The annual Grammys is a prestigious award ceremony with hundreds of the world’s most notable artists attending, each hoping to receive a Grammys Award. Many artists, however, left empty-handed. This year, the snubbed artists upset many viewers, like Sienna Berg (II), who feels that “Charli XCX was robbed.” Additionally, The Weeknd, who previously spoke out against the Academy, made amends with a groundbreaking surprise performance that shocked viewers. Among these notable events at this year’s Grammys, the attendees’ fashion has also captivated the audience, leaving a long-lasting impact for weeks after the show had aired.
The album categories have always been some of the most significant in the entire show, and this year’s presentation of the Best Country Album award was no exception as Beyonce won with her acclaimed album Cowboy Carter. To accept her award, Beyonce wore a Southern-themed outfit designed by Maison Schiaparelli. The tightly-fitted golden dress, adorned with a swirl pattern, put an extravagant twist on the country western style. Beyonce’s outfit choice notably defies the racism that the West sometimes embeds into its culture and traditions. The award itself confronts prejudices as Beyonce was the first Black woman in over 50 years to receive this award.
Another artist who received much recognition at this year’s show was Doechii, who received three nominations, including Best New Artist. She arrived at the show in a custom Thom Browne gown, featuring pinstripes and an off-the-shoulder neckline, along with a white button-down and tie. Outfit changes midway through the show has become quite common for artists in recent years, and Doechii was no exception, attaching a wider skirt to her dress after walking the red carpet. The outfit defied traditional gender roles, as she put her own masculine spin on the classic corset dress, a traditionally feminine outfit.
Artist Chappell Roan, another attendee at the Grammys, is known for her drag-based style, and each of her outfits at this year’s show followed said theme. Drag shows have had a large influence on Roan’s career and the way she presents herself, which has been a topic of great controversy throughout her career. She arrived at the red carpet wearing a layered yellow and blue gown, paired with a white feather on her head and drag makeup.
Levi Liming (IV), a huge fan of Chappell Roan, expresses, “I think it is so important for drag to be represented in the media” and “having it come from someone like as big as Chappell is so big for the LGBTQ+ community.” Additionally, this persistence of drag makeup and fashion is defiant of the current attacks on LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
The fashion choices of these Grammy-winning musicians all had their own message to deliver. Olivia Houton (II) explains, “Beyonce and Doechii, [and] Chappell Roan are all a part of groups that have a history of getting persecuted, for their race or their sexuality.” In this way, the artists’ fashion choices can be perceived as a stand against the world’s current political state. It is also worthy to note that hundreds of thousands of people watch the Grammys every year. By wearing a country outfit and winning Country Album of the Year, Beyonce has inspired young Black American girls all over the world that it is possible to pursue a career in country music, despite the genre being primarily white-dominated. Doechii blurred the line for men and women’s fashion by wearing an outfit that straddles the line between masculine and feminine. Finally, Chappell Roan’s fashion wearing full drag told those who like drag fashion that they don’t have to hide it despite recent political controversies. With the platforms that they have, these artists are spreading awareness and sharing their opinions. It begs the question: Why aren’t other artists doing the same?
