The 2024 Grammy Awards showcased some incredible talent and celebrated the best in music at the moment. One of the most highly anticipated categories was Song of the Year, where artists vied for the prestigious honor of receiving the golden gramophone.
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas emerged as the winners with their heartrending ballad, 'What Was I Made For?' from the Barbie movie soundtrack. The duo seemed genuinely surprised and overwhelmed as they took the stage to accept the award. Billie expressed her disbelief, exclaiming, 'Literally I was looking at everybody's faces and I leaned over and I was like, 'Not a chance.''
In her acceptance speech, Billie graciously acknowledged the other nominees in the category, recognizing the incredible talent they brought to the table. The nominees included Dua Lipa's infectious hit 'Dance the Night,' Jon Batiste's moving 'Butterfly,' Lana Del Rey's introspective track 'A&W,' Miley Cyrus' empowering anthem 'Flowers,' Olivia Rodrigo's searing power ballad 'Vampire,' SZA's groovy 'Kill Bill,' and Taylor Swift's vulnerable song 'Anti-Hero.'
Billie also took a moment to appreciate her family, including her supportive parents in attendance and her brother Finneas, whom she described as her 'best friend in the world.' Both Eilish siblings expressed their humility and gratitude, acknowledging that they often find it hard to feel deserving of the accolades they receive.
Lana Del Rey's 'A&W' was a standout single from her highly acclaimed ninth studio album, 'Did you know there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd.' The sprawling epic of a song seamlessly transitions between folk ballad and trap-pop, and delves into the way American culture perceives women. Co-written with her frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff, 'A&W' was hailed as the best song of 2023 by multiple outlets.
Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff's collaboration on 'Anti-Hero' earned them a nomination for Song of the Year as well. The introspective pop-rock song, which delves into Swift's own flaws and the public's perception of her, became a chart-topping hit and an exploration of self-acceptance. Swift has described 'Anti-Hero' as one of her favorite songs she's ever written, appreciating its honesty and how it delves into insecurities.
Jon Batiste's 'Butterfly,' a jazz-pop ballad from his album 'World Music Radio,' also garnered a nomination for Song of the Year. This deeply personal song was written as a lullaby for his wife, Suleika Jaouad, during her cancer treatment. Batiste's heartfelt lyrics and piano-led melody make 'Butterfly' a powerful and emotionally resonant track.
Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell's contribution to the Barbie movie soundtrack with 'What Was I Made For?' earned them a well-deserved nomination. The song quickly resonated with listeners, marking a turning point for Billie during a period of self-doubt. The emotional ballad, which also received nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance, has become a fan favorite and was recognized as the Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards.
Dua Lipa's disco-pop hit 'Dance the Night' from the Barbie album also received nominations for Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media. The infectious track played during a pivotal dance scene in the film and became a major hit in its own right, peaking in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. Lipa spoke of the natural fit when approached to write the song, considering it 'an absolute no-brainer' to collaborate with producer Mark Ronson on such an exciting project.
Miley Cyrus experienced a spectacular year in 2023, thanks in part to the success of her lead single 'Flowers' from the album 'Endless Summer Vacation.' The self-love anthem, accompanied by a catchy disco-inspired beat, broke records upon its release and became one of the most popular songs of the year. Cyrus initially wrote the song as a poignant reflection on self-love, but it evolved into an empowering track that embraces personal growth and resilience.
SZA's 'Kill Bill' also received a Song of the Year nomination. This groovy R&B track reached impressive heights on the charts, spending weeks in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. The song's intriguing lyrics, exploring a hypothetical fantasy of murdering an ex-lover, initially raised concerns for SZA. However, the artist chose to release it, embracing its unique theme and standing by her artistic expression.
Olivia Rodrigo made a splash with her sophomore album 'GUTS,' and the lead single 'Vampire' garnered a Song of the Year nomination. The powerful pop-rock ballad, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, captures Rodrigo's raw emotions as she reflects on a toxic relationship. While fans have speculated about the song's subject, Rodrigo prefers to keep its meaning open-ended, allowing listeners to connect with it in their own way.
These incredible songs and their talented creators highlighted the diverse range of musical genius at the 2024 Grammy Awards. From introspective and vulnerable moments to empowering anthems and catchy dance tracks, each nominee in the Song of the Year category brought something unique to the table. It was a night to celebrate their contributions and appreciate the impact their music has had on listeners worldwide.
