Now Tour: Spring 2018
 
The “Now Tour” was declared Shania Twain’s final tour on May 3, 2018 in Tacoma, WA. This is Shania Twain’s fourth concert tour. The Queen of Country Pop has sold more than 100 million records and has been identified as one of the most successful singer and songwriter in North America. Shania not only sings but plays the guitar while performing country/country pop music since 1983.
 
Each song on Now is from the heart and full of passion. Everyone of all ages can relate and sing along to Twain’s songs. After a tough diagnosis with Dysphonia and Lyme disease in 2004, Shania decided to take a break from performing until now! Twain released her fifth studio album after her fifteen-year hiatus in 2017, and she is back in action for all of her fans to enjoy Now. In 2017, Twain said, “Now that I’ve got new music, I’m really motivated to do music live.” Don’t miss out on Shania’s “Now Tour” ending this December. Now is the time to support Twains newest album and purchase Shania Twain tickets here! 
 
Top 2 Singles on Now
 
“Swingin With My Eyes Closed”
“Swingin With My Eyes Closed” is written by Shania Twain and produced by both Twain and Ron Aniello. “Swingin With My Eyes Closed” is Twain’s second single on Now.

​“Life’s About to Get Good”
“Life’s About to Get Good” is written by Shania Twain and produced by Twain, Ron Aniello and Matthew Koma. The song isthe lead single on Now.

​“NOW Tour” Dates

June 15 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
June 16 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
June 25 – Ottawa, ON, Canada @ Canadian Tire Centre
June 26 – Montreal, ON, Canada @ Bell Centre
June 28 – Quebec City, QB, Canada @ Videotron Centre
June 30 – Hamilton, ON, Canada @ FirstOntario Centre
July 3-4 – London, ON, Canada @ Budweiser Gardens
July 6-7 – Toronto, ON, Canada @ Air Canada Centre
July 11 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
July 12 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
July 14 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
July 15 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena
July 17 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
July 18 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
July 20 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
July 21 – Nashville, TN @ TBA
July 24 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
July 25 – Des Moines, IO @ Wells Fargo Arena
July 27 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
July 28 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena
July 30 – Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Arena
Aug. 1 – Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
Aug. 3 – Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center
Aug. 4 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena


By Jessica

About Ed
Ed Sheeran is a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter from the U.K. Becoming famous may have seemed easy for a star like Sheeran. Although, Sheeran worked very hard to get where he is today. Sheeran was born on February 17, 1991 in Halifax, England. Sheeran was intrigued with music at a very young age. As a child, he learned to play the guitar and write his only songs. When he was only sixteen-years-old, Sheeran moved to London with only his guitar and necessities to develop his livelihood.

It was not long until thousands of people started to recognize his talent. After moving to London, Sheeran promoted himself with recording and selling compilations of songs (EPs) and performed hundreds of small gigs in 2009. Sheeran became increasingly more popular online in 2010 by posting 3 EPs in one year. He hit No. 1 on iTunes before he even signed with a record label.

Sheeran has been recognized for collaborating with Taylor Swift on her album Red, working with Beyoncé, and co-writing the song “Moments” that led to One Direction’s fame. To top that, Sheeran has sold more than 26 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide!


“Divide Tour:” Fall 2017
The “Divide Tour” was announced on January 26, 2017; Ed Sheeran’s third world wide concert tour. Sheeran began performing on March 16, 2017 in Turin, Italy. He performed in hundreds of sold-out arenas with no band to back him up. This music fanatic creates an electronic-stylized sound using both a loop pedal and his acoustic guitar.

Each song on ÷ is relatable in different levels for all people to enjoy. Sheeran’s 95-minute set consists of impressive lighting designed by Mark Cunniffe to entertain and surprise every single person who attends his show. Sheeran’s stage set up consists of twenty big screens playing clips of his top music videos, and an ambiguous North Korean mushroom back drop. Don’t miss out on the stadium portion of his tour ending this November.

Purchase Ed Sheeran tickets for his stadium tour!
​

÷ Overview
​1. “Castle on the Hill”- Sheeran had written and recorded “Castle on the Hill” in 2015. This song is based on Ed Sheeran’s hometown, Framingham. 

​2. “Perfect”- “Perfect” was produced by Ed Sheeran with Benny Blanco and Will Hicks. “Perfect” was known to be the first track written for his third studio album. 

​3. “Shape of You”- “Shape of You” is one of the Sheeran’s double lead singles from his third studio album. The song was written by not only Sheeran but Johnny McDaid and Steve Mac. 

​4. “Galway Girl”- “Galway Girl” has a substantial Irish folk beat that incorporates Irish traditional music. “Galway Girl” was written and recorded among Sheeran and the Irish folk band Beoga. 

​5. “Eraser”- “Eraser” was produced by Sheeran and Johnny McDaid. This song was written inside a tree house located in McDaid’s garden. 

​6. “Dive”- Sheeran wrote the song “Dive” with Julia Michaels and Benny Blanco in Malibu or March 2016. The guitar solo in dive was from Angelo Mysterioso while Jessie Ware provided backup vocals. 

​7. “How Would You Feel (Paean)” – “How Would You Feel (Paean)” is one of Sheeran’s more lengthy songs written and produced solely by himself. The base of this song is Sheeran writing to his current finance Cherry Seaborn while she was on the way to the airport to return home. 

​8. “Supermarket Flowers”- Sheeran portrays “Supermarket Flowers” to be a tribute for his grandmother while she was sick. While Sheeran was producing ÷, the hospital where his grandmother was staying at was located right by his studio. With that, Sheeran began to visit her on a daily basis. Once Sheeran’s grandmother passed, he performed the song at his funeral. He was insisted to put it on his upcoming album for the whole world to hear. 

​9. “New Man”- The song “New Man” is a sass diss song about an ex's new boyfriend written by Sheeran, Ammar Malik, Jessie Ware and Benjamin Levin; and produced by Benny Blanco and Sheeran. 

​10. “Happier” – “Happier” was written by Sheeran with Benny Blanco and Ryan Tedder. The song is known to be ÷’s top heartbreaking breakup track. 

​Happy #NationalWineDay to all of the wine-os out there! While you curl up at the end of day and pour yourself a glass, Ticket Galaxy is bringing you our #NationalWineDay artist lineup. Each of these artists are not only touring this year, but they relate to the holiday through their songs, interests, and persona in the music industry. 

Dave Matthews Band

​Dave Matthews Band is an obvious correlation to #NationalWineDay due to their frontman Dave Matthews' investment in the wine industry. Matthews owns Dreaming Tree Wines and line titled "The Dreaming Tree" that can be found in most liquor stores. ​Matthews partnered up with Sean McKenzie to create The Dreaming Tree. The Californian wine line that reflects the rockstar and the established wine connoisseur. Dreaming Tree Wines is located in Geyserville, California. 

The Dreaming Tree Wines now includes five different types: Crush Red Blend, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc. Each are reasonably priced under $20 a bottle. ​

On Dreaming Tree Wine's website, Matthews also features a handful of recipes that pair well with his wines from Dave Matthews Band chef  Fiona Bohane. Dreaming Tree Wines also has a heavy focus on sustainability and eco-friendly efforts inspired by Matthews' social issues standpoints.

Dave Matthews Band is releasing a new album titled Come Tomorrow. Their tour will begin in late May and go until late September. Purchase Dave Matthews Band tickets today!   

Dead & Company

Dead & Company is unique in the sense that the band does not release albums but tours consistently every year since formation. Furthermore, Dead & Company is comprised of Grateful Dead members and John Mayer. Mayer grew a heavy appreciation for Grateful Dead in 2011 and invited the guitarist Bob Weir to perform with him on The Late Late Show in 2015. Since then, the remaining core members of the group formed a musical bond with Mayer and have continued to perform together ever since. Dead & Company began touring in 2015 and have consistently toured ever since without releasing a studio album.

Mayer's career has taken turns throughout the years, but his classics remain well-played throughout the past few decades. In 2009's Battle Studies, the hit "Heartbreak Warefare" hints at #NationalWineDay with the lyric, "Red wine and Ambien / You're talking shit again, it's heartbreak warfare." This line in itself expresses Mayer's general lyrical genius: a combination of pensive and sullen over relationships.

Purchase Dead & Company tickets to see their Summer 2018 Tour!    

Journey

Journey's major, smashing hit song "Don't Stop Believin'" includes a pivotal lyric, "The smell of wine and cheap perfume." Most Americans know the song and therefore know this line, which is why Journey makes our list for #NationalWineDay. In addition to "Don't Stop Believin'," the mega-selling band's hit list also includes "Lovin, Touchin' Squeezin'," "Girl Can't Help It," and many more. "Don't Stop Believin'" is off of their 1981 album Escape. Journey is in the top best-selling bands in the U.S. and one of the best-selling bands in the world, as well. Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

Purchase Journey tickets as they join forces with Def Leppard for a co-headlining North American Tour in 2018!

Steely Dan

Steely Dan is a band who is known to enjoy a party and a drink. Founded by Donald Fagen and the late Walter Beck, Steely Dan's rock sound also blends jazzy and pop elements that created standout hits for the artists. Fagen is the only official member of the band after Beck's passing, but the touring members keep the stage lively and full of the series of instruments that maintains Steely Dan's sound. The band broke up in the '80s to then reform in the early '90s. Steely Dan's cult-like following allowed the group to continue its success even during the split. Steely Dan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

From 1980's Guacho, "Time Out of Mind" includes the lyric, "Tonight when I chase the dragon / The water may change to cherry wine." This wine reference is one of many drinking references throughout their songs. Steely Dan also weaves religious influences into the lyric, as well, hinting at Jesus Christ turning water into wine. However, the song itself is about drugs and addiction, creating a metaphor between being high and religious experience.

Purchase Steely Dan tickets to see Fagen and his touring band live this summer!  


By Jenna

Christina Aguilera
"Liberation Tour"
​Christina Aguilera is back after years out of the new music spotlight. Aguilera spent seasons on The Voice during its early years. Though she doesn't seem fond of the show's evolution through her opinions in interviews, Aguilera held her coach position due to her extraordinary vocal abilities. That doesn't distract from the years since her last album. 2012's Lotus was Aguilera's last album; the pop star retreated into motherhood and kept out of the television or charting spotlights.

Aguilera is back in 2018 with her new album Liberation. Even from the title itself, fans can tell this is a new side of Aguilera after her time away. The first single "Accelerate" features Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz on a Kanye-produced beat. Though the single itself didn't catch fire, the follow-up songs hinted more at the vocal range that fans fell in love with. "Twice" and "Fall in Line" featuring Demi Lovato demonstrated her powerhouse voice as well as attitude. Without the distractions of overly-worked backbeats, Aguilera began to show the naked, raw talent that encompasses her album marketing strategy. Used to seeing Aguilera hidden behind makeup, Liberation shows a natural side to the star. Her shoots show a natural makeup with very little flair similar to Lady Gaga's Joanne.

Purchase Christina Aguilera tickets for her "Liberation Tour."  

Phil Collins
"Not Dead Yet! Tour" 
Phil Collins grew into fame during his time in the band Genesis when he replaced Peter Gabriel as the frontman. Afterwards, Collins' solo career took off to establish Collins as a high-selling rock artist. ​Besides his drummer role in Genesis, Collins' solo career includes major hits such as "In the Air Tonight" and Disney Tarzan's "You'll Be in My Heart." Collins also has an established acting career in addition to his music career. Named after his new memoir Not Dead Yet, Collins is embarking on his "Not Dead Yet! Tour" in 2018. This is his first major North American tour in twelve years, falling in line with the name of the tour and book. Collins has not released an album since 2010's Going Back, and there are no solid plans for a release this year. 

Purchase Phil Collins tickets to see the English icon live. 

Taylor Swift
Openers: Camila Cabello and Charli XCX
'reputation' World Tour

Taylor Swift ferociously returned to the charts in 2017 with her first album in three years titled reputation. After public feuds that dragged around Swift's once-flawless character, reputation was the album to address her growth and struggles over the past three years. Its name and persona spoke for itself. The marketing strategy focused around black and red. Ads included the snake that Swift's Instagram account so famously swarmed with after her fallout with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Swift's entire tour personality also focuses around the dark. As her lead single "Look What You Made Me Do" stated, "I'm sorry, the Old Taylor can't come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, 'cause she's dead." reputation's lead-up to release was just that: aggressive, image-altering, and a little petty. Fans squirmed at the idea that the red-lipped. smiling girl who danced around in sun dresses and looked shocked when she won awards was truly gone.

However, the album itself spoke to a different Swift than the hype warned for. Though her album clearly discusses the trials that her reputation went through, Swift also continues to focus on that one thing that grounds all of her music: the importance of love. Throughout the past three years, while Swift herself has struggled in her career, she has also stumbled through her twentysomethings into true love. The album is not about West or Perry or what they made her do. Instead, Swift rips out the ugliness that hides in every young woman figuring s*** out and puts it on the record for fans to hear. She openly discusses sex for one of the first times in her career. She also swears; though not often, it's enough to once again demonstrate that she is grown and now unafraid.

Swift's 'reputation' World Tour will bring the alternate Swift persona around the world. However, Swift has also acknowledged that the tour will include old hits, as well, for longtime fans. The tour began in Arizona and will continue until early October. 

Find out what Swift has to say about her reputation - purchase Taylor Swift tickets. 

​J. Cole 
Openers: Young Thug
"KOD Tour"

​J. Cole announced his "KOD Tour" after releasing his 2018 album KOD. Young Thug will open for the majority of the tour dates, creating an epic lineup featuring two major hip-hop artists. The tour begins in August and heads through mid-October. J. Cole's KOD broke multiple streaming records when it was released in April. He explained that "KOD" stands for Kids On Drugs, King OverDosed, and Kill Our Demons. Each meaning reflects a different theme in the album. J. Cole battles with societal norms, such as social media, and disease, such as alcoholism, in KOD. Much like a majority of his lyrics, J. Cole's focus is observation of the world around him and those close to him that translate into internal critique and reflection. His serious tone welcomes critiques to call the star "preachy" in a way that Lamar evades, but J. Cole's talent and unique sound permeate KOD like this other records.

Purchase J. Cole tickets. 

​
​Beyoncé and JAY-Z
Openers: TBA
"On the Run II Tour"

Two of the music industry's biggest stars align for the "On the Run II Tour" during 2018. After Lemonade and Becky with the Good Hair and 4:44 reflections, Bey & Jay are back as a power couple ready for a co-headlining blockbuster tour. Though Beyoncé has yet to drop an album since 2016, JAY-Z released 4:44 in 2017 around the time that their twins were born. This tour will certainly include many old hits from Beyoncè's catalog, as well as some potential new music foreshadowing her next album release. JAY-Z will most likely focus on 4:44, but fans are sure to hear his hits in conjunction with his wife's set, as well. 

The tour's European leg kicks off in June and heads through July. The North American leg begins in late July and goes through early October. "On the Run II Tour" is the sequel to their 2014 "On the Run Tour." 

Purchase On the Run II Tour tickets.  

​Jason Aldean
Openers: Lauren Alaina and Luke Combs
"High Noon Neon Tour" 

​​Jason Aldean is one of the biggest male country artists and live performers in the genre. After a difficult 2017 that involved the Route 91 shooting while he was onstage, Aldean is back for his first full-length tour since the massacre. Aldean is known for his performative skills, captivating stadiums for years. His new album Rearview Town dropped in April. He is touring in support of his new album, and is bringing young stars Lauren Alaina and Luke Combs on the road. Aldean also just released the single "Drowns the Whiskey" featuring Miranda Lambert in May. 

The "High Noon Neon Tour" begins in May and goes until late September. Purchase Jason Aldean tickets. 

With warm summer days right around the corner, we’re here to get you ready for all of the upcoming music festivals you won’t want to miss. From EDM to hip-hop, rock and more, it’s time to grab your festie-bestie and start planning your next musical adventure!

Read below for a list of popular festivals & their lineups to ensure you don’t skip a beat.

Boston Calling Music Festival
Boston, MA
5/25-5/27
Boston Calling Music Festival is one of the most popular music festivals in the Northeast. Not known for its consistent weather, the Northeast isn't a common place to hold music festivals, as other areas of the country are warmer and sunnier more of the year. However, come summertime, New England hosts Boston Calling in the heart of Massachusetts's capital. Boston Calling was originally held next to Boston City Hall in downtown Boston. As the festival grew in popularity, the fall and spring lineups changed to one spring lineup at Harvard Athletic Complex in Cambridge. More room and more entertainment - Boston Calling is now a full-fledged music festival with a Ferris wheel and more. In 2018, the festival goes over Memorial Day weekend. Eminem, The Killers, and Jack White are headlining. Other notable acts include Khalid, Portugal. The Man, Tyler, The Creator, and Paramore. 

Purchase Boston Calling tickets. 

Governors Ball 
New York, NY
6/1-6/3
​​Governors Ball is held on Randall's Island running parallel to New York City's Manhattan. Randall's Island is used for a handful of major music festivals, and Governors Ball is one of the most popular. The festival began just shy of ten years ago in order to create a contemporary music festival in NYC. Due to limited space in the actual city, Randall's Island became the perfect spot separate from the business while still a transportation or bridge walk away from the bustling area. Governors Ball hosts a myriad of other activities during the festival similar to other large-scale festivals including silent discos, photo booths, and more. Street artists from around the city feature their art on the grounds, as well. The 2018 lineup includes Jack White, Travis Scott, and Eminem with other notable performances by Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Halsey, Khalid, CHVRCHES, and more. 

Purchase Governors Ball tickets. 

​Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 
Manchester, TN
6/7-6/10
​Bonnaroo is a major camping festival that owns the space for overnight music festivals. Though fans do not have to camp to enjoy Bonnaroo, it is part of the outdoor festival experience in warm and humid Tennessee. Bonnaroo is known for its dedicated music fans and an atmosphere that takes into account the nature surrounding the grounds and on the grounds, as well. The Bonnaroo activities include this theme such as yoga classes, 5ks, "The Well," and other active events that encourage Bonnaroo's mission.The eco-friendly and wholesome, healthy focus is something that Bonnaroo prides itself in. Bonnaroo is also unique because it's four days long as opposed to other festivals that are typically three days long. 2018's headliners include Eminem, The Killers, and Muse. Other stand-outs are Future, Bon Iver, Khalid, Paramore, and Dua Lipa. 

Purchase Bonnaroo tickets.  

​Firefly Music Festival
Dover, DE
6/14-6/17
​Firefly Music Festival is similar to Bonnaroo, as it's a popular camping music festival that holds earthy roots while celebrating some of the most iconic musicians on this generation. Firefly has different sections for guests' entertainment including The Brewery, The Coffee House, The Market, The Thicket, and The Nook. Each serves a different purpose whether it's music, shopping, or relaxation. Firefly is held at The Woodlands in Dover, Delaware. Firefly is also four days long, making it a longer music festival. 2018 headliners include Arctic Monkeys, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar. Other major artists include Logic, The Killers, Lil Wayne, and SZA. 

Purchase Firefly tickets. 

​Vans Warped Tour 
6/21-8/5
​After decades as alternative music's biggest touring festival, Vans Warped Tour is going on its last full-length tour run this summer. The "Final Full Cross Country Tour" embarks in late June and goes through early August. Warped Tour began in 1995 and is the largest traveling music festival in the U.S. Genres included in the tour are pop, rock, punk rock, and sometimes hip-hop. Therefore, though Warped Tour is focused on rock, other genres have certainly been included in the lineup in the past for an eclectic feel. Major artists who have performed on Warped Tour include Linkin Park, Yellowcard, Bebe Rexha, and more. In 2018, major performers include Mayday Parade, All Time Low, Simple Plan, and We the Kings. 

Purchase Vans Warped Tour tickets. 

​Lollapalooza 
Chicago, IL
8/2-8/5
​Lollapalooza is one of the most historic festivals, as it began in 1991. The original Lollapalooza is in Chicago, IL, where Lollapalooza is still held every August. However, Lollapalooza now also has some international locations, as well. Lollapalooza is held in Grant Park in the heart of Chicago. It celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2017. The lineup is a mix of everything: indie, hip-hop, rock, pop, EDM - similar to many other major music festivals across the country. In 2018, headliners are The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Jack White, Arctic Monkeys, and Travis Scott. Other notable performers include Logic, Post Malone, Vampire Weekend, Khalid, and more. 

Purchase Lollapalooza tickets. 

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Electric Zoo
New York, NY
8/31-9/2
​Electric Zoo is a major EDM music festival that takes place in Randall's Island in New York City. Electric Zoo began in 2009, and sister festivals have been held in Mexico City, Tokyo, and Shanghai. Each year has a theme, and 2018's is "The Big 10" after 2017's "The 6th Boro." 2018 is EZoo's 10th birthday, and the theme name resembles the 10th anniversary. Electric Zoo is over Labor Day weekend in early September. It combines the ultimate icons from all subgenres of electronic music. The party is crazier, the decorations are bolder, and the Electric Zoo experience is more electric than many other music festivals.

Buy Electric Zoo tickets.

'Tis the season for warm summer nights and country concerts. Whether your specialty stays in the tailgate parking lot or sings the word to every song, country concerts truly bring life to venues in the summertime. The biggest country artists purposefully plan major tours touring the summer to experience the electric crowds, and this time of year is no different. Most charting country stars are gearing up for their Summer 2018 tour trips including Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, and many more. Here is an overview of the most-anticipated country tours to watch for:

Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan continues his "What Makes You Country Tour" through the summer and into September. Major special guests will also join him on his stadium tour stops including Sam Hunt and Jon Pardi. "What Makes You Country Tour" is hitting stadiums after a first leg in late winter. After early summer dates, the tour will pick up again from August through September. Bryan is making the most out of the summer tour potential, and his huge country guests for his stadium dates will certainly be crowd pleasers. The stadium dates are scattered throughout the summer and fall months. 

Biggest Moments of the 60th Grammys:

Kendrick Lamar's Opening Performance
Kendrick Lamar is a hip-hop shark who continues to press a political agenda forward through his music. This opening performance on the Grammys continually demonstrates his ability to plot out live performances with unique elements and diverse visual elements. Lamar brought Bono out for "XXX" and inserted Dave Chappelle commentary twice without drawing too much attention away from Lamar's musical elements.  

U2 Performing on the Hudson
U2, much like Lamar, made a career out of social issues commentary and an outspoken liberal mindset. Though U2 is decades into their career and losing steam, and epic performance on the Hudson River reinforced a lovable quality of U2. You might not buy their album or tour tickets, but U2 continues to fight for equality inside and outside of the studio. 

​"1-800-273-8255" by Logic, Khalid, and Alessia Cara
"WHO CAN RELATE?! WHOOOO!" That phrase became a major pop culture asset in 2017, driving the positive influence of "1-800-273-8255," a song named after the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Logic, Alessia Cara, and Khalid teamed up to perform their hit: a mellow, smooth pop/hip-hop crossover that drives home the point without holding a depressing sound. The young stars represent the future of pop and hip-hop. Alessia Cara took home Best New Artist at the Grammys last night, while Khalid was also nominated in that category. 
​

Kesha & the "Me Too" Movement
​Kesha could very well take credit for sparking the discussion of sexism and sexual assault in the music industry. After legally facing up against Dr. Luke, a former Sony executive and pop hitmaker, Kesha's lawsuit loss sent shockwaves throughout the industry. Huge artists like Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, and Taylor Swift all donated or made statement regarding Kesha's situation. That was years ago. In 2017, Kesha resurfaced with her raw, country-influenced 'Rainbow.' 'Rainbow' also includes many pop hits, as well, in addition to a series of battle-cry ballads that argue for her strength and revival of her music career. Kesha's performance of "Praying" was rough - shaky and not always on pitch. However, that in itself was the point. Surrounded by other female musicians supporting her, Kesha sang her battle cry on music's biggest stage. Lawsuit and finances aside, Dr. Luke was sitting in a hotel alone watching while Kesha took back her career, and in turn, her life. 

Childish Gambino &  J.D. McCrary
​Slow and sensual. Childish Gambino, or Donald Glover for those who know his acting career, sang "Terrified" last night in a bluesy, laidback performance. His band members seemed as cool and collected as he was. However, nothing beats the impressive performance by J.D. McCrary. McCrary stars in 'The Lion King' alongside Childish Gambino, and his addition to the performance wowed audience members. McCrary's vocal talents are flawless. The pair created one of the most impressive yet minimal performances of the night. 

Biggest Letdowns

Bruno Mars Sweeping Record of the Year, Song of the Year & Album of the Year
Mars stole the show from Lamar, and not in a good way. Was '24 Magic' fun? Did it rock the radio? Is Mars one of this generation's ultimate live performers? Yes to all of the above. However, Lamar continues to execute some of the most rich and razor-sharp raps available for hip-hop fans. But that's just it: Lamar's talent is lost on the mainstream audience. Mars can make your head bop to "Condo in Manhattan," while Lamar's commentary on FOX News isn't going to fly with every listener. 

"Des... paaaaaaaa...." Oh, no.  
It's not that the song isn't a hit. It's not that the Spanish song isn't super important for a country that is quickly growing a large Spanish-speaking population. However, the performance screamed Spanish stereotypes, and it did little to show the depth of Latin music on music's biggest stage. Yes, "Despacito" gets everyone on their feet. However, the performance needed to be a little less Vegas residency and a little more Grammy stage. 

Sam Smith Is His Own Worst Enemy
Sam Smith made us fall asleep last night. His high vocal range is immense, and his talent is indisputable. However, the white overcoat and choir made Sam Smith the same he was last year and the year before that and the year before that: dull.
​
We highlighted the most popular category nominees during our Grammys nominations post. Below are the updated winner results from last night's Grammy Awards:

Record Of The Year:
“Redbone” — Childish Gambino
“Despacito” — Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber
“The Story Of O.J.” — Jay-Z
“HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar
“24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Album Of The Year:
“Awaken, My Love!” — Childish Gambino
4:44 — Jay-Z
DAMN. — Kendrick Lamar
Melodrama — Lorde
24K Magic — Bruno Mars

Song Of The Year:
“Despacito” — Ramón Ayala, Justin Bieber, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, Erika Ender, Luis Fonsi & Marty James Garton, songwriters (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber)
“4:44” — Shawn Carter & Dion Wilson, songwriters (Jay-Z)
“Issues” — Benny Blanco, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Julia Michaels & Justin Drew Tranter, songwriters (Julia Michaels)
“1-800-273-8255” — Alessia Caracciolo, Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, Arjun Ivatury & Khalid Robinson, songwriters (Logic Featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid)
“That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus & Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best New Artist:
Alessia Cara
Khalid
Lil Uzi Vert
Julia Michaels
SZA

POP
Best Pop Solo Performance:
“Love So Soft” — Kelly Clarkson
“Praying” — Kesha
“Million Reasons” — Lady Gaga
“What About Us” — P!nk
“Shape Of You” — Ed Sheeran

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
“Something Just Like This” — The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
“Despacito” — Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber
“Thunder” — Imagine Dragons
“Feel It Still” — Portugal. The Man
“Stay” — Zedd & Alessia Cara

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album:
Nobody But Me (Deluxe Version) — Michael Bublé
Triplicate — Bob Dylan
In Full Swing — Seth MacFarlane
Wonderland — Sarah McLachlan
Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 — (Various Artists) Dae Bennett, Producer

Best Pop Vocal Album:
Kaleidoscope EP — Coldplay
Lust For Life — Lana Del Rey
Evolve — Imagine Dragons
Rainbow — Kesha
Joanne -- Lady Gaga
÷ (Divide) — Ed Sheeran

DANCE/ELECTRONIC
Best Dance Recording:
“Bambro Koyo Ganda” — Bonobo Featuring Innov Gnawa
“Cola” — Camelphat & Elderbrook
“Andromeda” — Gorillaz Featuring DRAM
“Tonite” — LCD Soundsystem
“Line Of Sight” — Odesza Featuring WYNNE & Mansionair

Best Dance/Electronic Album:
Migration — Bonobo
3-D The Catalogue — Kraftwerk
Mura Masa — Mura Masa
A Moment Apart — Odesza
What Now — Sylvan Esso

ROCK
Best Rock Performance:
“You Want It Darker” — Leonard Cohen
“The Promise” — Chris Cornell
“Run” — Foo Fighters
“No Good” — Kaleo
“Go To War” — Nothing More

Best Metal Performance:
“Invisible Enemy” — August Burns Red
“Black Hoodie” — Body Count
“Forever” — Code Orange
“Sultan’s Curse” — Mastodon
“Clockworks” — Meshuggah

Best Rock Song:
“Atlas, Rise!” — James Hetfield & Lars Ulrich, songwriters (Metallica)
“Blood In The Cut” — JT Daly & Kristine Flaherty, songwriters (K.Flay)
“Go To War” — Ben Anderson, Jonny Hawkins, Will Hoffman, Daniel Oliver, David Pramik & Mark Vollelunga, songwriters (Nothing More)
“Run” — Foo Fighters, songwriters (Foo Fighters)
“The Stage” — Zachary Baker, Brian Haner, Matthew Sanders, Jonathan Seward & Brooks Wackerman, songwriters (Avenged Sevenfold)

Best Rock Album:
Emperor Of Sand — Mastodon
Hardwired…To Self-Destruct — Metallica
The Stories We Tell Ourselves — Nothing More
Villains — Queens Of The Stone Age
A Deeper Understanding — The War On Drugs

ALTERNATIVE
Best Alternative Music Album:
Everything Now — Arcade Fire
Humanz — Gorillaz
American Dream — LCD Soundsystem
Pure Comedy — Father John Misty
Sleep Well Beast — The National

R&B
Best R&B Performance:
“Get You” — Daniel Caesar Featuring Kali Uchis
“Distraction” — Kehlani
“High” — Ledisi
“That’s What I Like” — Bruno Mars
“The Weekend” — SZA

Best Traditional R&B Performance:
“Laugh And Move On” — The Baylor Project
“Redbone” — Childish Gambino
“What I’m Feelin'” — Anthony Hamilton Featuring The Hamiltones|
“All The Way” — Ledisi
“Still” — Mali Music

Best R&B Song:
“First Began” — PJ Morton, songwriter (PJ Morton)
“Location” — Alfredo Gonzalez, Olatunji Ige, Samuel David Jiminez, Christopher McClenney, Khalid Robinson & Joshua Scruggs, songwriters (Khalid)
“Redbone” — Donald Glover & Ludwig Goransson, songwriters (Childish Gambino)
“Supermodel” — Tyran Donaldson, Terrence Henderson, Greg Landfair Jr., Solana Rowe & Pharrell Williams, songwriters (SZA)
“That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus & Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best Urban Contemporary Album:
Free 6LACK — 6LACK
“Awaken, My Love!” — Childish Gambino
American Teen — Khalid
Ctrl — SZA
Starboy — The Weeknd

Best R&B Album:
Freudian — Daniel Caesar
Let Love Rule — Ledisi
24K Magic — Bruno Mars
Gumbo — PJ Morton
Feel The Real –Musiq Soulchild

RAP/HIP-HOP
Best Rap Performance:
“Bounce Back” — Big Sean
“Bodak Yellow” — Cardi B
“4:44” — Jay-Z
“HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar
“Bad And Boujee” — Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert

Best Rap/Sung Performance:
“PRBLMS” — 6LACK
“Crew” — Goldlink Featuring Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy
“Family Feud” — Jay-Z Featuring Beyoncé
“LOYALTY.” — Kendrick Lamar Featuring Rihanna
“Love Galore” — SZA Featuring Travis Scott

Best Rap Song:
“Bodak Yellow” — Dieuson Octave, Klenord Raphael, Shaftizm, Jordan Thorpe, Washpoppin & J White, songwriters (Cardi B)
“Chase Me” — Judah Bauer, Brian Burton, Hector Delgado, Jaime Meline, Antwan Patton, Michael Render, Russell Simins & Jon Spencer,
songwriters (Danger Mouse Featuring Run The Jewels & Big Boi)
“HUMBLE.” — Duckworth, Asheton Hogan & M. Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)
“Sassy” — Gabouer & M. Evans, songwriters (Rapsody)
“The Story Of O.J.” — Shawn Carter & Dion Wilson, songwriters (Jay-Z)

Best Rap Album:
4:44 — Jay-Z
DAMN. — Kendrick Lamar
Culture — Migos
Laila’s Wisdom — Rapsody
Flower Boy — Tyler, The Creator

COUNTRY
Best Country Solo Performance:
“Body Like A Back Road” — Sam Hunt
“Losing You: –Alison Krauss
“Tin Man” — Miranda Lambert
“I Could Use A Love Song” — Maren Morris
“Either Way” — Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance:
“It Ain’t My Fault” — Brothers Osborne
“My Old Man” — Zac Brown Band
“You Look Good” — Lady Antebellum
“Better Man” — Little Big Town
“Drinkin’ Problem” — Midland

Best Country Song:
“Better Man” — Taylor Swift, songwriter (Little Big Town)
“Body Like A Back Road” — Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Sam Hunt)
“Broken Halos” — Mike Henderson & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Chris Stapleton)
“Drinkin’ Problem” — Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne & Mark Wystrach, songwriters (Midland)
“Tin Man” — Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert & Jon Randall, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)

Best Country Album:
Cosmic Hallelujah — Kenny Chesney
Heart Break — Lady Antebellum
The Breaker — Little Big Town
Life Changes — Thomas Rhett
From A Room: Volume 1 — Chris Stapleton

MUSIC VIDEO/FILM
Best Music Video:
“Up All Night” — Beck
“Makeba” — Jain
“The Story Of O.J.” — Jay-Z
“Humble.” — Kendrick Lamar
“1-800-273-8255” — Logic Featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid
​
Written by Jenna

​
​17. NBA Championship: King James Bows to Durant & Company
The 2017 NBA Championship was a showdown of two dominant NBA franchises: the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lebron James, former Cavs player Kyrie Irving, and more star players stacked up on the Cavs bench. On the Warriors bench, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green created a dominant part of the starting lineup. During Game 1, the Warriors swept the Cavs 113-91. The results were similar for Game 2, leading Cavs fans to scratch their heads and create frown lines. When Game 3 also went to Durant & Co., the NBA Finals looked to be a bust. However, the Cavs pulled out a win in Game 4, keeping momentum moving into Game 5. The Cavs fell to the Warriors in Game 5 with a final score of 129-120.

The Warriors won their fifth franchise championship due to the leadership of Durant and Curry. Durant scored 39 points in Game 5, and Curry held up with 34 points. Though James was not quiet with an astounding 41 points, it wasn’t enough to make the NBA Finals a fighting series. The Warriors won on their home court Oracle Arena.

Get tickets to see both teams duke it out against this year with differing lineups and a legacy to maintain.

16. Beyoncé’s Twins
The Internet just about broke when Beyoncé finally announced her twins with an over-the-top pregnancy photo shoot. Months later, she gave birth to Rumi and Sir Carter in June, weeks before her husband JAY-Z’s 4:44album release. Talk about PR. Beyoncé’s African American female superstar status is cemented, and the social media hype around her new children is just another example showing her influence. Rumi and Sir Carter join older sister Blue Ivy in the now five-person family.

There’s no doubt: that family slays no matter what they’re focused on. Beyoncé’s baby bump was the talk of the year.

15. New England Patriots Are A Fourth Quarter Team (And Super Bowl Champions)
It was one of the most spectacular and shocking ends to a Super Bowl game. After Lady Gaga put down her mic, the New England Patriots showed up for the end of Super Bowl LI with a point to prove. The Atlanta Falcons were up 21-3 at the end of the first half, making little progress to change the difference by the end of the third quarter (28-9). However, the Patriots surged with 19 points in the fourth quarter, tying the game 28-28 to send it into overtime. The Pats pulled out 6 points in OT to win Super Bowl LI 34-28.

No matter how you feel about the franchise or QB Tom Brady, that immense comeback cannot be underestimated. It truly defined athletic intensity and talent, as Brady led his team to yet another Super Bowl title. Falcons fans were left in disbelief at the GOAT and his team of Super Bowl Champions.

14. Adele Pours A Glass Of Lemonade
Adele won Album of the Year in addition to several other Grammys during the 2017 Grammy Awards. She released 25 after years away from the spotlight due to stage fight and a desire to live a peaceful, day-to-day life. 25 crashed the charts, bringing the deep, powerful vocal range of Adele to the forefront similarly to 21. Beyoncé also released a stunning album in 2016 nominated for Album of the Year. Lemonade includes the attitude that Beyoncé wields like a weapon in addition to a social compass and raw exorcism of her marital struggles. This includes JAY-Z’s infidelities. The mixture exemplified a powerful celebrity who also suffers the woes of average human conflict and African American womanhood. Beyoncé also celebrates her culture and heritage, raising up the African American community around her.

It is for these reasons that the beauty of 25 did not live up to Lemonade for many reviewers. Adele seemed to agree, dedicating her entire speech to Beyoncé and Lemonade. It was a moment of communal female respect in an industry of competition.

13. Solar Eclipse
…Otherwise known as the day everyone decided to stare at the sun with weird glasses. The solar eclipse was one universal, special time when the world gathered together in fields, in parking lots, and all across the country to watch moon sneak in front of the sun. Warning: without special glasses witnessing a solar eclipse can cause eye damage. Hence the special, funky glasses everyone was adorning. In some parts of the world, the world became dark during the eclipse. Other parts just saw a slight dim in the average light during the day. No matter the eclipse’s effect, it truly brought together the country for a moment in a special natural event that demonstrates how awesome nature can be.

12. Floyd Mayweather Shows Conor McGregor Who Boxes Best
It’s known as “The Money Fight.” Floyd Mayweather Jr., a boxing legend, agreed to come out of retirement to fight Conor McGregor, a flashy, successful MMA fighter. McGregor had never boxed professionally in his life, and he challenged Money Mayweather to a fight like no other. Many critics believed there was no real value in the fight, as the two come from separate training backgrounds and don’t match up as good opponents. Nonetheless, the fight lived up to its “Money Fight” title. Mayweather kept his undefeated record, and both walked away with bigger checks than one could fathom. Late August 2017 saw “The Monday Fight” go down in history.

11. Harry Styles Is Now A Rockstar
Harry Styles is a member for the British boy band One Direction who began his solo career in 2017. In March, he released his first solo single “Sign of the Times” that demonstrated a major stray from the clean, pop sound of his boy band days. Styles The Solo Artist draws inspiration from ‘60s-‘80s rock, from David Bowie to the Beatles to The Rolling Stones. His debut, self-titled album was released in May among a flurry of attention. His Saturday Night Live debut solo performance matched his rocker talent, and a new rockstar was born. Though the shoes of the greats are certainly a few sizes bigger than Styles’s, the talent and swagger is there. Styles embarked on an intimate fall tour at smaller venues throughout the country. In 2018, he will begin a major stadium tour with country artist Kacey Musgraves as his opening act.

10. Hamilton Announces National Tour
Hamilton is a record-breaking musical that delves into the life of Alexander Hamilton. The creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, created the musical with a diverse cast and unique vantage point of one of the Founding Fathers. After years of sold-out Broadway shows, Hamilton is touring the U.S. indefinitely. There are dates in most major cities in the country. This includes a new promise by Miranda to bring Hamilton to Puerto Rico in 2019 as a way to raise funds after the hurricane devastation this year. Miranda does just that; he combines his awareness, social and political standings, and overall theatrical intelligence in his career path. Hamilton’s National Tour will bring the story to so many more people in order to further share Hamilton's Broadway legacy. 

9. A Seven-Game World Series
This year’s World Series saw the Houston Astros play against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It will also go down as one of the most iconic World Series in history. The Astros eventually won the World Series 4-3 in Game 7, leading to yet an end to another team’s drought (Cub’s 2016 World Series win). The Dodgers won the first game of the Series 3-1, and it looked inevitable that the Dodgers would walk away with the World Series Champion title. Then, the Astros surged in Game 2, winning 7-6 in an epic showdown. The Astros continued to plug forward in Game 3 winning 5-3. However, the Dodgers battled in Game 4 and won 6-2. Game 5 was the most notable game of the Series, as ten innings led to a major showdown with homers galore. The Astros pulled out a 13-12 victory, but it would be a game that both teams would look back on as the Game of the Series. Game 6 evened out the Series with a 3-1 win for the Dodgers. The Astros won Game 7 5-1 on November 1st. Astros’ player George Springer was a leading force all season, and that didn’t change for the playoffs. He ended the Series with 5 homers, tying a record. In Game 7, Springer was a major asset with a two-run homer to push the Astros to their World Series Champion status. All in all, the 2017 World Series left baseball fans with a reaffirmed appreciation for America’s favorite pastime.

8. Geno Auriemma’s 1000th Career Win
Geno Auriemma is the Head Coach of the UCONN Women’s Basketball team. For anyone familiar with college basketball, the UCONN Women are a talented squad. But frankly, “talented” isn't remotely good enough to describe the legacy of UCONN Women’s Basketball. With eleven National Championships and winning streaks that surpass all other sports, the team is as iconic as they are intimidating. Auriemma is the mastermind behind the legacy. After beginning to coach the team in the ‘80s, Auriemma transformed the UCONN Women’s Basketball program into the dynasty it is today. Auriemma also finished an eight-year term at the U.S. National Team’s Head Coach, winning the gold medal in 2012 and 2016. In 2017, Coach Auriemma achieved his 1,000th career win at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. During the Women’s Holiday Showcase that featured UCONN vs. Oklahoma, UCONN easily won the game 88-64. It was a major milestone for an iconic figure in all of sports, collegiate or professional.

7. Ben Platt’s Casted Arm and Tony-Winning Role
Ben Platt was the lead in the Tony-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen. After leaving his role at the end of 2017, the musical had skyrocketed in popularity. Platt’s acting talent combined with the musical’s success quickly made Dear Evan Hansen a hotspot on Broadway. Platt left his lead role in November, replaced by Noah Galvin. Though Platt might not be in the musical, Dear Evan Hansen still soars with its updated cast. The musical is about a boy who bullies Evan Hansen and commits suicide. After this death, his parents find a fake note among their son’s belongings that makes them believe Evan and their son were actually friends. Evan plays along with this theory instead of admitting their son was his tormentor. The effects to follow delve into high school in the modern age with social media at the forefront. Dear Evan Hansen will be a millennial classic years down the line, pulling on heartstrings while telling the story of fitting in at high school in 2017.

6. A Royal Engagement
Prince Harry announced his engagement to Meghan Markle, an American who will be wed the Prince of England in 2018. Like any major royal news, the excitement flooded the entire world. Prince Harry used to be one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, and his decision to settle down now marks both children as taken men. Much like the addition of children to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s family, the positive news is welcomed in a time of disagreement and unrest. The Monarchy’s beloved traditions continue to represent a fairytale life for those who wish to believe in it.

5. Taylor Swift Doesn’t Give A Damn ‘Bout Her Bad reputation
Taylor Swift released her new album reputation in November 2017. To say that it created shockwaves in the music industry would be to discredit its ferocious attack on pop music and media culture as a whole. While Swift remains in the boundaries of standard pop, using Caribbean backbeats and EDM sequences, her lyrics are pointed. “Look What You Made Me Do” is the lead single off of reputation. After it was released in August, the song made many reviewers ponder what exactly Swift’s new trajectory would be. The song fought back against the haters and placed blame on others instead of herself for her public image downfall. It seemed petty and tired and confused. “…Ready For It?” followed with its attempt at hip-hop. Both seemed flat for a Swift three years in the making who survived feuds with fellow celebrities and overall media scrutiny. “Gorgeous” and “Call It What You Want” were the album’s last two singles before the album release. As the singles continued to drop, Swift seemed to soften. At the end, there is a love story fighting against all odds of the outside world. One thing is for certain: the old Taylor, with her doe eyes and candy-cane outlook, is no longer. Instead, a cynical, rougher Swift remains who represents many twentysomething girls who are fighting a battle with the world to discover their happiness. For its blips, mistakes, and give-no-fucks attitude, ‘reputation’ and the New Swift are here to stay.

4. Frozen: The Musical Begins Previews
Frozen is a 2013 Disney movie that quickly became Disney’s latest sensation. Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel starred as the voices for Elsa and Anna, respectively. The sisters are separated at a young age due to Elsa’s magical, icy powers. When Anna goes to find her estranged sister in Elsa’s ice palace, the adventure truly begins. Frozen now has taken its story of family, love, and loyalty to the stage! Frozen: The Musical is the newest sensation to Broadway. The musical previewed in Denver in 2017, marking the beginning of the latest Disney musical installment. Frozen: The Musical will officially begin on Broadway during the thematically-frigid month of February 2018. The hype is freezing, and you want to be there to see the hit Disney movie come to life!

3. Venus Williams Reaches Wimbledon Final At Age 37
Venus Williams is sisters with Serena Williams. The Williams sisters have built a tennis dynasty in the female division and all across the tennis world. After countless wins and trophies, Venus and Serena have consistently commandeered top spots in women’s tennis. Serena stopped playing recently to have her child. Venus took a turn in the spotlight in 2017. Though she did not walk away with a Wimbledon win or major 1st place finish, Venus proved something that many athletes’ careers don’t allow for: age is just a number. At age 37, Venus reached the Wimbledon final. This is a record for women’s tennis and proves just how talented the tennis player is. Women’s sports are often over-dominated in the news by their male counterpart sport, but the Williams sisters have helped women’s tennis gain a recognizable foothold in sports media. Congrats to Venus’s 2017 successes that reinforces that “Playing like a girl” is compliment.

2. A Reminder to “Be Humble:” Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN.
Kendrick Lamar released his new album DAMN. in 2017. This album follows the critically-acclaimed To Pimp A Butterfly that dives into hood culture from his hometown, Compton, as well as racial tensions in America. DAMN. strays a little towards pop in comparison to TBAP, but it still carries a political message. DAMN.includes clips from FOX News discussing the influence of hip-hop music on African Americans. In addition, Lamar shares an anecdote interweaving his father’s life with his Top Dawg Entertainment record label executive’s. The balance is personal yet outward-facing. DAMN. reasserted Lamar’s reign as King Kendrick in hip-hop. From the twangy, radio-moldable “HUMBLE.” to “DUCKWORTH.,” Lamar plays with R&B and pop influences without losing his hard hip-hop sound and thematic relevance. It certainly is a shining moment in 2017 music.

1. The Human Spirit In A World Of Hurricanes, Concert Bombings, and **** Hitting the Fan
2017 has been a rollercoaster to say the least. From the Las Vegas shooting and Ariana Grande concert bombing to Hurricane Irma and Harvey, the world can seem like a terrifying place. However, no matter the dark moment or tragedy, every situation demonstrated good people willing to help out in a time of need. From celebrity disaster relief fundraisers to the silent police and firefighter heroes, there are many people out there looking to contribute good to the world. Happy 2018, and remember...

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
–J.K. Rowling 

Written by Jenna

"Nobody pray for me... even a day for me..." This year of music rivaled the prior year in a beastly manner that brought to light political and social viewpoints as well as progressions in individual genre stylings. The tumultuous nature of 2016 and 2017 encouraged artists to speak up through their craft. Fans saw many standing for a cause or merely adding to their catalog of music in new and interesting ways. From Kendrick Lamar's first line of "HUMBLE." to Logic, Alessia Cara, and Khalid's thoughtful "1-800-273-8255," artists everywhere made statements.

This was not an easy feat after last year's Grammys featured the likes of Beyoncé's Lemonade and her sister Solange's A Seat at the Table. The 59th Grammys also revived powerhouse vocalist Adele with 25. However, 2017's artistry did not disappoint amongst its fierce and recent competitors. Bruno Mars brought the entire country to its feet for 24K Magic, an album that sounded more like a groovy, '80s R&B record than a contemporary album. Kendrick Lamar hovered between pop and hip-hop for DAMN., an album that shows off his raw talent as much as his storytelling abilities. JAY-Z resurfaced for a reflective 4:44, shedding the toughest of his skins to reveal remorse, maturity, and the importance of family in a post-Lemonade era. 

Then there were new bouts of talent on the rise. Khalid released American Teen that handles the usual topics of love, heartbreak, and growing pains but in a unique vocal tone that cast him in the up-and-coming spotlight. However, the most satisfying New Artist nominee goes to SZA: the first female R&B artist under Top Dawg Entertainment. For hip-hop fans, this label sticks out due to its connections with Dr. Dre, Eminem, and more major hip-hop sharks throughout the decades. SZA's debut album CTRL is a raw, unapologetic look into the life of a twentysomething. This includes a tumultuous love life and complicated relationship with self-love and self-worth.

The 60th Grammys will take place on Sunday, January 28th. Here are the 60th Grammys Nomination highlights: 

Record Of The Year:
“Redbone” — Childish Gambino
“Despacito” — Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber
“The Story Of O.J.” — Jay-Z
“HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar
“24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Album Of The Year:
“Awaken, My Love!” — Childish Gambino
4:44 — Jay-Z
DAMN. — Kendrick Lamar
Melodrama — Lorde
24K Magic — Bruno Mars

Song Of The Year:
“Despacito” — Ramón Ayala, Justin Bieber, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, Erika Ender, Luis Fonsi & Marty James Garton, songwriters (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber)
“4:44” — Shawn Carter & Dion Wilson, songwriters (Jay-Z)
“Issues” — Benny Blanco, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Julia Michaels & Justin Drew Tranter, songwriters (Julia Michaels)
“1-800-273-8255” — Alessia Caracciolo, Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, Arjun Ivatury & Khalid Robinson, songwriters (Logic Featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid)
“That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus & Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best New Artist:
Alessia Cara
Khalid
Lil Uzi Vert
Julia Michaels
SZA

POP
Best Pop Solo Performance:
“Love So Soft” — Kelly Clarkson
“Praying” — Kesha
“Million Reasons” — Lady Gaga
“What About Us” — P!nk
“Shape Of You” — Ed Sheeran

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
“Something Just Like This” — The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
“Despacito” — Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber
“Thunder” — Imagine Dragons
“Feel It Still” — Portugal. The Man
“Stay” — Zedd & Alessia Cara

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album:
Nobody But Me (Deluxe Version) — Michael Bublé
Triplicate — Bob Dylan
In Full Swing — Seth MacFarlane
Wonderland — Sarah McLachlan
Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 — (Various Artists) Dae Bennett, Producer

Best Pop Vocal Album:
Kaleidoscope EP — Coldplay
Lust For Life — Lana Del Rey
Evolve — Imagine Dragons
Rainbow — Kesha
Joanne -- Lady Gaga
÷ (Divide) — Ed Sheeran

DANCE/ELECTRONIC
Best Dance Recording:
“Bambro Koyo Ganda” — Bonobo Featuring Innov Gnawa
“Cola” — Camelphat & Elderbrook
“Andromeda” — Gorillaz Featuring DRAM
“Tonite” — LCD Soundsystem
“Line Of Sight” — Odesza Featuring WYNNE & Mansionair

Best Dance/Electronic Album:
Migration — Bonobo
3-D The Catalogue — Kraftwerk
Mura Masa — Mura Masa
A Moment Apart — Odesza
What Now — Sylvan Esso

ROCK
Best Rock Performance:
“You Want It Darker” — Leonard Cohen
“The Promise” — Chris Cornell
“Run” — Foo Fighters
“No Good” — Kaleo
“Go To War” — Nothing More

Best Metal Performance:
“Invisible Enemy” — August Burns Red
“Black Hoodie” — Body Count
“Forever” — Code Orange
“Sultan’s Curse” — Mastodon
“Clockworks” — Meshuggah

Best Rock Song:
“Atlas, Rise!” — James Hetfield & Lars Ulrich, songwriters (Metallica)
“Blood In The Cut” — JT Daly & Kristine Flaherty, songwriters (K.Flay)
“Go To War” — Ben Anderson, Jonny Hawkins, Will Hoffman, Daniel Oliver, David Pramik & Mark Vollelunga, songwriters (Nothing More)
“Run” — Foo Fighters, songwriters (Foo Fighters)
“The Stage” — Zachary Baker, Brian Haner, Matthew Sanders, Jonathan Seward & Brooks Wackerman, songwriters (Avenged Sevenfold)

Best Rock Album:
Emperor Of Sand — Mastodon
Hardwired…To Self-Destruct — Metallica
The Stories We Tell Ourselves — Nothing More
Villains — Queens Of The Stone Age
A Deeper Understanding — The War On Drugs

ALTERNATIVE
Best Alternative Music Album:
Everything Now — Arcade Fire
Humanz — Gorillaz
American Dream — LCD Soundsystem
Pure Comedy — Father John Misty
Sleep Well Beast — The National

R&B
Best R&B Performance:
“Get You” — Daniel Caesar Featuring Kali Uchis
“Distraction” — Kehlani
“High” — Ledisi
“That’s What I Like” — Bruno Mars
“The Weekend” — SZA

Best Traditional R&B Performance:
“Laugh And Move On” — The Baylor Project
“Redbone” — Childish Gambino
“What I’m Feelin'” — Anthony Hamilton Featuring The Hamiltones|
“All The Way” — Ledisi
“Still” — Mali Music

Best R&B Song:
“First Began” — PJ Morton, songwriter (PJ Morton)
“Location” — Alfredo Gonzalez, Olatunji Ige, Samuel David Jiminez, Christopher McClenney, Khalid Robinson & Joshua Scruggs, songwriters (Khalid)
“Redbone” — Donald Glover & Ludwig Goransson, songwriters (Childish Gambino)
“Supermodel” — Tyran Donaldson, Terrence Henderson, Greg Landfair Jr., Solana Rowe & Pharrell Williams, songwriters (SZA)
“That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus & Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best Urban Contemporary Album:
Free 6LACK — 6LACK
“Awaken, My Love!” — Childish Gambino
American Teen — Khalid
Ctrl — SZA
Starboy — The Weeknd

Best R&B Album:
Freudian — Daniel Caesar
Let Love Rule — Ledisi
24K Magic — Bruno Mars
Gumbo — PJ Morton
Feel The Real –Musiq Soulchild

RAP/HIP-HOP
Best Rap Performance:
“Bounce Back” — Big Sean
“Bodak Yellow” — Cardi B
“4:44” — Jay-Z
“HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar
“Bad And Boujee” — Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert

Best Rap/Sung Performance:
“PRBLMS” — 6LACK
“Crew” — Goldlink Featuring Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy
“Family Feud” — Jay-Z Featuring Beyoncé
“LOYALTY.” — Kendrick Lamar Featuring Rihanna
“Love Galore” — SZA Featuring Travis Scott

Best Rap Song:
“Bodak Yellow” — Dieuson Octave, Klenord Raphael, Shaftizm, Jordan Thorpe, Washpoppin & J White, songwriters (Cardi B)
“Chase Me” — Judah Bauer, Brian Burton, Hector Delgado, Jaime Meline, Antwan Patton, Michael Render, Russell Simins & Jon Spencer,
songwriters (Danger Mouse Featuring Run The Jewels & Big Boi)
“HUMBLE.” — Duckworth, Asheton Hogan & M. Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)
“Sassy” — Gabouer & M. Evans, songwriters (Rapsody)
“The Story Of O.J.” — Shawn Carter & Dion Wilson, songwriters (Jay-Z)

Best Rap Album:
4:44 — Jay-Z
DAMN. — Kendrick Lamar
Culture — Migos
Laila’s Wisdom — Rapsody
Flower Boy — Tyler, The Creator

COUNTRY
Best Country Solo Performance:
“Body Like A Back Road” — Sam Hunt
“Losing You: –Alison Krauss
“Tin Man” — Miranda Lambert
“I Could Use A Love Song” — Maren Morris
“Either Way” — Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance:
“It Ain’t My Fault” — Brothers Osborne
“My Old Man” — Zac Brown Band
“You Look Good” — Lady Antebellum
“Better Man” — Little Big Town
“Drinkin’ Problem” — Midland

Best Country Song:
“Better Man” — Taylor Swift, songwriter (Little Big Town)
“Body Like A Back Road” — Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Sam Hunt)
“Broken Halos” — Mike Henderson & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Chris Stapleton)
“Drinkin’ Problem” — Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne & Mark Wystrach, songwriters (Midland)
“Tin Man” — Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert & Jon Randall, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)

Best Country Album:
Cosmic Hallelujah — Kenny Chesney
Heart Break — Lady Antebellum
The Breaker — Little Big Town
Life Changes — Thomas Rhett
From A Room: Volume 1 — Chris Stapleton

MUSIC VIDEO/FILM
Best Music Video:
“Up All Night” — Beck
“Makeba” — Jain
“The Story Of O.J.” — Jay-Z
“Humble.” — Kendrick Lamar
“1-800-273-8255” — Logic Featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid
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Written by Jenna