transitioned from the vibey "Masseduction" to the poppy "One Kiss" and back again, delivering the night's vampiest performance.

Cardi was visibly stunned when her named was announced as the winner of Best Rap Album, and she accepted the award with husband Offset at her side. “I’m sorry, I just...Ooh, the nerves are so bad! Maybe I need to start smoking weed,” she joked, as she struggled to catch her breath before thanking daughter Kulture for her unexpected contribution to the double platinum album. “I wanna thank my daughter. When I found out I was pregnant, my album was not complete...we had to get this album done so I could shoot these videos while I’m still not showing. It was very long nights.”

The Best New Artist nominees and Beyoncé protégées wowed with a soulful, mesmerizing cover of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway's "Where Is the Love," continuing the trend of the first-timers delivering some of the best performances of the night.

After winning three awards in a row during the pre-show ceremony, Carlile took the GRAMMYs stage for the first time ever to perform her nominated song, “The Joke,” following a glowing introduction by Kelsea Ballerini. The singer -- who got cheers from the likes of Maren Morris and Linda Perry for her stunning performance -- is already having a breakthrough night and she still hasn't found out whether she's won Album or Record of the Year.

The 21-year-old first-time nominee won her second GRAMMY of the night for her self-titled EP, accepting the honor from Korean boy band BTS. “It’s not even an album, it’s an EP!” she marveled, before bringing up her team to celebrate with her. The Best New Artist nominee, whose real name is Gabriella Wilson, previously won Best R&B Performance for her duet with Daniel Caesar, "Best Part."

Alicia Keys and Smokey Robinson crooning "Tracks of My Tears" together onstage would make quite the tribute in itself, but the GRAMMYs had something flashier in store: Jennifer Lopez donned feathers and took us back in time for a retro glam medley of "Dancing in the Streets" and "Please Mr. Postman," revealed a bejeweled leotard for lively renditions of "Money (That's What I Want)," dueted with Smokey himself on "My Girl," and pulled off one last quick-change to end atop a piano as Ne-Yo played.

Eve and Swizz Beatz introduced Scott’s performance -- after the latter gave a shoutout to his wife's hosting duties -- which kicked off with an low-key rendition of “Mile High” with James Blake and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey, before Scott jumped in a cage surrounded by rowdy fans to perform “No Bystanders.” The high-energy performance from the night’s triple nominee got the crowd, including Jaden Smith, jumping in their seats.

Gaga channeled "Hair Body Face"-era Ally for a performance of the already-GRAMMY-winning anthem, "Shallow." Covered head-to-toe in jewels, with a jewel-covered microphone and sky-high boots, the pop star threw herself around the stage, whipping her hair wildly, but sounded flawless the entire time. Mark Ronson stepped in as Gaga's stage partner, but left the vocals to Mother Monster while he accompanied on guitar.

Introduced by her adorable 9-year-old grandson, Raif-Henok, Ross brought the crowd to their feet and to tears with her performance of “The Best Years of My Life,” which she crooned in a flowing red gown as her family joyously sang along in the front row. She then got the entire crowd singing and swaying to “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” thanking everyone for helping celebrate her milestone 75th birthday, “Happy birthday to me!”

Drake made an unexpected appearance to accept the award for Best Rap Song. "This is, like, the first time in GRAMMY history that I actually am who I thought I was for a second," he told the crowd, before thanking his peers and the industry for the recognition, but noting that it’s not all that matters. "You’ve already won if you have people who are singing your songs word for word, if you’re a hero in your hometown."

The country duo didn't require any frills for their first performance on the GRAMMYs stage, a stripped-down version of "Tequila" with Dan on the guitar and Shay on piano, the latter only leaving his keys to belt one the final note of the song. We'll cheers to that.

The GRAMMYs host paid tribute to some of her favorite artists during a musical interlude, showing off her Hazel Scott-inspired keyboard skills by playing two pianos at once, before singing “Killin’ Me Softly” and “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” as a birthday tribute to Lauryn Hill.

Keys then covered Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams” and Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable,” and played a Coldplay lick from “Clocks,” noting “Who doesn’t wish they wrote this song?” She then sang a bit of Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody,” crooned “In My Feelings” to hubby Swizz Beatz and brought Ella Mai to tears when she covered “Boo’d Up.” Safe to say, having a 15-time GRAMMY winner hosting the show leads to some epic musical moments.

Musgraves is having quite the golden night. She won two GRAMMYs before the show even started, followed that with two stellar performances and topped it off with a Best Country Album win for Golden Hour. "I never dreamed that this record would be met with such love," she said. "I love country music with everything that I am...My sweet husband is here. I love you. I believe I wouldn't have this album if I hadn't met you."

Queen Cardi took to her jewel-toned boudoir stage with a troupe of perfectly coordinated dancers and piano accompanist in couture. Nominated for five awards at the 2019 GRAMMYs, Cardi rocked her hit “Money” in a short flapper-style wig and bejeweled, leopard print bodysuit, bringing the crowd to their feet and eliciting ecstatic cheers from her estranged husband, Offset.

Having already won a GRAMMY, the Best New Artist nominee was feeling good when she took to the stage to perform "Hard Place," a rendition that started simply, focusing on H.E.R.'s killer vocals and sick guitar strumming, before a handful of backup singers and violin players took to the stage to join her for the big finish. All the while, BTS was in the audience singing along.

Introduced by Anna Kendrick, the star-studded tribute kicked off with Kacey Musgraves and Katy Perry performing “Here You Come Again,” before being accompanied by Parton herself, which got the crowd on its feet immediately. Next up, Miley Cyrus joined her godmother on stage to sing “Jolene” together, and Maren Morris teamed up with the pair for incredible harmonies on “After the Gold Rush.” After that, Parton brought Little Big Town to sing a new song, “Red Shoes,” which she wrote for the Dumplin’ soundtrack. Finally, Parton brought everyone back out for a fun-filled rendition of “9 to 5.”

Post ditched his pink, bedazzled cowboy ensemble for snakeskin for his performance, which started with a rather understated acoustic rendition of "Stay," before kicking things into gear for one seriously unexpected mashup: his GRAMMY nominated hit, "Rockstar," and the Chili Pepper's "Dark Necessities." Guitar shredding ensued.

After reminiscing about how she and John Mayer “share” his 2004 Song of the Year GRAMMY, Keys and Mayer presented this year’s award to Childish Gambino for his groundbreaking hit, “This Is America.” While Donald Glover wasn’t there in person to accept the award, Keys was thrilled for her pal, excitedly shouting “Childish!” to the crowd as they accepted the GRAMMY on his behalf.

Leave it to the incomparable Janelle Monáe to turn the GRAMMYs stage into a full-on futuristic robot fetish party. Her performance of "Make Me Feel" kicked off with a laser show and the GRAMMY nominee playing electric guitar, before turning into a massive dance number paying tribute to her "Django Jane" and "Pynk" music videos. It's safe to say the entire Staples Center was feeling a way after that.

Following two wins during the pre-show, Musgraves took the stage to perform her song “Rainbow,” looking ethereal in a floor-length, sleeveless white gown. As LED lights displayed a rainbow behind her, the singer -- who will also perform as part of the GRAMMYs Dolly Parton tribute -- brought the emotion, even getting a kiss blown her way from Lady Gaga following her stunning song.

Gaga immediately burst into tears backstage when "Shallow" was announced as the winner of the night's first award -- and Tony Bennett was right there in the audience cheering her on. "I gotta thank God, thank you for looking out for me," an emotional Gaga said. "I wish Bradley was here with me right now. I know he wants to be here." Please welcome to the stage GRAMMY Winner Bradley Cooper!

For the next performance of the night, Mendes and Cyrus continued their recent musical collaborations by performing his hit Song of the Year contender. Clad in coordinating black vests, Mendes opened the number on piano, before Cyrus joined him on the main stage to turn it into a high-octane rock ballad, with fiery sparks raining down around them. We’ll take a full collab album right now, please and thank you.

"I want everyone in here who might feel a little nervous, just know I got you. I'm going to take care of you tonight," host with the most Alicia Keys began. She shouted out her sisters in the audience, including Tracee Ellis Ross and Dolly Parton and Chloe x Halle, then brought to the stage the Mount Rushmore of powerful women: Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, Michelle Obama and Jennifer Lopez.

"From the Motown records--" Obama began, then had to pause as the audience burst into a standing ovation. "From the Motown records I ran out on the Southside to the 'Who Runs the World' songs that have helped me through this past decade...Music helps us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys."
 

On a massive set built to resemble a colorful, neon-lit apartment building, the former Fifth Harmony crooner solidified her status as a solo star with a stunning opening number, performing her mega hit, "Havana," before breaking into an high-energy dance break with special guests Ricky Martin and J Balvin -- who also performanced an interlude of his own hit, “Mi Gente.” It was a big night for Cabello, who was nominated for her first two solo GRAMMYs for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Performance, and though she didn’t win, she kicked off the awards show in epic fashion.

Despite any personal drama, the hip-hop power couple hit the carpet together, as Offset stepped out to support Cardi, who is nominated for five GRAMMYs tonight. Earlier this month, as rumors their reconciliation surfaced, Cardi -- who made an undeniable statement on the GRAMMY carpet in her oyster-inspired vintage Mugler couture gown -- told ET’s Kevin Frazier that the couple are “working it out” and “taking it slow."

"I missed you too!" told ET about returning to the GRAMMYs stage for the first time since 2001. In addition to teasing a "dear" duet with Miley Cyrus -- they'll be singing "Jolene" together -- she told ET about missing out on Jennifer Aniston's 50th birthday party ("I see Jennifer all the time, I'll get a chance to catch up with her") and teased the upcoming 9 to 5 sequel: "Well, actually, we're supposed to get the script any day now. Once we all sign off on it, I guess we'll start making plans to film it."

Apple Music’s Zane Lowe put Mendes on the spot about his rumored collaboration with Cyrus, after the two recently teamed up for a Dolly Parton tribute. “I never said I have a good poker face!” Mendes joked as he laughed off the speculation, though he did offer high praise for Cyrus as a performer. “She just lets it all out, she doesn’t hold anything back...When you sing with someone who does that, you also fall into it. It’s just a dream to sing with her.”

Trainor walked the carpet with her new hubby, Daryl Sabara, and confessed to ET’s Sophie Schillaci that she’s getting ready to take the next step: "We go on and off," the pop star admitted of her and her hubby’s plans to expand their family. "We’re like, 'Let’s do it now!' And then we’re like, 'Let’s wait until [after the] tour.' We tried for like, one second, and then I was like, just kidding!"

Brandi Carlile wasn't the only notable winner during the pre-telecast ceremony: Beck won two awards, for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classic, as did Kacey Musgraves, who won Best Country Solo Performance ("Butterflies") and Best Country Song ("Space Cowboy").

Lady Gaga was another double winner, for Best Song Written for Visual Media and Best Pop Solo Performance ("Joanne (Where Do You Think You’re Goin'?)"), while Best New Artist nominee Dua Lipa is also taking home a golden gramophone already, for Best Dance Recording. "ELECTRICITY IS THAT BITCH!!!!" she tweeted. "WE GOT A GRAMMYYYYY"

The rocker died in May 2017, so his children, daughter Toni and son Christopher, accepted his GRAMMY for Best Rock Performance (for "When Bad Does Good") on his behalf. "He is a rock icon, the godfather of grunge and the creator of a movement, whose contribution to music history made a lasting impact across genres and generations. He was also one of the greatest poets of his time, whose soaring, unforgettable vocals made him the voice of a generation," Christopher said. "While he touched the hearts of millions, the most important thing he is known for, to us, is being the greatest father and our hero.

"Thank you to our mom, his love, his muse, his savior," Toni added. "This is for you, daddy, and we love you so much."

The boy band hit the red carpet for their first GRAMMY Awards and looked dapper in matching black suits. This year, Jimin, J-Hope, Jungkook, Jin, V, Suga and RM made history as the first-ever K-pop act to be nominated for a GRAMMY, and while they lost the Best Recording Package category, they’ll still be giving their devoted ARMY of fans something to cheer about when they present during the telecast.

The boys chatted with ET’s Sophie Schillaci and Apple Music’s Zane Lowe on the red carpet, where they revealed that new music is in the works! "We stayed up all night to work for our next album," RM revealed. "Right before the flight, we stayed up all night."

"Tell the GRAMMYs f--k that 0 for 8 shit," Jay sang on "Apesh-t," but the Carters aren't going home empty-handed this year. While Childish Gambino took Best Music Video and H.E.R and Daniel Caesar won Best R&B Performance, Everything Is Love won the GRAMMY for Urban Contemporary Album. Unfortunately, the Carters were not in attendance to accept.

Cabello stunned on the GRAMMYs red carpet, and stopped to chat with ET’s Sophie Schillaci about her slinky fuschia custom Armani Prive gown. “I feel very me tonight. It’s a lot a pink, a lot going on,” she noted. And while she admitted that the dress wasn’t too uncomfortable, compared to some of her past red carpet looks, she already had her post-GRAMMYs splurge all planned out: “Tonight I’m eating all the Mexican food. Tomorrow for lunch, I’m having Five Guys Burgers and Fries and at night I’m having pasta. And probably southern food, somewhere in between.”

Not that we expected the "thank u, next" songstress to be in attendance after slamming GRAMMYs producer Ken Ehrlich for "lying" about why she won't be performing this year. Nonetheless, Grande won her first-ever GRAMMY for Best Pop Vocal Album for Sweetener, besting fellow nominees like Camila Cabello, Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift.

"i know i’m not there tonight (trust, i tried and still truly wished it had worked out tbh) and i know i said i try not to put too much weight into these things .... but f--k .......," Grande tweeted. "this is wild and beautiful. thank you so much.

The GRAMMY-nominated DJ and producer stopped to chat with ET’s Sophie Schillaci on the red carpet, where he revealed his next dream collaboration includes a political powerhouse! “I was at Clive Davis’ [party] last night, I saw Nancy Pelosi. I was trying to meet her and get a picture. And Barbra Streisand was sitting next to her. So, Nancy Pelosi and Barbra Streisand. I’m trying to work with them!”

"This is our first GRAMMY and Quincy's 29th, which is now the most GRAMMYs of any living artist," Alan Hicks announced as he and co-director Rashida Jones accepted the GRAMMY for Best Music Film for Quincy, the documentary about the "life and legacy" of Rashida's father, Quincy Jones.

"No one's career has had quite the same impact on culture, decade after decade, like my father's has," said said, citing his "crashing down racial barriers" and "mastering multiple genres." "When my dad first watched the film, he said, I wish I could live forever...Dad, I hope you live forever."

It was a showdown between "Apesh*t" and "This Is America," but the latter took home the GRAMMY for Best Music Video, which was accepted by director Hiro Murai -- "I accept this on behalf of Donald Glover and everyone who worked on this production" -- and the video's producers, who chimed in, "I just want to give a special shout out to a family member we lost this past year, Donald Glover Sr."

Chris Cornell’s 14-year-old daughter, Toni, wore a T-shirt with her father's image on it as a tribute to the late singer. Cornell, who died in May 2017, is posthumously nominated at this year’s GRAMMYs for Best Rock Performance for "When Bad Goes Good."

Andrea Echeverry, of Colombian rock band Aterciopelados, turned heads early on the GRAMMYs red carpet by dressing up like the famed golden gramophone statue. The group is nominated for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for their album Claroscura, which won Best Alternative Album at the Latin GRAMMYs in November.

She's the most nominated female of the year-- up for Album, Record and Song of the Year -- and Carlile already has three GRAMMY wins under her belt: First, Best American Roots Performance for "The Joke." "It's our first GRAMMY!" she exclaimed, thanking, "My wife, Catherine Carlile, and my two daughters, Evangeline and Elijah. There are so many people to thank, but I'm violently shaking right now."

She immediately followed that win with wins for Best American Roots Song and Best Americana Album for By The Way, I Forgive You. "Americana music is the island of the misfit toys. I am such a misfit," Carlile said. "It is this music that has shaped my life and even given me my family. I came out of the closet at 15 years old, when I was in high school and I can assure you, I was never invited to any parties and never attended a dance. This has been the dance of a lifetime. Thank you for being my island."

It may seem like a lifetime ago -- or at least one Reimagined soundtrack ago -- but The Greatest Showman took home the GRAMMY for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. (Fun fact: If Deadpool 2 had won, Ryan Reynolds would be a GRAMMY winner!)

Presenter Questlove then announced the first -- and surely not the last -- wins for both Black Panther and A Star Is Born: Ludwig Göransson won Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, while "Shallow" won Best Song Written for Visual Media, with producer Benjamin Rice accepting the award "on Lady Gaga's behalf."

"I hope I haven't been too obvious about this. I've kind of been playing the long game. I never wanted to be a recording artist, I did it for 45 years so one day I could win a GRAMMY for being an art director," the comedian joked after winning his fifth GRAMMY Award, for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package for Squeeze Box: The Complete Works of "Weird Al" Yankovic.

The K-pop group's Love Yourself: Tear was up for Best Recording Package, but the golden gramophone ultimately went to Willo Perron for St. Vincent's Masseduction. The boys are scheduled to present during the show, so the BTS Army will still get to see their faves grace the GRAMMYs stage today.

Only about a dozen GRAMMYs are handed out during the actual ceremony, the rest are announced during a pre-telecast premiere ceremony hosted by Shaggy. He kicked off the ceremony by going over the rules via a reggaeton tune (like, keep your speech under 45 seconds) and then announced the winner for Best Comedy Album: Dave Chappelle for Equanimity & The Bird Revelation, though the comedian was not present to accept the gramophone.