In 2019, a spotlight on queer musicians and fast-paced broadcast made the Grammys have some real cultural relevance. Its 2020 edition, clouded by tragedy, scandal, and bloat, only served to remind us why award shows are so problematic.
The 2019 Global Citizen Festival featured Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, and more for an event that drew thousands of attendees who won tickets through social activism.
No award show will ever be truly perfect, but one can still admire how the Grammys overcame some pre-show controversy to deliver one of the most feminist, fearless, and downright entertaining broadcasts in its history.
