VOA Special English
Lamar, Swift, Trainor Win at 2016 Grammy Awards

    2016/2/16

    Kendrick Lamar had a big night at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California. The hip-hop artist won five Grammys, including Best Rap Album for "To Pimp a Butterfly."

    Lamar also excited the crowd with a dramatic performance of his songs "The Blacker the Berry" and "Alright."

    And, President Barack Obama's favorite rapper was a subject of a White House tweet Monday night. The administration praised Lamar "and all the artists at the #Grammys working to build a brighter future."

    In January, Obama and Lamar met at the White House to discuss ways to help children in troubled urban communities.

    However, the biggest Grammy awards went to other entertainers on Monday night.

    Taylor Swift walked away with Album of the Year for "1989." The Song of the Year award went to Ed Sheeran for "Thinking Out Loud."

    Singer Meghan Trainor was honored with Best New Artist. And the final of the big four Grammy awards, Record of the Year, went to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars for "Uptown Funk."

    The show

    The Grammy ceremony is almost as much about the performances as the awards. This year, the audience enjoyed a song from the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton." The show was also honored with the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.

    Kendrick Lamar performs at the 58th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 15, 2016, in Los Angeles.
    Kendrick Lamar performs at the 58th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 15, 2016, in Los Angeles.

    And, Lady Gaga hit all the right notes in her musical tribute to the late rocker David Bowie.

    There were some disappointments, however, including technical problems. Audio failures left British star Adele sounding flat in the performance of her song "All I Ask."

    Other awards

    Chris Stapleton won the award for Best Country Album for "Traveller."

    He also won the Grammy for best country solo performance. Best Alternative Music Album Grammy went to Alabama Shakes for "Sound and Color."

    I'm Caty Weaver.

    Caty Weaver wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

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    Words in This Story

    dramatic adj. greatly affecting people's emotions

    audience n. a group of people who gather together to listen to something or watch something

    audion. of or relating to the sound that is heard on a recording or broadcast

    tribute n. something that you say, give, or do to show respect or affection for someone

    Do you think the Recording Academy got it right with the Grammy Awards this year? Were you hoping for other winners? Let us know what you think. Write to us in the Comments Section or on 51VOA.COM.