The Grammy Awards wrapped up the weekend without The Weeknd.
For all the controversy surrounding the singer's snub from the awards and his vow to boycott future ceremonies, the 63rd iteration of the industry's biggest night went ahead smoothly.
Hosted by the affable South African comedian Trevor Noah, the epic three-and-a-half-hour broadcast featured 20 performances, broke new Grammy records and featured guests sporting some seriously fashionable face masks.
Here are 11 things we learnt from the show.
1. Masks On
Ten years ago, Lady Gaga came to the Grammys inside an egg, and now we are talking about matching face masks and gloves.
The ceremony continues to inspire new fashion trends, with more than a dozen celebrities arriving at the show with some next-level colour co-ordination.
To complement the woodland theme of the nominated album Folklore, Taylor Swift wore a matching floral dress and mask.
Harry Styles took it up a notch by adorning a lavender boa over a matching tweed suit and mask.
It was Billie Eilish, however, who stole the show. The Copycat singer wore a four-piece combo of matching grey-pink suit, mask, bucket hat and nails.
Perhaps, correctly sensing Coldplay won’t be winning anything this year, singer Chris Martin fixed himself up with an official Grammy black face mask.
Scroll through our gallery of celebrities matching their outfits with their masks below:
2. A VIP party
To say the ceremony downsized this year is an understatement.
Instead of being held in the sprawling Staples Centre, public safety measures meant the award took place in the smaller Los Angeles Convention Centre nearby.
In a cross between an intimate celebrity soiree and the UK music show Later ... with Jools Holland, selected musicians sat in spaced out tables, sipping beverages while others performed on various stages across the venue.
It didn't exactly scream "awards show", but the relaxed vibe did result in heartfelt winners' speeches.
3. Trevor Noah's dig at the royal family
Noah used the homely vibes to make some caustic comments about the British royal family.
His opening monologue alluded to Oprah Winfrey's recent interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“The whole thing is going to be pretty different,” he said, referring to the new ceremony format.
“But it’s going to be even more exciting because our nominees will be sitting at those tables for their awards, so right now there’s more tension in that tent than at a family reunion at Buckingham Palace.”
4. Women run the pop music world
With Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and Beyonce coming into the night with six nominations each, the ceremony was shaping up to be a pop music battle royale.
Swift emerged victorious as she became first artist to win Album of the Year three times, with the latest going to the pandemic-inspired Folklore.
Beyonce set records of her own by becoming the female artist with most Grammys wins with 28 trophies. She picked up three awards in genre-specific categories, including Best RnB Performance for Black Parade.
Meanwhile, Lipa's disco-tastic Future Nostalgia won for Best Pop Vocal Album.
5. BTS wowed from home
BTS took their trademark synchronicity to new heights (literally) with a smashing rendition of their Grammy-nominated hit Dynamite.
To ensure the performance gelled with the ceremony, a set was constructed in Seoul to match the one in Los Angeles.
The seven-piece group – all high kicks, sparkling smiles and smooth vocals – performed the first part of the song there, before wrapping it up on a helicopter pad.
“Wow,” exclaimed host Noah at the end. Indeed.
6. Kanye West and Jay-Z Grammy battle heats up
Recent Kanye West news almost exclusively revolves around his divorce from Kim Kardashian. The Grammy Awards reminded us, however, he still remains a musical force.
With gospel release Jesus Is King winning Contemporary Christian Music Album, West temporarily tied with Jay-Z for the most awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy Awards history, with 22 wins.
Jay-Z wasted no time in getting back on top, however, by winning the Best Rap Song award for Savage.
2022's ceremony is already looking interesting.
7. That Noah Cyrus outfit
Noah Cyrus rolled out of bed, and the bed came along with her to the Grammys.
This is just one of the many memes circulating about the singer, 21, and her, let's just say, "sprawling" Grammys outfit.
Cyrus wore a Schiaparelli couture gown that extended beyond the July singer in various ways. Twitter users understandably had a field day with this and her name began trending promptly. Mission accomplished.
8. Bill Burr puts his foot in his mouth
What did the Grammys expect when hiring an acerbic comedian to present several esoteric awards, including Best Classical Compendium?
In what was a smooth broadcast, the ceremony had its only controversial moment when comic Bill Burr kept mangling Best Regional Mexican Music Album winner Natalia Lafourcade's name.
Burr eventually gave up and said: “I will accept on behalf of her. If I butchered her name, I'm sorry. Natalia, you won."
Viewers expressed outrage on social media.
9. Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak bring the vibe with Silk Sonic
After going on Twitter last week to essentially beg the Grammys to offer him a slot in the ceremony, Bruno Mars repaid the favour with a sparkling debut performance of new side project Silk Sonic.
This was a collaboration with fellow Grammy winner Anderson .Paak, as the duo channelled RnB groups of the 1970s with Leave The Door Open.
One notable fan is American-Filipina soprano Lea Salonga, who tweeted shortly after the group’s set: “Silk Sonic just killed me. Oh my God.”
10. The show goes on without The Weeknd
With all that was said and written about The Weeknd's epic snub from this year's Grammys nominations, not to mention his reported vow to boycott the awards altogether, organisers rightfully feared his no-show would hover over the proceedings.
The committee will breathe a sigh of relief as the ceremony often felt like a high-school reunion.
There was none of the ego and competitive vibes of previous years. Instead, there was a rallying spirit from an industry battered by the pandemic. This led to some truly tender moments.
For example, after accepting the Best Rap Song Grammy for Savage, Beyonce was heard telling joint winner Megan Thee Stallion: "I am so proud of you."
We're not sure anyone really noticed The Weeknd's absence.
11. Winning songs speak of our lives
A quality defining this year's winners list is the work often reflected the times we are living in.
Taylor Swift's Folklore is already viewed as the quintessential pandemic pop album.
In her acknowledgement speech, Dua Lipa explained how the exuberant sounds of album Future Nostalgia was meant to spread much-needed cheer amid this gloomy period.
Meanwhile, the powerful Song of the Year winner I Can't Breathe by HER captured the anger and anguish of injustice that resulted in nationwide Black Lives Matter protests across the US.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Timeline
1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line
1962
250 GTO is unveiled
1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company
1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens
1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made
1987
F40 launched
1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent
2002
The Enzo model is announced
2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi
2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled
2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives
2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company
2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street
2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
Mobile phone packages comparison
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
'Lost in Space'
Creators: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Irwin Allen
Stars: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
South Africa 66 (Tries: De Allende, Nkosi, Reinach (3), Gelant, Steyn, Brits, Willemse; Cons: Jantjies 8)
Canada 7 (Tries: Heaton; Cons: Nelson)
Results
Stage seven
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 3:20:24
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 1s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 5s
General Classification
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 25:38:16
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 22s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 48s
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
Another way to earn air miles
In addition to the Emirates and Etihad programmes, there is the Air Miles Middle East card, which offers members the ability to choose any airline, has no black-out dates and no restrictions on seat availability. Air Miles is linked up to HSBC credit cards and can also be earned through retail partners such as Spinneys, Sharaf DG and The Toy Store.
An Emirates Dubai-London round-trip ticket costs 180,000 miles on the Air Miles website. But customers earn these ‘miles’ at a much faster rate than airline miles. Adidas offers two air miles per Dh1 spent. Air Miles has partnerships with websites as well, so booking.com and agoda.com offer three miles per Dh1 spent.
“If you use your HSBC credit card when shopping at our partners, you are able to earn Air Miles twice which will mean you can get that flight reward faster and for less spend,” says Paul Lacey, the managing director for Europe, Middle East and India for Aimia, which owns and operates Air Miles Middle East.
