Last Sunday (April 3), a reported 8.93 million people around the world tuned in to the 2022 GRAMMY Awards. But roughly 20,000 people had the most coveted view of all, as they watched the ceremony live from their seats at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Every year, as the GRAMMYs’ cameras point towards the best-dressed celebrities and revered music industry veterans, they gloss over the behind-the-scenes buzz of influencers, posh parting gifts, and organized chaos of the full awards show experience.
The four hours of “music’s biggest night” aired on live television only captures a fraction of the what the audience sees. As a newly-accepted member of the Recording Academy, I was able to experience it from both sides of the lens. Here’s an up-close look at what it’s like to attend the annual event in a sea of nominees, winners, and fellow academy members.
The goodie bags are as luxe as you’d think
No, the Instagram posts aren’t exaggerating: Anyone lucky enough to get their manicured hands on an awards season grab bag walks away with a glorified early Christmas present. After guests picked up their shiny, supersized tickets in the week leading up to the ceremony, each person was treated to a collection of skincare from “salad-infused” beauty brand Byroe, which included a tin of tofu gel cream and toner made from artichokes, broccoli, and 31 other “greens.” The value of each bag is $252 — roughly the cost of the lowest-tier Grammy ticket.
Suit up, buttercup
While guests don’t have to purchase a pearly white Balmain ensemble or an ill-fitting tuxedo (looking at you, Biebs), the ceremony’s black tie dress code isn’t a suggestion, it’s a rule. Anyone not dressed up to snuff can actually be turned away from the event. Whether your wardrobe errs on haute couture or cheap chic, just keep it classy.
Influencers will infiltrate every aspect of the experience…
They’re recording for their podcast in a remarkably inconvenient location. They’re strutting around in designer sunglasses, despite that they’re indoors and it’s 8 p.m. They’re spending a solid 10 minutes retaking selfies in the best photo spot, causing a line to form that puts the women’s restroom queue to shame. One event has corralled America’s leading influencers and their snap-happy habits into a 20,000-person arena. Your patience with them will likely wane with every Grammy that’s awarded –and will dip especially low when they offer you $100 to cut you in line for a photo op.
…but some celebs are mingling in the lobby, too
The top talent of the evening likely won’t leave their A-list seating at the front of the arena, but that doesn’t mean other notable names aren’t floating around near the concession stands. (Yes, there are even concession stands at black tie events; yes, the price of popcorn is still ludicrous). Both Mike Tyson — who failed to blend in, for obvious reasons — and Mastodon’s Brent Hinds were spotted in the common areas of the year’s awards ceremony, and likely dozens more industry vets who successfully went incognito.
Prepare for the fastest bathroom break of your life
When Doja Cat proudly announced she’s “never taken such a fast piss” after she was whisked from the restroom to accept her Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside SZA, she wasn’t kidding. Guests can only move between the lobby and arena doing commercial breaks, and if they’re not back in their seat before the final 10-second countdown, they must wait until the next break to reenter the arena. Hey, at least you can join that line for the ideal photo op in the meantime.
You have a front row seat to music history
Sure, you can see the fire in Billie Eilish’s eyes more clearly at home, or better appreciate the swag of Silk Sonic when they’re on the silver screen, but bearing witness to certain scenes feels different when you can see them literally unfolding in front of you. There’s the memorable inter-celeb interactions, like Lady Gaga practically prostrating to assist SZA with her gown, or BTS member V batting his eyelashes at Olivia Rodrigo. Then there’s actual Grammy history, like H.E.R. netting the most consecutive nominations for “Song of the Year,” and Chris Stapleton breaking the record for the most “Best Country Album” wins by a solo artist. Each moment inspires an air of accomplishment that’s meant to be shared amongst industry professionals, not sequestered in our respective living rooms.
If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that some experiences just aren’t the same when they’re presented through the confines of a screen. Count “music’s biggest night” — and all live music, for that matter — among them.