Grammys 2024 highlights: Taylor Swift, Victoria Monét, SZA, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish get wins; Jay-Z honored

Celine Dion, who presented the album of the year award, posed for a cute picture with Taylor Swift, the big category winner.

The pictured circulated on X, where some people had accused Swift of not fully acknowledging the legendary singer when she accepted the award.

Miley Cyrus: Two Grammys out of six nominations.

The “Barbie” movie soundtrack: Three Grammys (with Billie and Finneas nabbing two of those) out of 11 nominations.

Taylor Swift: Two Grammys out of six nominations.

SZA: Three Grammys out of nine nominations.

Victoria Monét: Two Grammys out of seven nominations.

In addition to our live blog, NBC News kept tabs on the winners here.

Yes, the Grammys were supposed to end at 11:30 p.m. ET, but we can spare a few minutes to have Billy Joel return to the stage and sing some more!

Taylor Swift set a record for album of the year wins tonight with “Midnights.” She’s the first singer to win that category four times.

Swift previously was the first and only female solo artist to win the award three times, tying her with Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.

Swift brought up Lana Del Rey with her to accept the award. Del Rey's "Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" was also nominated in the category this year.

It was a big year for female artists, with seven out of eight nominations in the category going to women.

"Mind blown. Thank you so much," Swift said.

Five-time Grammy winner Celine Dion stepped onstage to roaring cheers and a standing ovation at the Grammys in a surprise appearance at the end of the night to present album of the year.

“Those who have been blessed enough to be here, the Grammy Awards, must never take for granted the tremendous love and joy that music brings to our lives and to people all around the world," she said.

The Canadian singer, who has a career spanning nearly four decades, stepped back from performing in 2022, when she shared her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and spasming. Last year, she canceled the rest of her European tour, citing ongoing health issues.

Before the show, Grammys executive producer Ben Winston had hinted there would be mystery guest who would shock the audience.

“They are an absolute global icon. I think jaws will drop to the floor,” Winston told CNN in an interview. “People will be on their feet. The only condition they gave is that it was a surprise.”

Legendary singer Billy Joel and his piano dazzled the Grammy stage as the awards ceremony came close to its end.

He performed “Turn the Lights Back On," his first single in nearly 20 years.

Cyrus won record of the year for "Flowers," for her second Grammy of the night. The category, which acknowledges the specific recording of a song, is awarded to the artists, producers and engineers involved.

“My life was beautiful yesterday," she said in her acceptance speech. "Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular.”

DJ an record producer Mark Ronson presented the award for record of the year with his mother-in-law ... Meryl Streep. For those who don't know, Ronson is married to Streep's daughter, actress Grace Gummer.

Noah recognized Annie Ray, a Virginia teacher, for the music educator award.

The award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to music education.

Best new artist goes to Victoria Monét, who already won best R&B album tonight for her debut studio album “Jaguar II.”

The award in this major category is her third win out of seven nominations she received this year.

She thanked her mother in a tearful acceptance speech, calling the award the culmination of a "15-year pursuit" since she moved to Los Angeles in 2009. Monét likened her journey to that of a plant:

"You can look at the music industry as soil, and it can be looked at as dirty or it can be looked at as a source of nutrients and water," she said. "My roots have been growing underground unseen for so long, and I feel like today I’m sprouting, finally, above ground."

Burna Boy, accompanied by Brandy, performed “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” a sample of Brandy’s 1998 song “Top of the World.”

Allegedly.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, took the stage for a speech about the power of music to unify people as “one of humanity’s greatest connectors.”

He acknowledged deadly attacks at music events in Paris; Manchester, England; and Las Vegas, as well as Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on a music festival in Israel.

"Take the string quartet: As individuals, they sound really good, but together they achieve something beautiful,” he said, adding: “These musicians of Palestinian, Israeli and Arab descent are here playing together. Now’s the time for us, for humanity, to play together — to come together with empathy and with love.”

The rapper opened his musical act with "My Eyes" on a dark and moody background setting.

He later brought out Playboi Carti to perform “FE!N."

Parts of Los Angeles appear to have gotten a flash flood warning ... or at least this NBC News reporter (who is less than 2 miles away from Crypto.com Arena) did.

"This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation," an emergency alert from the National Weather Service read. "Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order."

Brandi Carlile paid justice to Joni Mitchell's career when she introduced her debut Grammys performance.

"She’s learned to walk three times. … She’s timeless," Carlile gushed. "We lived in the time of Joni Mitchell."

Mitchell, who won her 10th Grammy tonight, took the stage sitting down in a white throne-like chair, singing her hits accompanied by a string quartet, with a teary Carlile right at her side.

Billie Eilish and brother Finneas snagged the award for their hit “What Was I Made For?”

“Damn, that’s stupid guys — whoa," Billie said on tage. "Literally ... I was looking at everybody’s faces, and I leaned over and was like not a chance. ... Everyone in this category ... that was a crazy list of incredible people, incredible artists. ... I feel crazy right now. I’m shocked out of my balls."

The victory is the “Barbie" movie soundtrack's third win of the night.

Jay-Z brought his daughter Blue Ivy onstage as he accepted the award.

“Forget the Grammys — you got to keep showing up until they give you all those accolades you feel you deserve," he said.

He also called attention to Beyoncé’s repeated snubs over the years.

“She has more Grammys than anyone and never won album of the year,” he said.

Blink and you might have missed it.

Annie Lennox called for cease-fire while performing a tribute to Sinéad O’Connor.

“Artists for cease-fire," she said. "Peace in the world."

Even with a big cowboy hat obscuring her face, we know Beyoncé when we see her.

We finally got our first Beyoncé sighting of the night! She's accompanied by her husband, Jay-Z, and eldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.

Oprah took the stage to honor the iconic Tina Turner, who died last May. In a speech paying tribute to her legendary career and impact, Oprahin called Turner the “forever goddess of rock ’n’ roll."

She introduced Fantasia, star of "The Color Purple" musical remake, who performed a tribute.

Rapper Killer Mike was detained for questioning today by Los Angeles police and escorted out of the Grammys venue at Crypto.com Arena after an altercation, a police source said.

It came after he won three Grammy awards at the pre-show Premiere Ceremony for best rap performance, best rap song and best rap album.

Representatives for Killer Mike and for the Grammys did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Read the full story here.

During the Grammy's memoriam tribute Lenny Kravitz took a pause to spotlight the contributions of the late Clarance Avant, who is revered as the "Godfather of Black Music." The tribute was followed by a moving performance from Grammy nominee Jon Batiste, joined by R&B and gospel giant Ann Nesby.

Stevie Wonder delivered a heartfelt “duet” with the late crooner Tony Bennett.

Wonder was singing and playing the piano while duetting with a video recording of Bennett.

“Tony, I’m gonna miss you forever. I love you always,” Wonder said during the performance, which also honored other artists who have passed away over the past year. 

Taylor Swift delighted her fans tonight by announcing a new album during the Grammys.

“The Tortured Poets Department” will drop on April 19. The superstar singer made the announcement while accepting the award for her 13th (lucky number!) Grammy for "Midnights."

Swifties suspected earlier in the day that she might announce news that she’d drop “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” after she changed her profile picture to a black-and-white image across several of her social media profiles, including Instagram.

Instead, while accepting the award for best pop vocal album for “Midnights,” Swift said an entirely new album is coming.

Read the full story here.

The rock band delivered a special performance from the Las Vegas Sphere and presented the award for best pop vocalist to Swift.

Rodrigo bared her soul with "Vampire," which is nominated for record of the year and song of the year.

Rodrigo is also nominated for album of the year.

SZA snagged her third Grammy of the night for her hit “Snooze.”

SZA excitedly ran into Lizzo’s arms for a hug before recalling their friendship in her acceptance speech.

“I came really, really far, and I can’t believe this is happening,” she said through tears.

The country artist received her first Grammy for best country album for "Bell Bottom Country."

He said they hoped to keep the show "under 10 hours."

Cyrus brought her Grammy-winning hit to the stage, appearing to channel Tina Turner in a shimmering, flowy number and big hair.

“I just won my first Grammy!” she yelled excitedly in the middle of the song after asking the audience, “Why are you acting like you don’t know this song?”

Noah joked that he was "live at the Crypto.com Arena, the only thing in crypto that’s not in jail yet.”

The crowd watched in stunned silence before erupting in cheers at the end of Billie Eilish and brother Finneas' emotional rendition of “What Was I Made For?”

Their performance got a standing ovation.

The song won best song written for visual media during the Grammys Premiere Ceremony earlier today.

Taylor Swift is wearing a clock necklace set to midnight, sparking online speculation about “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” Easter eggs.

The artist opened her set with "Snooze" before transitioning into a femme fatale rendition of "Kill Bill." The martial artistry, weapons and assassin-inspired outfits made for a killer performance.

SZA is the most-nominated artist of the night and has already snagged two awards.

The Colombian artist won for her album "Mañana Será Bonito," making her the first female reggaeton artist to win a Grammy.

“This is my first time at the Grammys, and this is my first time holding my own Grammy," she said. "I’m super happy, so excited, so nervous ... to be in front of so many legends I admire and respect. My album has given me the best memories.” 

It’s the duet we’ve been waiting for!

Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman teamed up to perform "Fast Car" at the Grammys, after Combs’ cover became one of the biggest hits of 2023.

The crowd cheered when Chapman opened the song, putting a smile on the legendary singer’s face.

Noah began cracking jokes about Taylor Swift right as the pop star entered the room, pointing to the economic boost her Eras Tour brought to cities around the world.

“As Taylor Swift moves throughout the room, the local economy around her improves,” Noah said. “Lionel Richie? Now Lionel Wealthy.”

He also quipped that NFL fans should “let her live” at Chiefs games instead of “complaining” about her appearances.

“Every time someone says Taylor Swift, I’m going to cut the cameras to someone who played football,” he joked as the camera cut to Terry Crews, who formerly played on several NFL teams. “Oh, you like that, Terry Crews?”

Cyrus won the award for "Flowers." She said she nearly missed the presentation because of traffic.

“I could have missed the award, that’s fine, but not Mariah Carey,” she said after saying she was stuck in traffic in wet weather.

"That's Spotify's job," Noah jabbed, garnering a big laugh from the room.

The crowd got so excited that it gave the "Queen of Christmas" a standing ovation when she stepped onto the stage to present best pop solo performance.

Noah continued his monologue with quips about the growing influence of AI music over the last year.

While it brought us a new Beatles song in 2023, it also made it possible for him to listen to the song "My Neck, My Back" in Italian singer Andrea Bocelli's voice.

From Doja Cat to Meryl Streep, Trevor Noah is giving everyone in the room their due.

Before introducing Dua Lipa, host Trevor Noah cracked a joke about how Angelenos are struggling to deal with the pouring rain.

"We'll have a moment of silence for them later," he said.

The singer teased her new era by opening the awards show with her coming song "Training Season" before launching into the lead single, "Houdini."

The 2024 Grammys are starting now!

Alicia Keys' 2003 album holds the record for longest span of any album receiving a Grammy award.

During the pre-show, a re-released version of "Diary of Alicia Keys" that came out last year to celebrate the album's 20th anniversary received a Grammy for best immersive audio album.

Both artists rocked Bayonetta glasses, which are small, rounded spectacles popularized by a video game character in the 2000s. The eyeglasses have been a hit among celebs in recent months.

Billy Joel didn’t start the fire, but he’s about to get everyone at the Grammys fired up.

The five-time Grammy winner is headed back to the awards show to perform “Turn the Lights Back On,” his first song in 17 years.

The Grammy-winning rock band U2 will deliver a special performance from the Sphere in Las Vegas, where it is wrapping up its nearly four-month residency, which became the fastest-grossing residency in Vegas history.

Its musical act will be the first broadcast performance from the Sphere, a first-of-its kind venue pushing the boundaries of live entertainment innovation.

The news first broke on Instagram last week.

As much as some of us were eagerly anticipating a Travis Kelce red carpet outfit, he unfortunately will not be attending tonight. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end confirmed last week that he’s not going to make it, as he’s required to travel with the team today ahead of his own big career moment.

“I wish I could go support Taylor at the Grammys and watch her win every award that she’s nominated for. … Unfortunately, I gotta get ready for this big ol’ Super Bowl we got in a week,” he told Pat McAfee on Wednesday.

I suppose we can’t blame him, as he’s making his own name and chasing that fame.

Paris Jackson was notably less tatted on the Grammys red carpet, with her more than 80 tattoos completely covered.

The ink was nowhere to be seen as Jackson wore a black Celine gown with several cutouts.

She shared an Instagram video of the process, revealing that she worked with makeup company CoverFX to pull off the look. “#CoverFX meant business when they said total cover cream foundation would have me covered,” she captioned the video.

Cyrus is up for six awards this year. She is slated to perform her hit “Flowers” at the ceremony.

Grammys executive producer Ben Winston teased that the final presenter of the night will remain a mystery — but will be sure to shock the audience.

“They are an absolute global icon. I think jaws will drop to the floor,” he told CNN in an interview. “People will be on their feet. The only condition they gave is that it was a surprise.”

Jordin Sparks, who’s back at the Grammys this year after her first nomination in 2009, revealed she’s working on a new album.

“It’s a little different than what people are used to, but it very much represents who I am now as a person, as a mom, as a wife, as a woman, as an artist,” Sparks said. “And the title is called ‘No Restrictions.’ I don’t know if I’m supposed to — I hope my manager doesn’t get mad at me.”

Its first single, “Call My Name,” was released in October.

Sparks is a nominee tonight for contemporary Christian music performance/song for “Love Me Like I Am,” a collab with for KING & COUNTRY.

This year’s presenters are a mix of top artists and Hollywood royalty.

The Grammys announced that Christina Aguilera, Lenny Kravitz, Lionel Richie, Mark Ronson, Maluma, Meryl Streep, Samara Joy, Taylor Tomlinson and Oprah Winfrey are among the A-listers who will take the stage to present.

Antonoff won the last awards of the Grammys pre-show for his work on hits such as Taylor Swift's "Midnights" and Lana Del Rey's "Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd."

He gave Swift a shoutout during his speech.

Billie Eilish is rocking Barbie-core.

The pre-show, where most awards were handed out, is almost over. The telecast of music's biggest night is set to start in less than an hour.

The "Barbie" soundtrack composer said that the human element of music is irreplaceable in a red carpet interview with The Associated Press.

“I might be naive, I don’t think there’s ever going to be a technology that's gonna make us feel the same thing we feel like when we hear a Stevie Wonder vocal or an Amy Winehouse for the first time,” he said.

Renowned drummer Sheila E. told Variety on the Grammys red carpet that she is teaming up with Latin music legends Gloria Estefan, Rubén Blades and several other Latin artists to remake “Bemba Colorá” by the late Cuban salsa pioneer Celia Cruz.

“It’s just amazing. It’s got a great arrangement,” she said. “It’s my first time ever doing a salsa record.”

The record is set to come out April 5, she said.

SZA's "SOS" won the Grammy for best progressive R&B album. It is her third Grammy and first solo win.

She was not present to accept the award at the premiere ceremony.

“ICU” by Coco Jones beat SZA's chart-topper, "Kill Bill," to win the Grammy for best R&B performance.

"I'm 40 years old and being nominated for best new artist," the rapper, 39, told Laverne Cox interviewing for E! News on the red carpet.

Jelly Roll said he wants his fans to take that as a lesson that things can turn around at any time in life.

Samara Joy, who is nominated for best jazz performance tonight, announced a new original song for the coming Shirley Chisholm biopic “Shirley,” starring Regina King.

“I got a call!” she told Variety of how the song came about. “I’m really looking forward to everybody hearing it.”

She won’t be the only artist on the track — but Joy wouldn’t reveal who she collaborated with for the record.

“That’s a secret,” she said.

Jazz virtuosos Adam Blackstone, Robert Glasper, Bob James, Terrace Martin and Harvey Mason Sr. have taken the stage at the Premiere Ceremony for the final performance at the pre-show.

After they wrap up, there are nine awards left to hand out.

The live telecast of the Grammys show will then kick off at 8 p.m. ET.

On the carpet tonight, Kandi Burruss said she's saying goodbye to Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" — for now at least.

"I decided I'm not coming back this year," she told Variety. "It's been 14 seasons and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long" and she began working on "some nice, big projects that are coming soon," she said.

Burruss may not stay away forever, though.

"I wouldn't say never," she said.

Billie Eilish, who already won a Grammy for best song written for visual media tonight, said fans can expect a new album in the next year.

"Soon I will have more to say, but for now, 'Barbie' is what we're talking about," Eilish said in a red carpet interview with The Associated Press.

Joni Mitchell, whose influence on folk music and singer-songwriters is undeniable to this day, will perform tonight at the Grammys for the first time.

Mitchell, 80, just won her 10th Grammy tonight, for best folk album for her Brandi Carlile-produced 2023 release “Joni Mitchell at Newport (Live).”

The “Big Yellow Taxi” singer was thought to be done performing live after she suffered a brain aneurysm in 2015, but she surprised Newport Folk Festival-goers with a surprise “Joni jam” in 2022. The concert was recorded, leading to this latest Grammy win.

She performed in another (this time advertised) “Joni Jam” at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington state last summer and was the center of a Brandi Carlile & Friends show at the Hollywood Bowl in the fall. It remains to be seen whether Carlile will be on the stage with her idol and close friend tonight.

"I Remember Everything" by Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves won the Grammy for best country duo. It is Bryan's first Grammy and Musgrave's seventh.

The legendary singer-songwriter won for her live album recorded live at Newport.

"We had so much fun at that concert, and you can feel it on that record," she said in hen accepting her Grammy.

She got a standing ovation from the audience. She's also expected to make her Grammy performance debut later tonight.

"The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times" by Michelle Obama won the Grammy for best audio book narration.

The former first lady was not at the ceremony to pick up the award, however.

"Colors of Royal" by Julian Marley & Antaeus won the Grammy for best reggae album. It's the pair's first Grammy.

Guatemalan artist Gaby Moreno won a Grammy for best Latin pop album for "X Mí (Vol. 1)" and dedicated her win to her homeland.

Colombian musician Juanes and Mexican artist Natalia Lafourcade tied in the best Latin rock or alternative album category.

Juanes won for "Vida Cotidiana" and Lafourcade for her album "De todas las flores."

Dua Lipa, who is nominated for two awards tonight and will be performing on the Grammys stage, said she's all about the girl power at this year's Grammys.

Asked by The Associated Press on the red carpet what is like to see women dominating the 2024 awards, she said, “It’s wonderful."

"I think what we want is an equal space in the industry ... not just creatively but in the business side," she said.

Victoria Monét, who won best R&B album, rocks the Grammy gold look on the carpet.

We've got over an hour left of the Premiere Ceremony, and so far boygenius and Killer Mike seem to have the most wins, with three each. The "Barbie" movie soundtrack has won two.

"What’s In A Name?" by Dave Chappelle won the Grammy for best comedy album. Chappelle was not at the Premiere Ceremony to accept the award.

He won in the category last year, as well.

"The Record" by boygenius won three Grammys, including best alternative music album. "Not Strong Enough" won best rock performance and best rock song.

“Oh my god. I want to throw up. We were all delusional enough as kids to think that this might happen to us one day," band member Lucy Dacus said in an acceptance speech. "I would practice my acceptance speech....so I feel kind of like a kid because that was the last time something like this felt possible. This just like isn’t real.”

Phoebe Bridgers later added on stage, "this is so incredible, we're just screaming backstage."

The band won best rock album and best alternative music performance.

The group was not at the Premiere Ceremony to accept its awards.

The legendary metal rock band won the award for its album “72 Seasons.”

The singer-songwriter from Iceland performed “From the Start” at the pre-show ceremony not knowing that moments later she would win a Grammy for best pop vocal album for "Bewitched."

The Grammy for best musical theater album went to "Some Like It Hot." It beat out blockbuster revival "Parade," starring Ben Platt, and "Kimberly Akimbo," which won the Tony for best musical last summer.

“Support live theater,” the musical's producer said in an acceptance speech.

The Grammy for best global album went to "This Moment" by Shakti. The members of the band, which makes Indian fusion music, thanked the country in their acceptance speech. "We are proud of you, India!" one member said.