This year’s Grammy Awards ceremony was polarizing to say the least. Even setting aside moments of ideology that entered the conversation, many aspects of the Awards were questioned, including what they are meant to center on: musical artists. The ceremony stoked some debate among music fans over who deserved the award for Best New Artist, whether Olivia Dean should or should not have won.
In a Carroll News survey, the biggest percentage of John Carroll students at 44.4% believed Dean rightfully received the award for Best New Artist, while Alex Warren was the second biggest percentage’s pick at 22.2%.
Students saw Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G as the event’s best dressed artists, while they gave Chappell Roan’s outfit a mixed reception, similar to the public reaction with some seeing it as bold and some seeing it as improper.
Due to Sabrina Carpenter earning six Grammy nominations but not winning any, there was likely to be contention. After being asked if she deserved to win at the ceremony, respondents were especially polarized, with nine saying “Yes” and eight saying “No.” The survey was given a variety of answers but to respondents, the performance that stood out most was Sombr’s performance of “12 to 12” during the Best New Artist medley.
When asked their favorite presenters, students were most pleased with the ones for Best Música Urbana Album, Karol G and JCU alumnus turned SNL member Marcello Hernández. The two jokingly self-deprecated about their Latino roots, a trademark of Hernández’s routine. Still, they simultaneously celebrated the impact of such artists, with Hernández saying, “The musicians in this category are defining their generation. They are representing for all the Latinos.”
Most of the respondents (roughly 66%) were satisfied with the ceremony’s winners and major moments. Additionally, they mostly enjoyed the overall pacing. While an unpredictable ceremony, the 68th Annual Grammys raised interest in differing perspectives and gave music fans an opportunity to express their values.
