Daft Punk, Pharrell dominate at Grammys

Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams didn't only get lucky - they won in every category for which they were nominated at the Grammy Awards, including the coveted album of the year and record of the year for the funk-electronic anthem Get Lucky.

"Back when I was drinking and using, I used to imagine things that weren't there that were frightening. And then I got sober and two robots called me and asked me to make an album," said producer Paul Williams, who stood onstage with Daft Punk, who sported their signature helmets.

The French duo won four awards, including best dance/electronica album for Random Access Memories and pop duo/group performance for Get Lucky, which earned Pharrell a trophy.

Daft Punk's retro, dance-flavored album not only featured ultra-hip Pharrell, but also music veterans Nile Rodgers and Giorgio Moroder. The 70s-sounding album matched the nostalgic mood of the Grammys, which featured many mellow performances and acts like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Chicago and Stevie Wonder.

Pharrell, like Daft Punk, won four honors. He came into the night with seven nominations, but competed with himself in three categories. Williams, who has produced hits for Britney Spears and Jay Z in the past, won his first Grammy for non-classical producer of the year.

While the men dominated, Lorde was the princess of the Grammys: Her hit Royals won song of the year and best pop solo performance.

"Thank you everyone who has let this song explode, because it's been mental," she said.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis tied Williams and Daft Punk with four wins. They won best new artist and rap album for The Heist, beating efforts from Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Kanye West and Drake.

"Wow, we're here on the stage right now," said Macklemore, thanking fans first, then his fiancee and team. "I want to say we made this album without a record label, we made it independently and we appreciate all the support."

The duo performed the gay acceptance hit Same Love, and 33 same-sex and heterosexual couples got married in the middle in the performance as Queen Latifah officiated. Madonna joined in wearing an all-white suit and hat, and sang Open Your Heart and some of Same Love with Mary Lambert. Keith Urban cried and Katy Perry caught a bouquet during the performance, where Lewis' sister was among those tying the knot.

(China Daily 01/28/2014 page10)