Bruno Mars dominated the Grammys with his R&B-inspired album 24K Magic. He won all six awards he was nominated for, including album of the year. He also won record of the year for the title track, and song of the year — shared with seven co-writers — for the No. 1 hit, “That’s What I Like.” Kendrick Lamar won five awards, but lost in the top categories. This marks another year where rappers were restricted to winning only in the rap categories, instead of earning prizes like album of the year. Jay-Z and Laram both could have become the first rapper to win song or record of the year and the third rap-based act to win album of the year. Lamar won best rap album, best rap song, best rap performance, best rap/sung performance and best music video. He also kicked off the Grammys with a powerful performance including video screens displaying a waving American flag behind him. His background dancers, wearing red, were shot down as he rapped lyrics at one point, and later came back to life. Kesha also put on a stunning show, with the help of powerful women including Resistance Revival Chorus, Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Julia Michaels, Andra Day and Bebe Rexha. They were dressed in white and sang Kesha’s song Praying. Kesha has been involved in a legal war with former producer and mentor Dr. Luke. She earned her first pair of Grammy nominations this year.
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