Women Take Center Stage At The 2019 Grammys

Lady+Gaga%2C+Jada+Pinkett+Smith%2C+Alicia+Keys.+Michelle+Obama+and+Jenifer+Lopez+opening+the+show

Emma McIntyre

Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, Alicia Keys. Michelle Obama and Jenifer Lopez opening the show

Lisset Saavedra, Arts & Entertainment Editor

After the hashtag, #GrammysSoMale, trended last year at the 2018 Grammy Awards with only one female singer winning a major category, Alessia Cara, taking home best new artist. People feared this was how the music industry was going to turn out. Recording Academy President Neil Portnow announced his forthcoming resignation after claiming last year’s lack of female winners was the sad result of women needing to “step up.”

Rob Latour
Cardi B performing “Money”

This year’s 2019 Grammys did not disappoint.

Kevin Winter
Lady Gaga performing her Grammy-winning song, “Shallow”

Before the show began, Ariana Grande had won her first Grammy in the best pop vocal album category for Sweetener.

The first hour of the show was loaded with female performers: Camila Cabello, Kacey Musgraves, Janelle Monáe, Dolly Parton–accompanied by Katy Perry, Maren Morris, Little Big Town and Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter.

Alicia Keys became the first woman to host the Awards in 14 years. She delivered a women-empowerment speech with Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Jada Pinkett Smith also giving speeches encouraging women to move forward in the music industry.

Lady Gaga took home three Grammys for best pop solo performance for “Joanne,” best song written for visual media, and best pop duo performance for “Shallow.”

Country Singer Kacey Musgraves owned the night with the most wins for best country album, best country song, album of the year, and best country singer.

Chelsea Lauren
Kacey Musgraves holding her four Grammys

Best new artist went to English singer, Dua Lipa. During her acceptance speech, she referenced Portnow’s comment: “I just wanted to say how honored I am to be nominated alongside so many incredible female artists this year, because I guess this year, we really stepped up!”

Cardi B made history by becoming the first solo woman for Best Rap Album for “Invasion of Privacy.”

Robyn Beck
St. Vincent & Dua Lipa performing “MASSEDUCTION” and “One Kiss”

Best R&B performance and best R&B album went to rookie H.E.R., who also performed during the show.

Many felt this year’s show was a step in the right direction, but it’s evident that there is still a serious need for an improvement in female representation and diversity in the industry.