LOS ANGELES - She's brash, she's loud, and America is all in for her special brand of sass, from online feuds to strip club brawls.
But when Cardi B accepted her first Grammy award -- making rap history in the process -- the 26-year-old had the crowd falling in love with her softer side.
On Sunday night in Los Angeles, the unstoppable Bronx native cemented her spot in the upper echelons of hip-hop as the first woman solo artist to win a Best Rap Album Grammy.
And she accepted the trophy with signature, unfiltered charm.
"The nerves are so bad. Maybe I need to start smoking weed," she quipped, to laughs and applause from the glitzy gala set.
Visibly shaking, she spoke of the odds being stacked against her as she raced to complete her debut album "Invasion of Privacy" while pregnant with her first child.
She clutched her rapper husband, Offset, later turning to him: "You husband, thank you."
The touching vignette was a far cry from the larger-than-life image of the reigning queen of rap, who had earlier gyrated through a sexually-charged performance in leopard thigh-highs and peacock-style feathers.
Born Belcalis Almanzar to a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother, Cardi B's unchartered rise to fame sparked during her days as a stripper, when she carved out a social media personality on platforms including Instagram.
Posting videos that saw her wax poetic on everything from cheating lovers to the qualities of the pancake chain restaurant IHOP, Cardi snagged a spot on the reality series "Love & Hip Hop," further amplifying her image.
"Hey, America, washpoppin'?" she said in her intro video for the show.
"You might know me as that annoying dancer on social media that be talking hella crazy, with the long nails and the big ol' titties, but I'm just a regular, degular, shmegular girl from the Bronx."
And thus the New Yorker began clocking her rapid ascent to stardom: as her profile grew, Cardi in 2015 gave up stripping to give rap a go.
'MONEY!'
It was a bold gamble given her lack of experience, but her love of spectacle and fast-talking style helped ensure it paid off.
After releasing a few mixtapes she found runaway success with her breakthrough 2017 megahit "Bodak Yellow" -- a foreboding track with skittering beats whose lyrics revolve heavily around her stripping past.
The song smashed the charts, overtaking pop princess Taylor Swift to snag number one on the Billboard Hot 100 -- the first woman rapper to take the top spot since legend Lauryn Hill did so in 1998.
The internet celebrity turned bona fide rap star then dropped her album "Invasion of Privacy" -- the work that captured this year's top rap Grammy -- in 2018 to critical and commercial acclaim, assuring Cardi a seat at the table in the male-dominated world of hip-hop.
Despite her stream-of-consciousness style on social media, Cardi has proven a sharp student of the rap game, prioritizing the formal aspects of writing and studying the work of her predecessors.
She stacked "Invasion of Privacy" with A-list collaborators: Chance the Rapper, R&B star SZA, and Offset's rap trio Migos are among the guest performers.
Her saucy dance hit "I Like It" soundtracked the summer while nodding to her Latin roots: the track features reggaeton stars Bad Bunny and J Balvin, layering bilingual raps over the vamping piano of boogaloo musician Pete Rodriguez's 1968 hit "I Like It Like That."
And if proof were needed of her place in the pop culture pantheon, Cardi B's signature "Okurrrr" call was the centerpiece of Pepsi's latest Super Bowl ad, in which she starred complete with crystal-encrusted manicure.
An outspoken star with a penchant for drama, Cardi's on again, off again romance with husband Offset provides regular tabloid fodder.
But she wastes little time on the tribulations of love: the superstar favors the themes of proud women -- and money.
"I like boardin' jets, I like mornin' sex," she raps in her current hit "Money," which she performed at the Grammys on a rhinestone-encrusted piano.
Her risque video for the track wowed the internet for scenes that show Cardi breast-feeding, pole-dancing and playing the piano naked, as women shower other women in cash.
The rapper is also unabashed when it comes to politics, recently unleashing a vulgar rant slamming Donald Trump for the US government shutdown.
Cardi B has hinted she will drop a new album in 2019, capitalizing on a year of runaway success.
But no matter what comes next, there is little doubt Cardi from the Bronx will keep building her brand where she began: speaking to her fans directly, and keeping it real.
"Ohhhhh maaaaa Gaaaaaawwwwd!" she shouted in an effusive Instagram video post following her win, eyes wide, hair undone, extra long nail extensions glittering.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
Former US first lady Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance during the opening address at the 61st Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday and was met with a standing ovation from the star-studded crowd.
Grammy host Alicia Keys kicked off the show by inviting Obama, 55, along with Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jennifer Lopez, to share personal anecdotes about how music has changed their lives and empowered them as women.
Obama, wearing a shimmering, silver suit, was briefly interrupted as the crowd erupted in cheers and applause at the beginning of her comments.
"From the Motown records I wore out on the Southside to the 'Who Run the World' songs that fueled me through this last decade, music has always helped me tell my story," Obama said, referring to the Chicago neighborhood where she grew up.
Obama is currently touring to promote her memoir "Becoming," which was released in the United States and in 28 languages around the world. She and her husband, former U.S. President Barack Obama, signed deals for a book apiece with Penguin Random House a month after Obama left office in January 2017.
"Whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys," Obama said. "It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in."
source: news.abs-cbn.com
LOS ANGELES - Reigning pop princess Ariana Grande took home the first Grammy of her career for Best Pop Vocal Album on Sunday for her fourth studio album "Sweetener," topping a tough field including perennial favorite Taylor Swift.
Grande's Grammy comes after 6 career nominations but the star was notably absent from this year's gala.
Just days before the event, she slammed the ceremony's producer for "lying" about her decision not to perform on music's biggest night.
The chart-topper released her fifth album "Thank U, Next" before lashing out at producer Ken Ehrlich after he told US media the 25-year-old Grande "felt it was too late for her to pull something together."
"i know i’m not there tonight (trust, i tried and still truly wished it had worked out tbh) and i know i said i try not to put too much weight into these things .... but (...) this is wild and beautiful. thank you so much," she tweeted.
Grande had great success in the last 12 months, with Billboard naming her its 2018 Woman of the Year.
But she was passed over in the top Grammy categories of Album, Record and Song of the Year -- though her smash hit "Thank U, Next," the title song off her new album, dropped after this year's nomination deadline.
"Sweetener" includes her signature blend of pop and R&B with inflections of hip-hop, all set to the star's wide-ranging, silky-yet-breathy vocals.
It features appearances from Pharrell Williams, Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott, and debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart while boasting 3 top singles.
Grande makes headlines as much for her chart-topping music as her love life, having dated the late rapper Mac Miller and shortly thereafter getting engaged to "Saturday Night Live" comedian Pete Davidson.
Grande and Davidson split in October 2018, just before she released "Thank U, Next" -- in which she reflects on lessons learned from past loves.
She was also nominated this year for Best Pop Solo Performance for "God Is A Woman," but lost out to Lady Gaga, who won for her song "Joanne (Where Do You Think You're Going?)"
source: news.abs-cbn.com
LOS ANGELES -- Rain did little to dim the sizzle on the Grammys red carpet on Sunday in Los Angeles as a bevy of artists in sparkling, eye-popping attire stepped down the music world's main catwalk -- or, in Cardi B's case, tip-toed.
The rapper, surrounded by handlers, took tiny steps down the red carpet as her pearl-encrusted costume seemed to get the best of her.
Was she Venus rising from the sea or a pearl inside an oyster Ankle-binding black velvet encased the singer's lower half. But at the hips arose a massive pink fabric fan, like a clam shell. To top it off, Cardi B accessorized with pink princess gloves and a pearl headdress as she posed and pouted for the cameras.
Even Lady Gaga, not known for being demure when it comes to red carpet fashion statements, looked pale by comparison in her silver metallic dress.
Some of the artists seemed to have received a memo demanding "more volume, please."
Rapper Tierra Whack brought out the "wow" factor with a flowing, multicolored feathered cape worthy of Liberace, while Tayla Parx was encased in Barbie pink, her orange hairdo peeking out of a voluminous coat and dress covered with what appeared to be thousands of bits of fabric tabs.
Bebe Rexha sported a bright scarlet gown with layer upon layer of tulle and a train that looked dangerously trippable. Ahead of the show, the singer had taken to Instagram complaining about an unnamed designer who refused to dress her due to her not being "runway size."
"We are beautiful any size! Small or large!" she wrote. "My size 8 ass is still going to the Grammys."
"Havana" singer Camila Cabello sported a backless gown of form-fitting fuchsia rhinestones, while Lee Ann Womack showed off a low-cut bodice trimmed in rhinestones and a sparkly bow at the waist: "This is not my first rodeo," said the country singer.
Sequins were the choice of Hawaiian artist Kalani Pe'a, who brought some sparkle under the tents with a grape-colored sequin jacket.
South Korean boy band "BTS", in their first appearance at the Grammys, looked conservative in traditional tuxedos despite some of the seven members' green and pink hair. Also in somber black were the Backstreet Boys, the US band who said they are nearing 26 years together.
GIRL POWER AND BORDER WALLS
Politics and social issues, such as the #MeToo movement, were once gain talking points on the red carpet.
Many of the female nominees said it was important for young women to see them at the awards show, and come away inspired.
"I want young women to see me ... come and take my place, win an award," said producer and DJ TokiMonsta, who wore an array of "Girl" barrettes in her hair.
A pregnant Margo Price, wearing a flowing red chiffon dress with silver stars at the bodice, saluted the Grammys for including more female artists. "Women always have to work twice as hard as men," she said.
Singer Joy Villa, who wore a "Make America Great Again" dress to the awards two years ago -- a reference to US President Donald Trump's campaign slogan -- did not shy away from controversy this year, with a silver dress adorned with barbed wire and spokes: the Border Wall dress.
When the singer turned for the crush of photographers, the words "Build the Wall," were seen on the back.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
LOS ANGELES -- "This is America," Childish Gambino's searing indictment of police brutality and racism, scored a breakthrough for rap on Sunday at the Grammy awards, where the top prize went to country artist Kacey Musgraves.
It won both record and song of the year, becoming the first hip hop track to win either of the top Grammy categories in 61 years. "This is America" also took Grammys for best music video and best rap performance.
However, Childish Gambino, the music alter ego of actor Donald Glover, was not around to accept the honor.
Both Glover and leading nominee Kendrick Lamar were Grammy no-shows in what was seen as a snub by the rappers for past disappointments when socially incisive rap material lost out to pop or R&B at the highest honors in the music business.
"I really wish he (Glover) was here right now. All of this was his vision and he deserves this credit," said songwriter Ludwig Goransson, who worked with Glover on the track.
"It speaks to people, it calls out injustice, celebrates life and reunites us all at the same time," Goransson said, accepting the award on Glover's behalf.
The album of the year Grammy went to Musgraves for "Golden Hour," reflecting a show and a year that was dominated by female performers and winners across multiple genres.
"I would have nothing without songs. It's all about the songs," said Musgraves, who also won three other Grammys.
SPRINGING A SURPRISE
Popular rapper Cardi B, who wore a black and silver mesh body suit to perform her song "Money," won her first Grammy, taking best rap album for "Invasion of Privacy."
The outspoken New Yorker seemed uncharacteristically overwhelmed by the win.
"Ooh. The nerves are so bad," she said, accepting her Grammy. "Maybe I need to start smoking weed."
Lady Gaga won three trophies and British pop singer Dua Lipa was named best new artist. Canadian rapper Drake, who was also not expected to show up, made a surprise appearance to accept the Grammy for best rap song for "God's Plan."
Drake, the biggest streaming artist of 2018, told musicians not to worry about winning prizes.
"The point is you've already won if you have people who are singing your songs word for word, if you're a hero in your hometown," Drake said in his acceptance speech.
"If there's people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain and the snow and spending their hard-earned money to buy tickets to come to your shows, you don't need this right here, I promise you," he said.
Music, old and new, ruled in a live telecast that was largely politics-free, in contrast to U.S. awards shows in the past two years.
Hosted by Alicia Keys, the show featured rousing performances by Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Diana Ross, Camila Cabello, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae and Katy Perry, as well as a tribute to the late Aretha Franklin.
The Grammys sprang another surprise by bringing on former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama for an opening segment in which she joined Lady Gaga, Keys, Lopez and actress Jada Pinkett Smith to talk about the power of music.
"From the Motown records I wore out on the (Chicago) Southside to the 'Who Run the World' songs that fueled me through this last decade, music has always helped me tell my story," Obama told the cheering celebrity audience in Los Angeles.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
Here is a list of nominees in the major categories for the Grammy Awards, which will be handed out on Sunday in Los Angeles.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with 8, followed by Canada's Drake at 7.
Folk rocker Brandi Carlile is the most-nominated female artist with 6 nods:
Album of the Year
Cardi B, "Invasion of Privacy"
Brandi Carlile, "By The Way, I Forgive You"
Drake, "Scorpion"
H.E.R., "H.E.R."
Post Malone, "Beerbongs & Bentleys"
Janelle Monae, "Dirty Computer"
Kacey Musgraves, "Golden Hour"
Various Artists, "Black Panther: The Album, Music From and Inspired By"
Record of the Year, recognizing overall performance on a song
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin, "I Like It"
Brandi Carlile, "The Joke"
Childish Gambino, "This Is America"
Drake, "God's Plan"
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, "Shallow" (from "A Star Is Born")
Kendrick Lamar & SZA, "All The Stars" (from "Black Panther")
Post Malone featuring 21 Savage, "Rockstar"
Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey, "The Middle"
Song of the Year, recognizing songwriting
Kendrick Lamar and SZA, with songwriters Al Shuckburgh, Mark Spears and Anthony Tiffith, "All The Stars" (from "Black Panther")
Ella Mai with songwriters Larrance Dopson, Joelle James and Dijon McFarlane, "Boo'd Up"
Drake with songwriters Daveon Jackson, Brock Korsan, Ron LaTour, Matthew Samuels and Noah Shebib, "God's Plan"
Shawn Mendes with songwriters Teddy Geiger, Scott Harris and Geoffrey Warburton, "In My Blood"
Brandi Carlile with songwriters Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth, "The Joke"
Zedd and Grey, with songwriters Sarah Aarons, Jordan K. Johnson, Stefan Johnson and Marcus Lomax, "The Middle"
Lady Gaga with songwriters Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt, "Shallow"
Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) and Ludwig Goransson, "This Is America"
Best New Artist
Chloe x Halle
Luke Combs
Greta Van Fleet
H.E.R.
Dua Lipa
Margo Price
Bebe Rexha
Jorja Smith
Best Music Video
The Carters, "APES**T"
Childish Gambino, "This Is America"
Joyner Lucas, "I'm Not Racist"
Janelle Monae, "Pynk"
Tierra Whack, "Mumbo Jumbo"
Best Rap Album
Cardi B, "Invasion Of Privacy"
Mac Miller, "Swimming"
Nipsey Hussle, "Victory Lap"
Pusha T, "Daytona"
Travis Scott, "Astroworld"
Best Rock Album
Alice in Chains, "Rainier Fog"
Fall Out Boy, "Mania"
Ghost, "Prequelle"
Greta Van Fleet, "From the Fires"
Weezer, "Pacific Daydream"
Best Pop Vocal Album
Camila Cabello, "Camila"
Kelly Clarkson, "Meaning of Life"
Ariana Grande, "Sweetener"
Shawn Mendes, "Shawn Mendes"
P!nk, "Beautiful Trauma"
Taylor Swift, "Reputation"
Best Alternative Music Album
Arctic Monkeys, "Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino"
Beck, "Colors"
Bjork, "Utopia"
David Byrne, "American Utopia"
St. Vincent, "Masseduction"
Best World Music Album
Bombino, "Deran"
Fatoumata Diawara, "Fenfo"
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, "Black Times"
Soweto Gospel Choir, "Freedom"
Yiddish Glory, "The Lost Songs of World War II"
source: news.abs-cbn.com
