60th annual grammy awards A 24-karat night for Bruno Mars

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Bruno Mars went six for six at the Grammys, winning all of the awards he was nominated for with his energetic and upbeat 90s-inspired R&B album.

Mars won album of the year for “24K Magic,” record of the year for the title track, and song of the year for the No. 1 hit, “That’s What I Like,” on Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“Oh my God. Thank you guys so much. Wow,” said Mars. “I’d like to dedicate this award to [songwriters like Babyface, Teddy Riley Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis].”

Mars has now won 11 career Grammys.

Jay-Z, the leading nominee with eight, walked away empty handed. He lost in the rap categories to Kendrick Lamar, who won five awards, including best rap album for “DAMN.” and best rap song for “HUMBLE.” He has a career total of 12 Grammys.

“This is special man. I got a lot of guys in this building that I still idolize today,” said Lamar, naming Jay-Z, Nas and Diddy as inspirations.

At the end, Lamar closed with: “Jay for president.”

Lamar kicked off the Grammys with a powerful and poignant performance featuring video screens displaying a waving American flag behind him, as background dancers dressed as army soldiers marched and moved behind. He was joined Sunday by U2’s Bono and The Edge, and also Dave Chappelle – who told jokes in between Lamar’s performance.

But the night’s top performer was Kesha, who gave a passionate performance with the help of powerful women behind her, including the Resistance Revival Chorus.

She was joined by Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Julia Michaels, Andra Day and Bebe Rexha for her Grammy-nominated song, “Praying.” Dressed in white, they won over the audience and hugged at the song’s end as some audience members cried, including Hailee Steinfeld.