57th Annual Grammy Awards
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards was the 57th edition of the preeminent music industry awards ceremony presented by the Recording Academy to honor artistic and technical excellence in recordings released during the eligibility period from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2014.[1] Held on February 8, 2015, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, the event was hosted by LL Cool J for the fourth consecutive year and broadcast live on CBS starting at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.[1][2] Beck's Morning Phase won Album of the Year, defeating heavily favored competitors including Beyoncé's self-titled album, a result that drew immediate reaction when Kanye West briefly mounted the stage during Beck's acceptance speech before retreating, later clarifying his view that Beyoncé's work exemplified superior artistry and that the award should have gone to her.[1][3][4] Sam Smith dominated the night with four awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)."[1] The telecast featured a tribute to Stevie Wonder's lifetime achievements, alongside performances by artists such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Sam Smith, underscoring the ceremony's blend of recognition and live entertainment.[1]Event Overview
Date, Venue, and Broadcast Details
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony occurred on February 8, 2015, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.[5][6] This marked the 16th consecutive year the event was hosted at the venue, which had served as the primary location for the Grammys since 2000.[6] The main telecast aired live on the CBS Television Network from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT), in high definition and 5.1 surround sound, consistent with prior years' broadcasts.[6][7] Pre-telecast coverage included a Grammy Live stream starting at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT), providing additional access via online platforms coordinated by the Recording Academy and CBS.[8] International viewers accessed the event through CBS's global distribution partners, though specifics varied by region.[9]Host, Production, and Key Organizers
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards were hosted by rapper and actor LL Cool J, who served as emcee for the fourth consecutive year.[2][10] His hosting duties included opening monologues, introducing performers and presenters, and facilitating award segments during the live broadcast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 8, 2015.[6] The ceremony's production was led by AEG Ehrlich Ventures in collaboration with the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich served as executive producer, overseeing creative direction, scripting, and overall event coordination; he also co-wrote the show alongside David Wild.[11][12] Louis J. Horvitz directed the telecast, managing live staging, camera work, and technical execution for the CBS broadcast.[13] LL Cool J additionally contributed as a producer, influencing segments and performer integrations.[14] Key organizers included the Recording Academy, the nonprofit entity responsible for administering the Grammys through its peer-voted process and event logistics. At the time, the Academy's leadership, under President and CEO Neil Portnow, handled nomination oversight, venue arrangements, and broadcast partnerships, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission to recognize musical excellence.[15] Production credits also featured supervising producer Eric Cook and associate producers like Drew Findley, supporting Ehrlich's vision for a high-profile showcase of nominees and performances.[12]Background and Preparation
Nomination Process and Announcement
The nomination process for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards commenced with the Online Entry Process, through which Recording Academy members and record companies submitted eligible recordings released between October 1, 2013, and September 30, 2014, yielding over 20,000 entries across various categories.[16][17] These submissions underwent eligibility screening and category placement review by specialized committees of Academy experts to ensure compliance with technical and artistic criteria.[18] First-round voting then opened to the Academy's voting membership—professional musicians, producers, engineers, songwriters, and other music creators—who selected up to five nominees per category within their field of expertise, with votes tallied electronically to determine the slate without public disclosure of individual ballots.[18][19] The nominees were publicly announced on December 5, 2014, via an innovative all-day digital livestream and social media rollout, diverging from prior years' condensed prime-time format to engage broader audiences progressively throughout the day.[16][20] This event kicked off with Pharrell Williams and Ed Sheeran revealing initial categories live, followed by participating artists and celebrities unveiling additional nominees through pre-recorded videos shared on platforms like Twitter, covering 82 of the 83 categories before the full list was compiled and released.[20][21]Eligibility Criteria and Voting Mechanics
The eligibility period for submissions to the 57th Annual Grammy Awards encompassed recordings released between October 1, 2013, and September 30, 2014, inclusive of 83 categories across 30 fields.[22] Eligible products included new audio recordings commercially distributed in the United States through physical, digital download, or streaming platforms, with albums required to feature at least five tracks or 15 minutes of running time (whichever was greater) and singles needing a minimum of four minutes for certain categories.[23] Entries were submitted via the Recording Academy's Online Entry Process by record labels, artists, or their representatives, followed by screening for compliance with technical standards, such as audio quality and originality, excluding reissues or compilations without substantial new content unless specified otherwise in category rules.[24] Voting membership in the Recording Academy, comprising approximately 11,000 professionals including artists, producers, engineers, and songwriters vetted for expertise and contributions, determined nominees and winners.[23] In the first-round voting, held online from October 6 to October 15, 2014, members voted solely within their primary field of expertise for genre-specific categories, while all members voted for the four general field categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist); up to 10 nominations per category were selected based on vote tallies, with ties resolved by the National Leadership Conference.[22] Nominees were announced on December 5, 2014. The final-round voting, open to all members from January 5 to January 30, 2015, allowed votes across every category, with winners determined by simple plurality and announced at the ceremony on February 8, 2015; ballots were confidential, and solicitation of votes was prohibited under Academy guidelines to maintain integrity.[23]Notable Pre-Ceremony Developments
The nominations for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards were announced on December 5, 2014, with British singer Sam Smith receiving the most nods at six, including Album of the Year for In the Lonely Hour and Record of the Year for "Stay With Me".[25] Independent artist Beck's Morning Phase also earned Album of the Year recognition alongside nominees like Beyoncé's self-titled visual album and Pharrell Williams' G I R L.[25] A significant point of contention arose from the omission of Beyoncé's Beyoncé—which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 617,000 copies sold in its first week and featured innovative self-directed videos—from the Album of the Year category, despite widespread critical acclaim and commercial dominance.[26] Fans and commentators highlighted this as a perceived undervaluation of her artistic evolution and influence, fueling debates about the Recording Academy's tastes favoring more conventional pop structures over experimental R&B and visual artistry.[26] Australian rapper Iggy Azalea's nominations in rap categories, including Best Rap Album for The New Classic and Best Rap Song for "Fancy" featuring Charli XCX, ignited backlash over cultural appropriation and genre boundaries, as critics argued her style diluted hip-hop's authenticity while overshadowing stronger entries from artists like YG, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Pusha T, and Ab-Soul.[27] This echoed broader accusations of racial bias in the Academy's selections, with detractors pointing to underrepresentation of traditional rap innovators in favor of crossover appeal.[27] Additional surprises included Miley Cyrus' Bangerz securing a Best Pop Vocal Album nod despite mixed reviews, and snubs for emerging acts like FKA twigs and Ariana Grande in major vocal categories, underscoring ongoing critiques of the nomination process's alignment with commercial radio play over diverse innovation.[26][28] These developments amplified pre-ceremony discourse on the Grammys' relevance in reflecting contemporary music's evolving landscape.Ceremony Proceedings
Pre-Telecast Ceremony
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, a rebranded iteration of the traditional pre-telecast event, took place on February 8, 2015, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, commencing at 12:30 p.m. PT and concluding prior to the main telecast.[29][6] Hosted by country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes, a Grammy nominee that year, the ceremony recognized winners in roughly 70 non-televised categories and was attended by nominees, industry executives, and VIPs.[30][31] It streamed live internationally via GRAMMY.com, with video on demand available for 30 days afterward, marking an effort by the Recording Academy to elevate the event's visibility beyond in-person attendance.[30] Hayes opened the proceedings with a guitar performance, setting a musical tone for the afternoon.[31] Performances featured nominee Angie Fisher, actors Cheyenne Jackson and Alexandra Silber, and the cast of the Broadway production Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.[30] Presenters included Grammy nominees such as Rosanne Cash, Gloria Gaynor, Hilary Hahn, and Smokie Norful, who handed out awards across genres like classical, gospel, and musical theater, emphasizing the breadth of the Academy's membership-voted honors not prioritized for prime-time broadcast.[30] The format prioritized efficiency, with rapid award presentations to accommodate the volume of recipients before transitioning to the evening's televised spectacle at the adjacent Staples Center.[32]Main Telecast Structure
The main telecast, hosted by LL Cool J for the fourth consecutive year, aired live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, commencing at 5:00 p.m. PST and lasting approximately three and a half hours.[1] The format alternated between award presentations for major categories, live musical performances by nominees and guests, and brief host-led transitions, with 13 general field and genre awards handed out on air out of 83 total.[1] An in-memoriam segment honored deceased figures in the music industry, including Wayne Henderson and Jesse Belvin.[1] The program opened with a high-energy performance by AC/DC, featuring tracks from their album Rock or Bust.[33] This was followed by the Best New Artist award, won by Sam Smith for their debut album In the Lonely Hour. Ariana Grande then performed a medley including "Just a Little Bit of Your Heart" and "Love Me Harder." The Best Pop Solo Performance went to Pharrell Williams for "Happy," after which Miranda Lambert delivered a solo rendition of "Little Red Wagon."[33] Subsequent segments featured Kanye West's performance of "All Day," Madonna's debut of "Living for Love," and the Best Rock Album award to Beck for Morning Phase. Jay-Z and Beyoncé accepted Best R&B Performance for "Drunk in Love," preceding a duet by Gwen Stefani and Adam Levine on "My Love Is Your Love." Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett performed jazz standards from their collaborative album Cheek to Cheek.[33] The telecast built toward its climax with Prince presenting Album of the Year to Beck, followed by Sam Smith's wins for Song of the Year and Record of the Year, both for "Stay with Me." The Bee Gees received the Lifetime Achievement Award, announced during the broadcast. The show concluded with performances by Beyoncé ("Take My Breath Away"), John Legend, and Common ("Glory").[1][33]Performers and Collaborations
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards featured a record 23 live performances during the main telecast, spanning genres from rock to pop and including several high-profile collaborations.[34] AC/DC opened the ceremony on February 8, 2015, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with an energetic rendition of "Rock or Bust," marking the hard rock band's return following legal issues involving drummer Phil Rudd.[35] [36] Notable collaborations emphasized genre-blending and tributes. Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney delivered a minimalist acoustic performance of their collaborative single "FourFiveSeconds," stripping the track to guitar and vocals for an intimate feel.[37] Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, fresh off their joint album Cheek to Cheek, performed the title track in a sophisticated jazz style, highlighting Bennett's veteran phrasing alongside Gaga's versatile vocals.[37] Annie Lennox joined Hozier for a dramatic cover of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell on You," with Lennox's commanding presence complementing Hozier's soulful intensity in a gothic-tinged duet.[37] Other significant pairings included Ariana Grande and The Weeknd on "Love Me Harder," showcasing their vocal interplay in a pop-R&B fusion, and Beyoncé, John Legend, and Common interpreting "Glory" from the Selma soundtrack as a civil rights homage, with Legend on piano and thematic visuals underscoring historical footage.[36] Ed Sheeran received support from Pharrell Williams during "Thinking Out Loud," adding layered production to the acoustic ballad.[36] Solo standouts encompassed Sam Smith's emotive delivery of "Stay With Me," which reinforced his sweep of major categories that night, and Madonna's theatrical staging of "Living for Love" with dancers and pyrotechnics.[37] These acts contributed to the show's emphasis on live execution and cross-artist synergy, though some drew mixed reviews for production choices amid the expansive lineup.[37]Presenters and Segment Highlights
A diverse lineup of presenters graced the stage at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, including musicians such as Taylor Swift, who presented the Best New Artist award; Dave Grohl; Stevie Wonder; Miley Cyrus; Jennifer Hudson; Nicki Minaj; Meghan Trainor; and Nick Jonas, alongside actors like James Corden, Josh Duhamel, Shia LaBeouf, and Anna Kendrick.[38][39][40] One standout presentation segment featured Shia LaBeouf introducing Sia's performance of "Chandelier," where he emotionally recited a lengthy poem unrolled from purple paper, beginning with "This is for my brown-eyed girl" and ending with "Punch me if I stop crying." The text, initially perceived as eccentric, was later confirmed to be a love letter from Sia's husband, Erik Lang, adding a layer of personal sincerity to the moment amid Sia's collaboration with Kristen Wiig and dancer Maddie Ziegler.[41][42][43] Another key segment involved a pre-recorded message from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, advocating against domestic and sexual violence through the "It's On Us" campaign, which transitioned into Katy Perry's performance of "By the Grace of God," emphasizing survivor resilience. This public service integration highlighted the ceremony's occasional foray into social advocacy.[44][45] The Album of the Year presentation to Beck for Morning Phase drew attention when Kanye West approached the stage mid-speech, microphone in hand, to suggest Beyoncé deserved the award instead, echoing past controversies but ultimately yielding to Beck's gracious response; West later clarified his intent was not to interrupt fully. This unscripted exchange amplified discussions on genre biases in major categories.[46][36]In-Memoriam Tribute
The In Memoriam segment during the 57th Annual Grammy Awards telecast on February 8, 2015, consisted of a video montage set to music, honoring deceased recording artists, songwriters, and industry professionals who passed away primarily between October 2013 and January 2015, aligning with the eligibility period for Grammy consideration.[47] Produced by the Recording Academy, the tribute highlighted select figures from a broader list of losses in the music community, focusing on their contributions without live performances or extended commentary.[47] Prominent honorees included British rock singer Joe Cocker, a Grammy winner known for raspy interpretations of covers like "With a Little Help from My Friends," who died on December 22, 2014, at age 70 from lung cancer.[48] Gospel pioneer Andraé Crouch, a seven-time Grammy recipient celebrated for blending contemporary sounds with spiritual themes in songs like "Soon and Very Soon," passed away on January 8, 2015, at age 72 due to complications from a heart attack.[49] Folk legend Pete Seeger, influential in American protest music with hits like "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?," died on January 27, 2014, at age 94.[47] Other notable figures featured were Cream bassist and singer Jack Bruce, whose innovative work on tracks like "Sunshine of Your Love" shaped rock fusion, deceased on October 25, 2014, at age 71 from liver disease; blues guitarist Johnny Winter, renowned for revitalizing Muddy Waters' career and his own high-energy performances, who died on July 16, 2014, at age 70; and singer-songwriter Rod McKuen, a Grammy-nominated poet-musician with over 200 albums sold worldwide, who passed on January 29, 2015, at age 81 shortly before the ceremony.[47] [50] The segment drew criticism for omissions, such as electronic musician Edgar Froese and vocalist Little Jimmy Scott, reflecting selective curation amid the Academy's vast membership losses that year.[51]Awards and Nominations
General Field Categories
The general field categories at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, presented on February 8, 2015, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, consisted of Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist.[1] These awards, determined by votes from the entire Recording Academy membership rather than genre-specific committees, recognize overall artistic and commercial achievement, technical excellence, and emerging talent.[1] Sam Smith, nominated in all four categories—a rare feat achieved by only the tenth artist in Grammy history—secured three victories, while Beck claimed the Album of the Year upset.[52][53] Album of the Year honors the best overall album, considering artistic merit, technical quality, and cultural impact, with producers and engineers sharing in the award. Beck's Morning Phase won, praised for its introspective folk-rock sound and production, defeating high-profile pop and R&B entries.[1][53]| Artist | Album Title | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Beck | Morning Phase | Won |
| Beyoncé | Beyoncé | Nominated |
| Ed Sheeran | X | Nominated |
| Pharrell Williams | Girl | Nominated |
| Sam Smith | In the Lonely Hour | Nominated |
| Artist(s) | Track Title | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Smith | "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)" | Won |
| Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX | "Fancy" | Nominated |
| Sia | "Chandelier" | Nominated |
| Taylor Swift | "Shake It Off" | Nominated |
| Meghan Trainor | "All About That Bass" | Nominated |
| Songwriter(s) | Song Title | Result |
|---|---|---|
| James Napier, William Phillips, Sam Smith | "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)" | Won |
| Meghan Trainor, Kevin Kadish | "All About That Bass" | Nominated |
| Sia Furler, Jesse Shatkin | "Chandelier" | Nominated |
| Max Martin, Shellback, Taylor Swift | "Shake It Off" | Nominated |
| Iggy Azalea, Kurt Feldman, Jonathon Yip, Ray Romulus, Charli XCX, Jason Evigan | "Fancy" | Nominated |
| Artist | Result |
|---|---|
| Sam Smith | Won |
| Iggy Azalea | Nominated |
| Bastille | Nominated |
| Brandy Clark | Nominated |
| Haim | Nominated |
Pop and Dance/Electronic Categories
In the pop categories at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 8, 2015, Sam Smith secured a win for Best Pop Vocal Album with In the Lonely Hour, which featured hits like "Stay with Me" and showcased the artist's soulful balladry amid competition from mainstream pop releases.[57] Pharrell Williams took Best Pop Solo Performance for a live rendition of "Happy," highlighting the track's infectious appeal from his album G I R L.[58] A Great Big World featuring Christina Aguilera won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Say Something," a piano-driven collaboration emphasizing emotional vulnerability.[59]| Nominees for Best Pop Vocal Album |
|---|
| Sam Smith - In the Lonely Hour |
| Ariana Grande - My Everything |
| Miley Cyrus - Bangerz |
| Coldplay - Ghost Stories |
| Katy Perry - Prism |
| Ed Sheeran - x |
| Nominees for Best Pop Solo Performance |
|---|
| Pharrell Williams - "Happy (Live)" |
| John Legend - "All of Me" |
| Sia - "Chandelier" |
| Sam Smith - "Stay With Me" |
| Taylor Swift - "Shake It Off" |
| Nominees for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance |
|---|
| A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera - "Say Something" |
| Coldplay - "A Sky Full of Stars" |
| Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX - "Fancy" |
| Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj - "Bang Bang" |
| Paramore - "Ain't It Fun" |
| Nominees for Best Dance/Electronic Album |
|---|
| Aphex Twin - Syro |
| Caribou - Our Love |
| deadmau5 - while(1<2) |
| Little Dragon - Nabuma Rubberband |
| Röyksopp & Robyn - Do It Again |
| Nominees for Best Dance Recording |
|---|
| Basement Jaxx - "Never Say Never" |
| Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne - "Rather Be" |
| Disclosure feat. Mary J. Blige - "F for You" |
| MK - "Love Is Losing" |
| Skrillex & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley - "Make It Bun Dem" |
Rock, Alternative, and Contemporary Instrumental Categories
Best Rock Performance was awarded to Jack White for "Lazaretto", a track from his solo album featuring raw guitar riffs and high-energy delivery, recognized for its instrumental prowess and vocal intensity.[1] The nominees included "Gimme Something Good" by Ryan Adams, noted for its bluesy rock edge; "Do I Wanna Know?" by Arctic Monkeys, a brooding garage rock single; "Blue Moon" by Beck, with its psychedelic undertones; and "Fever" by [The Black Keys](/page/The Black Keys), characterized by gritty distortion and rhythm.[25][63]| Nominee | Artist | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Lazaretto (Winner) | Jack White | High-octane solo guitar work and dynamic structure |
| Gimme Something Good | Ryan Adams | Blues-infused riffing and straightforward rock drive |
| Do I Wanna Know? | Arctic Monkeys | Slow-burn tension with heavy bass and reverb |
| Blue Moon | Beck | Experimental psych-rock with layered effects |
| Fever | The Black Keys | Raw, garage-style distortion and pounding drums |
| Nominee | Artist | Album Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Phase (Winner) | Beck | Introspective acoustics, sea-themed serenity, minimalism |
| Ryan Adams | Ryan Adams | Expansive songcraft, genre-blending introspection |
| Turn Blue | The Black Keys | Psychedelic shifts, elongated grooves, vulnerability |
| Hypnotic Eye | Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | Energetic riffs, classic rock revival, road-tested hooks |
| Lazaretto | Jack White | Primal blues energy, technical virtuosity, retro fidelity |
R&B, Rap, and Country Categories
In the R&B categories, Beyoncé featuring Jay Z won Best R&B Performance for "Drunk in Love" from the album Beyoncé, beating nominees including Chris Brown featuring Usher and Rick Ross for "New Flame," Jennifer Hudson featuring R. Kelly for "It's Your World," Jhené Aiko for "The Worst," and Usher for "Good Kisser."[69][56] The same track secured Best R&B Song, with songwriters Shawn Carter, Rasool Diaz, Noel Fisher, Jerome Harmon, Beyoncé Knowles, Timothy Mosely, Andre Eric Proctor, and Brian Soko recognized for their contributions.[70] Best Traditional R&B Performance went to the Robert Glasper Experiment for "Jesus Children" from Black Radio 2.[71] For albums, Kelly Price and Jeffrey Osborne's collaborative effort Love, Marriage & Divorce took Best R&B Album, while Pharrell Williams' Girl won Best Urban Contemporary Album.[72]| Category | Winner | Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Best R&B Album | Love, Marriage & Divorce – Kelly Price & Jeffrey Osborne | Black Radio 2 – Robert Glasper Experiment; Chris Brown – Chris Brown; New Flame – Chris Brown; If You Don't Know Now You Know – J. Holiday |
| Best Urban Contemporary Album | Girl – Pharrell Williams | Chris Brown – Chris Brown; Fan of a Fan: The Album – Chris Brown & Tyga; Show You the Way – Marques Houston; Love Letter – R. Kelly |
| Category | Winner | Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Best Rap Album | The Marshall Mathers LP 2 – Eminem | Because the Internet – Childish Gambino; The New Classic – Iggy Azalea; Nobody's Smiling – Common; Oxymoron – Schoolboy Q |
| Best Rap/Sung Collaboration | "Stay With Me" (Darkchild Version) – Sam Smith (noted crossover, but rap-adjacent nod); primary rap win "Blak Majik" – Common featuring Jhené Aiko | "0 to 100/The Catch Up" – Drake; "The Monster" – Eminem featuring Rihanna (prior context); full nominees included "Never Catch Me" – Flying Lotus featuring Kendrick Lamar |
| Category | Winner | Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Best Country Song | "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" – Glen Campbell (Glen Campbell, Julian Raymond, songwriters) | "American Kids" – Kenny Chesney; "Automatic" – Miranda Lambert; "Give Me Back My Hometown" – Eric Church; "Meanwhile Back at Mama's" – Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill |
| Best Country Duo/Group Performance | "Raise 'Em Up" – Keith Urban featuring Eric Church | "In My Daughter's Eyes" – Martina McBride (contextual); primary nominees: "Freedom Feels Like Lonely" – Little Big Town; "The Driver" – Rascal Flatts featuring Don Henley; "Wagon Wheel" remixes noted in broader field |
Jazz, Gospel, Latin, and World Music Categories
In the Jazz categories at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 8, 2015, Dianne Reeves won Best Jazz Vocal Album for Beautiful Life, an album featuring collaborations with Robert Glasper and strings arranged by Patrick Bartley.[78] Chick Corea Trio received Best Jazz Instrumental Album for Trilogy, a three-disc set recorded live in 2014 capturing the group's improvisational interplay.[79] Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band took Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for Life in the Bubble, highlighting Goodwin's arrangements blending swing and modern elements.[79] Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra won Best Latin Jazz Album for The Offense of the Drum, emphasizing Afro-Cuban rhythms and social themes.[79] Gospel categories saw Smokie Norful claim Best Gospel Performance/Song for "No Greater Love," a track from his album Forever Yours noted for its emotive delivery and production by Percy Bady.[80] Lecrae featuring for King & Country won Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for "Messengers," integrating hip-hop and gospel elements to address social issues.[80] Erica Campbell secured Best Gospel Album for Help, her solo debut produced by husband Warryn Campbell, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Gospel Albums chart.[80] for King & Country earned Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for Run Wild. Live. Free., a live recording capturing their energetic family duo performances.[80]| Latin Category | Winner | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Best Latin Pop Album | Rubén Blades and Sevilla | Tangos[81] |
| Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album | Calle 13 | Multiviral[82] |
Other Specialized Categories
In audio production and engineering categories, Max Martin earned Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for engineering and producing tracks on albums such as Taylor Swift's 1989, Ariana Grande's My Everything, and Kelly Clarkson's Wrapped in Red. Beck's Morning Phase won Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, with credits to engineers Tom Elmhirst, David Banta, Joe Visciano, Robbie Nelson, and Drew Brown. Beyoncé's self-titled visual album received Best Surround Sound Album for its surround mix engineered by Elliot Scheiner and mastered by Bob Ludwig. Tiësto took Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for the "Birthday Treatment Remix" of John Legend's "All of Me".[83][84][85][83] Judith Sherman won Producer of the Year, Classical for her production on Beethoven: Cello and Piano Complete performed by the Fischer Duo. John Luther Adams' orchestral composition Become Ocean, conducted by Ludovic Morlot with the Seattle Symphony, secured Best Contemporary Classical Composition, recognized for its expansive environmental themes.[85][86] Visual media awards highlighted innovative presentations, with Pharrell Williams' "Happy" video, directed by We Are From LA and produced by Kathleen Heffernan, Solal Micenmacher, Jett Steiger, and Danielle Hinde, winning Best Music Video for its joyful, street-performance narrative. Beyoncé and Jay Z's On the Run Tour: Beyoncé and Jay Z, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, claimed Best Music Film, capturing their joint stadium tour with high-production concert footage.[53][53] Packaging and historical categories honored archival and design efforts. Pearl Jam's Lightning Bolt received Best Recording Package, art directed by Jeff Ament, Don Pendleton, Joe Spix, and Jerome Turner, praised for its bold, abstract imagery. Hank Williams' The Garden Spot Programs, 1950, a restored collection of 1950 radio broadcasts produced by Cheryl Pawelski and Colin Escott with annotation by Colin Escott, won Best Historical Album for preserving early country radio performances.[83][87]Special Merit Awards
MusiCares Person of the Year
The MusiCares Person of the Year award for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards recognized Bob Dylan for his enduring artistic contributions to music and his philanthropic support for musicians in need. The event, held on February 6, 2015, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, marked the 25th anniversary of the MusiCares benefit gala, which raises funds to provide health and human services to the music community through grants and emergency financial aid.[88][89] Dylan, then 73 years old, was selected for his five-decade career influencing folk, rock, and American songwriting, as well as his history of donating royalties to MusiCares initiatives.[90] Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter presented the award to Dylan, highlighting his cultural impact and commitment to social causes, including civil rights and anti-war efforts reflected in his lyrics.[91] The tribute concert featured performances of Dylan's catalog by artists such as Beck ("Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat"), Norah Jones, Alanis Morissette ("Subterranean Homesick Blues"), Willie Nelson, and others including John Mellencamp, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Tom Jones, interpreting songs like "Tangled Up in Blue" and "Like a Rolling Stone."[92][93] These renditions underscored Dylan's influence across genres, with the gala emphasizing his role in shaping modern songwriting standards.[89] In his acceptance speech, Dylan delivered a lengthy, unscripted address rejecting the notion of being a "voice of a generation," instead crediting influences like Little Richard, Hank Williams, and country blues artists, while critiquing media portrayals of his work and legacy.[88] He argued that songwriters draw from predecessors rather than innovate in isolation, stating, "Songs aren't novels," and dismissed comparisons to literary figures like Rimbaud or Whitman as misguided.[89] The speech, lasting over 25 minutes, drew mixed reactions for its defiance of typical award ceremony decorum but was praised for its authenticity and insight into Dylan's creative process.[88] The 2015 gala raised significant funds for MusiCares, continuing the organization's mission founded in 1989 to address gaps in healthcare and financial support for music professionals, with Dylan joining past honorees like Paul McCartney and Aretha Franklin in using the platform to bolster these efforts.[90]Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes performers for lifetime contributions of outstanding artistic significance to recording. The 2015 recipients, announced by the Recording Academy on December 18, 2014, were: These honors were presented at a private ceremony on February 7, 2015, prior to the main Grammy telecast.[94][95] The Trustees Award salutes non-performers for significant career contributions to the recording field, such as in songwriting, production, or event organization. The 2015 recipients were:- Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (songwriters)
- Richard Perry (producer)
- George Wein (festival founder)
Technical and Educator Awards
The Technical GRAMMY Award, a Special Merit Award recognizing outstanding technical contributions to the recording industry, was presented to inventor Ray Kurzweil for his pioneering work in music technology, including the development of the Kurzweil K250 synthesizer in 1984, the first keyboard instrument to emulate realistic acoustic sounds such as grand piano and orchestral instruments through digital sampling and synthesis techniques.[96] This award, voted on by the Recording Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing Advisory Council and chapter committees, highlighted Kurzweil's innovations that advanced computer-based music production and performance tools.[97] The Music Educator Award, in its second year, honored Jared Cassedy, choral director at Windham High School in Windham, New Hampshire, for his dedication to music education and positive influence on students through innovative teaching methods and community engagement in choral programs.[98] Established by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation to celebrate educators' impact, the award included a $10,000 honorarium for Cassedy, with each of the nine finalists receiving $1,000; Cassedy also attended the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony on February 8, 2015.[98] Both awards were conferred during an invitation-only Special Merit Awards ceremony on February 7, 2015, preceding the main telecast.[96]Grammy Hall of Fame Inductions
The Recording Academy announced 27 new inductees to the Grammy Hall of Fame on December 16, 2014, in conjunction with the 57th Annual Grammy Awards held the following year.[99] These recordings, each at least 25 years old at the time of selection, were chosen by a special committee of Recording Academy members for their qualitative or historical significance and ratified by the Academy's National Board of Trustees.[100] The class spans genres from gospel and jazz to rock and pop, with release dates ranging from 1909 to 1989, highlighting enduring cultural impacts such as pioneering free jazz, punk rebellion, and folk introspection.[99] The inductees include:| Artist | Title | Release Year | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraftwerk | Autobahn | 1974 | Album |
| The Four Seasons | "Big Girls Don't Cry" | 1962 | Single |
| Bob Dylan | Blood on the Tracks | 1975 | Album |
| Sonny Rollins | The Bridge | 1962 | Album |
| Harry Belafonte | Calypso | 1956 | Album |
| ABBA | "Dancing Queen" | 1976 | Single |
| Neil Young | Harvest | 1972 | Album |
| Hank Williams and His Drifting Cowboys | "Honky Tonkin'" | 1947 | Single |
| Bobby Fuller Four | "I Fought the Law" | 1965 | Single |
| Fats Waller, His Rhythm and His Orchestra | "Jitterbug Waltz" | 1942 | Single |
| John Prine | John Prine | 1971 | Album |
| Chic | "Le Freak" | 1978 | Single |
| Sex Pistols | Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols | 1977 | Album |
| Bonnie Raitt | Nick of Time | 1989 | Album |
| Fontella Bass | "Rescue Me" | 1965 | Single |
| Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys | "San Antonio Rose" | 1939 | Single |
| Alice Cooper | "School's Out" | 1972 | Single |
| Ornette Coleman | The Shape of Jazz to Come | 1959 | Album |
| The Dominoes | "Sixty Minute Man" | 1951 | Single |
| Leonard Cohen | Songs of Leonard Cohen | 1967 | Album |
| Sly and the Family Stone | Stand! | 1969 | Album |
| Willie Nelson | Stardust | 1978 | Album |
| Fisk Jubilee Singers | "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" | 1909 | Single |
| Paul Robeson | "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" | 1926 | Single |
| Aaron Neville | "Tell It Like It Is" | 1966 | Single |
| Otis Redding | "Try a Little Tenderness" | 1966 | Single |
| Lou Reed | "Walk on the Wild Side" | 1972 | Single |
Multiple Nominations and Wins
Artists with Most Nominations
Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, and Sam Smith each received six nominations, the highest total for any artist at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.[16][56] Beyoncé's nods included Album of the Year for Beyoncé, Record of the Year for "Drunk in Love" (featuring Jay-Z), and Best R&B Performance for "Partition," reflecting her dominance across pop, R&B, and urban contemporary categories.[16] Pharrell Williams earned nominations for Album of the Year (G I R L), Record of the Year ("Happy"), and Best Pop Solo Performance ("Happy"), highlighting his crossover success from production to solo work.[16] Sam Smith, a relative newcomer, secured six nominations spanning Best New Artist, Song of the Year ("Stay with Me"), and Best Pop Vocal Album (In the Lonely Hour), marking a breakout year driven by soulful balladry.[16][56] Several other artists received five nominations each, including Beck, Iggy Azalea, Miranda Lambert, and Taylor Swift, but none surpassed the leading trio's total.[16] This distribution underscored the Recording Academy's emphasis on mainstream pop and R&B acts, with Beyoncé's haul extending her record as one of the most nominated women in Grammy history up to that point.[56] The nominations, announced on December 5, 2014, by Pharrell Williams and Ed Sheeran, set the stage for the ceremony on February 8, 2015.[102]Artists with Most Wins
Sam Smith won the most awards at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, securing four honors, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year for "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)", Song of the Year for "Stay With Me", and Best Pop Vocal Album for In the Lonely Hour.[53][1] These victories highlighted Smith's rapid ascent in pop music following the release of their debut album.[103] Pharrell Williams and Beyoncé each claimed three awards. Williams triumphed with Best Urban Contemporary Album for G I R L, Best Pop Solo Performance for the live version of "Happy", and Best Music Video for "Happy".[104][1] Beyoncé's wins included Best R&B Performance for "Drunk in Love" (featuring Jay-Z), Best Surround Sound Album for Beyoncé, and Best Music Film for Beyoncé: Live.[104][1] Beck secured two awards: Album of the Year and Best Rock Album, both for Morning Phase.[105][1]| Artist | Number of Wins | Categories Won |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Smith | 4 | Best New Artist; Record of the Year ("Stay With Me"); Song of the Year ("Stay With Me"); Best Pop Vocal Album (In the Lonely Hour) |
| Pharrell Williams | 3 | Best Urban Contemporary Album (G I R L); Best Pop Solo Performance ("Happy" – Live); Best Music Video ("Happy") |
| Beyoncé | 3 | Best R&B Performance ("Drunk in Love"); Best Surround Sound Album (Beyoncé); Best Music Film (Beyoncé: Live) |
| Beck | 2 | Album of the Year (Morning Phase); Best Rock Album (Morning Phase) |