Let’s start off with Adele’s technical difficulty fiasco.  During the performance of her new song All I Ask, several microphones fell onto the live playing piano.  This caused her emotional ballad to sound at best, less than exceptional.  Fortunately for Adele, she didn’t let the issue get the best of her, as she powered through the rest of the piece.  However, three days later the star went on the talk show Ellen saying,

“I cried pretty much all day yesterday. In fairness I would have cried if it went really well as well. If it was a standout performance I would have cried as well. I always cry.”  

Considering the circumstances, Adele seemed to have taken the situation lightly by joking around, and humanizing herself.

Another interesting part of the night was Lady Gaga’s tribute to the recently departed David Bowie (1947-2016).  Known for her over the top eccentric costumes, Gaga took her fun style to the next level with this musical performance.  She partnered with Intel, a technology company in order to design a “digital skin” for her to wear.  According to Vanity Fair, this skin was projected onto her body to appear as makeup, and was changing throughout the duration of the performance.  Though it got mixed reviews, the digital component of this piece made for a great tribute.

Probably one of the most talked about parts of the awards show was Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for her 2014 album, 1989.  Though it’s been two years since the album was first released, Swift  is still squeezing some awards dry.  This year she took home three awards for “Album of the Year”, “Best Pop Vocal Album” and “Best Music Video”.  This talented songstress was definitely recognized for her vocal chops.  However, all great celebrities have some critics and for Taylor, it’s rapper Kanye West.  Ever since he interrupted her 2009 VMA acceptance speech, the talk of a feud between the two has since been circling.  Regardless of what happened seven years ago, West reignited any possible leftover flames that were left in that fire.  In his new song Famous, he makes derogatory comments about her and overall says that he is the reason for her fame.  Taylor Swift spoke up for herself during her acceptance speech saying,

“There are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success, or take credit for your accomplishments, or your fame.  But if you just focus on the work, and you don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you’re going, you’ll look around and you’ll know that it was you and it was the people who love you who put you there and that will be the greatest feeling in the world.”

This speech was a classy way to speak up for herself, and inspire others to ignore the haters and put in hard work and dedication in order to accomplish your goals.