What was expected to be one of the biggest nights of the year started solemnly as Sunday’s Grammys began with a tribute by Alicia Keys to Kobe Bryant, an NBA MVP who’d been killed in a helicopter crash earlier that day.

Artists including Lil Nas’ X, Lizzo, and Keys, herself with Boyz II Men performed musical tributes.

Another tribute came in the form of a posthumous win for Best Rap Performance to Nipsey Hussle, who was killed in a shooting in March 2019. His family accepted the award on his behalf.

Other artists included Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, who performed “Nobody But You” to audiences. The recently reunited Jonas Brothers performed an unreleased song, “Five More Minutes” before transitioning to their newest hit, “What A Man Gotta Do,” which features the band members’ three wives in a newly released music video.

Billie Eilish made history as the youngest Record Winner of the Year. She swept through four major categories as the winner of Best Album, Best Song, New Artist, and Record. “bad guy” earned both Best Song and Best Record. Her brother and recognized music producer and singer Finneas accepted the awards with her as she gave a simple “Thank you” before mentioning her brother and other individuals who’d helped her in her career.

Another win came to Tyler the Creator, who won his first Grammy for Best Rap Album, “IGOR” against veteran rappers 21 Savage and Meek Mill. In surprising news, the 2018 film, “A Star Is Born” snagged two awards for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and Best Song Written for Visual Media, over 400 days after its release which was confusing to some but, seen as well-deserved to others.

Not only have this year’s awards created a memory for work in the music industry, but also as a hub for upcoming work from current and future artists as well as honoring the artists who came before us.