By Lianna Arenas

The 62nd Grammy Award Show created an atmosphere that used music to cope in times of difficult situations. 

Fittingly, 27-year-old Demi Lovato stepped on stage during Sunday night’s Grammys, her performance of her new song “Anyone” was nothing but powerful. Emotions seemed to overcome the singer as Lovato had to recollect herself for a moment and restart the performance. Pain-filled lyrics accompanied by Lovato’s soulful voice and piano instrumental brought tears to many, earning praise by various other artists such as Sam Smith, P!nk, and Selena Gomez. 

Sunday night’s Grammys was Lovato’s first live performance in two years since her overdose in 2018. Due to her previous encounters with drugs and trouble with her mental illness, she was hospitalized and placed into rehab. “Anyone” creates a narrative that the singer faced during her toughest years. The lyrics serve as her cry for help and her vulnerability with “Anyone, please send me anyone/ Lord, is there anyone” and “I feel stupid when I sing/ Nobody’s listening to me.”

Just like Lovato’s performance, the rest of the award show was filled with emotion and new breaking records. However, hours before going live, Los Angeles Laker legend Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter Gigi Bryant, along with six other passengers and the pilot, were killed in a helicopter crash. A tribute from host, Alicia Keys, honored the late basketball star with a beautiful arrangement with vocal group, Boyz II Men. “We unite in spite of what went on this week,” Keys ended. “Music changes the world.” 

Other artists paid their tribute as well through messages, interviews, and live performances. Before opening the show with her rendition of “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts,” Lizzo exclaimed “Tonight is for Kobe.” Lil Nas X’s performed his most notable track “Old Town Road” with Kobe Bryant’s No. 24 jersey placed in the center of his set for all to see. 

In honor of the late rapper and American activist who passed away in March 2019, Nipsey Hussle was given tribute by various artists in the music industry. YG, DJ Khaled, Marsha Ambrosius, and John Legend’s performance was illuminated by lights and the crowd’s energy. The departed rapper’s family accepted his Grammy for best rap performance on his track “Racks In The Middle” and best rap/sung performance. As the rapper’s wife, Lauren London, stated, “Nip did it not just for the awards but for the people.” 

For another touching moment, 22-year-old singer Camila Cabello dedicated a sweet song titled “First Man” that brought her father and the crowd in tears as she performed the song directly towards him. Home videos of shared moments between the two were displayed on screens. As the song finished, Cabello walked off the stage and embraced her father in a hug as he watched proudly in the first row. 

Apart from the recent tragic events, the lighter side of the 2020 Grammys marked new breaking records. In her first Grammy appearance, 18-year-old Billie Eilish became the first woman and second person to win, what is considered, ‘the Big Four Awards.’ This includes best album, best record, best song of the year, and best new artist. With that being said, this was the first time in 39 years an artist made such an accomplishment.