Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Win First Grammy Award Today

BREAKING: The 68th annual Grammy Awards have officially kicked off today at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande winning the first award for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance for their hit “Defying Gravity.”

The announcement came during the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony, hosted by musician Darren Criss, which began at 3:30 PM Eastern (12:30 PM Pacific). Erivo and Grande were not present to accept their award, but their victory set an exhilarating tone for the day.

This year’s Grammy Awards feature a total of 86 awards being presented before the main broadcast, a shift back to celebrating music after last year’s focus on relief efforts due to devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The excitement is palpable as the music industry gathers to honor its finest talents, including nominees like Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga, who will compete in tonight’s televised ceremony.

The energy surged as legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire opened the show with a performance of “Shining Star,” joined by notable artists including Israel Houghton and Trombone Shorty. “That’s how you start a show!” declared Harvey Mason Jr., CEO and President of the Recording Academy, emphasizing the joy and resilience reflected in this year’s ceremony.

Tonight, comedian Trevor Noah will host the main awards show for the sixth and final time, airing live on CBS at 8 PM Eastern. Fans can also catch the Grammys through various streaming services, including Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

Key nominees this year include Kendrick Lamar with nine nominations, followed closely by Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut with seven each. Noteworthy artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Leon Thomas follow closely behind with six nominations each.

The star-studded event also features a host of presenters, including Harry Styles, Carole King, and Queen Latifah. Performances are set to include major acts like Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga, alongside tributes in the “In Memoriam” segment featuring artists like Ms. Lauryn Hill and Post Malone.

As anticipation builds for the main event, fans are encouraged to tune in and witness history in the making during this vibrant celebration of music.

Stay tuned for updates as the evening unfolds at the Grammy Awards!