#GrammysSoFemale (And Rightly So!)

Given that controversy is never far away from the Grammys, I half-expected to turn on the show and find something to complain about (let’s ignore the show’s terrible directing). Without trying to sound like an old man, during the era of “Gucci Gang” (seriously kids, this is not music!) from start to finish, this year’s Grammys delivered incredible music with styles to suit every taste. And whom do we have to thank for this year’s amazing show? Women!

This year was truly the year of the female. It was clear from Alicia Keys’ entrance that sisterhood was being celebrated. Keys was joined onstage by her “sisters” Gaga, JLo, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Michelle Obama. At a time when politics and the arts seem to go hand in hand, it was no surprise to see Michelle Obama. But it was a welcome sight. She barely uttered two words before she had to pause for a standing ovation. (We’ve missed you Michelle. We need to see more of you…. Like maybe back in the Oval?)

The show opened with one of a number of powerhouse female performances. Camila Cabello was joined by Ricky Martin and J Balvin for a ‘West Side Story’ style performance of Cabello’s hit song “Havana’ mashed up with “Mi Gente” by Balvin.

Another incredible performance came from this year’s Person of the Year: Dolly Parton. Proving why she is truly the queen of Country, she was joined by a star-studded line up that included Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, and Little Big Town to sing her classic country songs that we all love (never leave us Dolly!)

Other notable performances coming from Gaga performing her Golden Globe, BAFTA and now Grammy award-winning song “Shallow” (next up Oscar?), Cardi B (Okkurrr) in a sultry, flapper style show stopper of her hit song “Money,” Janelle Monae performing “Make Me Feel,” H.E.R (don’t know her? You will after tonight!) singing her R&B hit “Hard Place,” JLo covering a medley of Motown classics, and Brandi Carlisle for her song “The Joke.”

But perhaps the biggest star of the night was this year’s host Alicia Keys. With 15 Grammys under her belt, we saw exactly why she’s won so many accolades. Her mid-show performance in “Club Keys” (a made-up piano bar in which Keys played two grand pianos simultaneously) of some of Keys’ favorite artists displayed her immense musical talents. (Can we have Alicia back every year to host?)

The final performance of the night was a diva-worthy tribute to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin sang by Yolanda Adams, Fantasia and Andra Day. Singing “Natural Woman,” it felt not only like a dedication to Aretha, but a dedication to all of the women at this year’s Grammys. It was a performance that showed the true power of female artistry. May we continue to celebrate women in music because this year’s Grammys showed exactly why (in the words of Beyonce) woman “run the world.”