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 Compton, California rapper Lamar went into the awards with 11
nominations, and had looked on course to take album of the year
for his critically-acclaimed "To Pimp A Butterfly," but it was
country-turned-pop artist Swift who won with "1989", the
best-selling album of 2014.
Swift, 26, made history as the first woman to win album of the
year twice after also taking the Grammy in 2009 for "Fearless,"
and delivered a feisty acceptance speech on female empowerment.
"To all the woman out there ... there will be people who try to
undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or
your fame," the singer said on stage, adding "don't let people
sidetrack you."
The speech appeared to be a swipe at Kanye West who last week
released a song called "Famous" in which he claimed that he made
Swift famous after the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident in
which West hijacked Swift's win live on stage.
R&B singer Bruno Mars and producer Mark Ronson won record of the
year for their upbeat track "Uptown Funk!"
"We wouldn't be up here if it wasn't for the people dancing to
this song," Mars said.
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran won his first Grammys,
including song of the year for "Thinking Out Loud", receiving a
big hug from Swift as he went up on stage.
Pop star Meghan Trainor, who broke out last year with her
body-confident hit "All About That Bass," was named Best New
Artist, tearfully thanking music executive L.A. Reid "for
looking at me as an artist instead of just a song-writer."
SPOTLIGHT ON COMPTON
Hip-hop took center stage as Lamar won best rap album and
delivered the night's most socially charged performance.
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The rapper wore chains and a prison uniform to perform "The Blacker
The Berry," a powerful commentary on racial issues facing America's
black youth. He then broke free and rapped his anthemic track
"Alright" surrounded by African tribal dancers.
Other winners included blues-rock group Alabama Shakes, who took
home three wins including best rock performance for "Don't Wanna
Fight," and Broadway musical "Hamilton" won best musical theater
album.
Canadian crooner The Weeknd won two Grammys out of his seven
nominations, including urban contemporary album for "Beauty Behind
the Madness," while Chris Stapleton also scored two awards,
including best country album for "Traveller."
Canadian pop star Justin Bieber won his first-ever Grammy in the
best dance recording category for "Where Are U Now," which he later
performed.
While most performers on the night offered pared-down renditions of
their hits, Lady Gaga gave a colorful tribute to late British singer
David Bowie, singing a medley of his hits while dressed as the
androgynous 'starman.'
Offstage, Rihanna made news by canceling her scheduled performance
at the last minute due to illness.
(Editing by Jill Serjeant and Bill Rigby)
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