Grammys 2024: Women and Their Wins
By Wynter Muro
It is a true testament to state that 2023 was undeniably a year for the girls: We saw major pushes in a variety of spaces within the realm of media. This has relayed itself proudly into 2024, and I could not be happier.
Reflecting on the release of the 2024 Grammy nominations, each category was shown to be dominated by women-identifying artists. Being that in previous years, women were often unrecognized within the entertainment industry and more specifically, with respect to award ceremonies, it called on for an anxious viewing to see if women were finally going to be given their flowers.
During the televised Grammy Award show that was broadcasted on Sunday, February 4, 2024, I was extremely emotional at the notion that this segment was purely taken on by not only the remarkable wins of women but as well as the artistic performances conducted by them alike. It is a true testament to state that 2023 was undeniably a year for the girls: We saw major pushes in a variety of spaces within the realm of media. This has relayed itself proudly into 2024, and I could not be happier.
Kicking off the ceremony with, of course, an awe-ing performance, Dua Lipa conducted a routine to a medley of her songs, “Training Season”, “Houdini”, and a snippet of the hit song from the Oscar Nominated movie Barbie, “Dance the Night”. This was one of many stunning performances. Olivia Rodrigo took the stage and belted her beautiful ballad, “Vampire” from her Grammy-nominated album “Guts”, which she will begin her worldwide tour for the album very soon. With young talent comes names that are no strangers to the stage, Billie Eilish captivated the audience with her stunningly vulnerable tune “What was I made for?” which was also a pivotal song in Barbie. The legendary Tracy Chapman performed her incredibly well-known song “Fast Car” with Luke Combs. And of course, Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlie paired to deliver a historic performance of Mitchell’s song, “Both Sides, Now” unifying those who relate from a variety of ages.
Highlighting one of the categories, the best rock album category has only been won by men-fronted bands. However, proving previous years wrong, Paramore became the first ever rock band fronted by a woman, Hayley Williams, to win this award for their album, "This is Why". Aside from the obviousness that is how amazing this win is, it is astounding to think of the implications that this could have on young and adolescent girls alike who were viewing this award ceremony; 16.9 million viewers tuned in to see each of these moments.
This year brought a lot of firsts for a multitude of women and their respective categories. With tears in her eyes and gratefulness in her heart, Columbia’s very own Karol G became the first woman to win the best música urbana award for her groundbreaking 2023 album release “Mañana Será Bonito”. Notoriously, this genre has maintained an outdated perception that music such as reggaetón or Latin hip-hop is classified as being for men and by men in this field. However, her win contests this as she reflected beautifully in her speech, “This is my first time at the Grammys, and this is my first time holding my own Grammy.”
Victoria Monét took on the category of best new artist this year. Her strides and wins are admirable, being an icon to those who were also raised by a single mother, Monét proved that despite one's difficulties when growing up, you can preserve and still win. Recognizing that her journey has lapsed over 15 years, Monét emphasizes her growth and touches all who view with the sentiment in her speech, “I just want to say to everybody who has a dream. I want you to look at this as an example.” Yet again, setting herself as another proud figure to look up to.
Growing up, I will proudly admit that I was in fact a true Hannah Montana fan to my very core. My mom was fully supportive of this and would purchase me some of her merchandise when it was being sold; She even bought me a blonde wig to wear to the movie showing of the Hannah Montana film that I attended with my tia. This being acknowledged, my mom and I were more than thrilled to view Miley’s performance and waited patiently for her win. Of course, Miley Cyrus did not disappoint. Cyrus won her first-ever Grammy award for Record of the Year honoring her hit “Flowers”. This accomplishment was soon followed by her absolutely insane performance of the now award-winning song, where she embraced her true popstar persona. Excitedly, Cyrus edited a lyric mid-performance shouting. “I just won my first Grammy!” No matter the trials and tribulations a woman faces while in the limelight, whether it be from critics in the entertainment industry, or irrelevant remarks given by the general public, she will still outshine and win record of the year.
Accepting the award for best R&B song, “Snooze”, along with 2 other wins that were not televised, SZA stood proudly on the stage and spoke earnestly. Her absolute masterpiece of an album, SOS was critically acclaimed, and rightfully so. SZA delivered her speech while crying, giving thanks to those who supported her along this journey. Touchingly, she exclaimed, “You don't really understand. I came really, really far and I can't believe this is happening and it feels very fake.” Not soon after this win, SZA released her new single, Saturn, a gorgeous tune that many have received very well. We can expect to see more victories for her as she continues to deeply embed her name into the music industry.
Bringing light to women occupying spaces that were otherwise spoken down on by men within this industry, Boygenius proudly took the award for best rock performance and best rock song both signifying the success of their song, “Not Strong Enough” which is featured on the grammy award-winning best alternative music album “The Record.” One of the members, Phoebe Bridgers, who stood alongside her two other phenomenal band members, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, took advantage of this triumphant moment and recalled, “The ex-president of the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow, said that if women want to be nominated and win Grammys, that they should ‘step up’... To him, I’d like to say, ‘I know you’re not dead yet, but when you are, rot in piss’”. Bridgers left that night with 4 awards in her arms.
Breaking records with her 13th Grammy award, Taylor Swift took home Best Pop Vocal Album for “Midnights”, and album of the year for the fourth time in her career. This became a monumental recognition as no other artist or group has achieved this milestone previously, making her the first-ever artist to do so. The confetti on top of this success? Swift also announced her new and upcoming album, “The Tortured Poets Department”, which will be dropping on April 19. She marveled at the win detailing, "I would love to tell you that this is the best moment of my life, but I feel this happy when I finish a song or crack the code to a bridge…the award is the work. All I want to do is keep being able to do this.” And with this, I am sure, she will continue to ignite her pathway to making history.
Congratulations to each and every single one of these artists who received recognition and won these awards. It is an incredible feeling to champion the representation that women are finally receiving in these fields of work: But it is important to recognize how much improvement and change is still needed to include and amplify other varieties of inclusivity and intersectionality. This is just the beginning of a luminescent pathway that I hope continues and makes room for more creatives of all kinds.