New | Sam Smith, Pharrell and Beyonce are big winners in surprise-filled Grammys
Political messages for civil rights and against sexual abuse also take centre stage
Heartbreak paid off handsomely for British soul singer Sam Smith, a newcomer who won four Grammy awards on Sunday including record and song of the year for his anthem Stay With Me.
The 22-year-old was also anointed best new artist and his debut album In The Lonely Hour won best pop vocal album. But rocker Beck robbed Smith of a sweep in the top three Grammy categories by winning album of the year for Morning Phase.
“I want to thank the man who this record is about, who I fell in love with last year,” Smith said as he accepted his gramophone-shaped trophy for record of the year. “Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys.”
The music industry’s biggest night took on a sombre note with a powerful message against domestic abuse delivered by President Barack Obama by video, by a survivor’s testimony and by a Katy Perry performance.
While Smith was favoured to win big, Beck pulled off the surprise of the night in album of the year, beating out Smith, Pharrell Williams, Beyonce and Ed Sheeran. Morning Phase, an album with a laid-back vibe, won three Grammys on the night, including best rock album.