The 68th Annual Grammys award show featured several talented New York-based artists who were nominated and won awards. The inclusion of New York artists featured a wide range of genres and skills, highlighting the diversity in talent across the state. This year, the Grammys also offered the opportunity to condemn and protest against ICE.
Lady Gaga was nominated for seven different awards and went home with two. She won the Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem and Best Dance Pop Recording for “Abracadabra.” Lady Gaga also went on stage to perform her song “Abracadabra” in a unique performance.
Leon Thomas III, from Brooklyn, was also nominated for six awards and successfully won two. He went home with the Best R&B Album for his project MUTT and Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Vibes Don’t Lie.”
Samara Joy won Best Jazz Vocal Album for Portrait, her fifth Grammy overall.
Marcus Gilmore, a jazz drummer, also won a Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album due to his work on the album Southern Nights.
The 8-Bit Big Band also won a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental, or A Cappella for “Super Mario Please Break.”
In addition to New York artists who took home Grammy awards, many were honored with nominations. Including Sombr, who initially became popular through going viral on TikTok, and was nominated for Best New Artist. Sombr also performed “12 to 12” at the main ceremony.
Teyana Taylor, from Harlem, NY, was nominated for her first Grammy for Best R&B Album for her album “Escape Room.” Cardi B was nominated for Best Rap Performance for her song “Outside.” Lakecia Benjamin was nominated for Best Jazz Performance for “Noble Rise.” Allison Charney was nominated for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album. John Patitucci was nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, and Joanie Leeds and Joya Leeds were nominated for Best Children’s Music Album.
Other artists include Bill Charlap, who was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Barbara Streisand, was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Bèla Fleck, who was nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Taj Mahal was nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album. Maria Muldaur was nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album. Joe Bonamassa was nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Kirsten Agresta-Copely was nominated for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant.
In addition, the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music had numerous graduates and faculty members who received awards in the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc.’s 68th Grammy Awards. Paul O’Dette, a professor of lute, received the Best Classical Solo Vocal Album for his work with Telemann: Ino – Opera Arias for Soprano. Sara Gazarek, associate professor of jazz voice, Nate Smith, and säje received the Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals award. The Dennehy: Land of Winter ensemble received the Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance award. Cerrone: Don’t Look Down received Best Engineered Album, Classical. Heggie: Intelligence received Best Opera Recording, and Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie received Best Orchestral Performance.
In addition to recognizing the success of New York Artists at the GRAMMYs, the evening included numerous anti-ICE statements condemning the inhumanity occurring in the United States and calling for action and resistance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Key artists who made direct statements included Bad Bunny, who directly said “ICE out” in his acceptance speech for Album of the Year, Billie Eilish, who said “No one is illegal on stolen land,” and Kehlani, who said “F*** ICE.” Other artists, including Israel Houghton and Olivia Dean, made statements and numerous individuals wore “ICE Out” pins on the red carpet and throughout the ceremony.
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