British artists triumph at 2023 Grammy Awards

Billed as “music’s biggest night”, the Grammys are the industry’s most prestigious awards.

Sunday’s show was attended by Adele, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z Shania Twain and Stevie Wonder, with performances from Lizzo, Steve Lacy and Brandi Carlile.

British artists had a good night, with indie duo Wet Leg winning two prizes, including best alternative album; and Sam Smith receiving best pop duo/group performance for Unholy, a duet with Kim Petras.

Smith’s prize was their first Grammy since 2015, when they won four trophies, including best new artist.

However, the singer let Petras take the microphone to mark another historical achievement.

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“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award,” said the German-born singer.

She went on to thank the late, transgender pop artist Sophie for “kicking these doors open”, and Madonna “for fighting for LGBTQ rights”, before dedicating the award to her mother.

“I grew up next to nowhere in Germany and my mother believed me, that I was a girl,” she said, as Smith looked on with pride. “I wouldn’t be here without her and her support.”

The duo later gave a sultry, BDSM-inspired performance of their ode to infidelity, introduced by Madonna.

“If they call you shocking, scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative, or dangerous you’re definitely onto something,” said the star.

Adele also won best pop vocal performance for Easy On Me, dedicating the prize to her son Angelo. This was her 18 Grammy award.

The singer told the audience she had written the first verse “in the shower when I was choosing to change my son’s life”, by divorcing her then-husband, Simon Konecki.

She added: “I love a piano ballad winning any kind of award because it’s very old school and very brave.”

This year, Harry Styles took the crown, with Grammy voters recognising the slick, radio-friendly pop of his third record Harry’s House.

In his speech, the British star downplayed the importance of the prize.

“On nights like tonight, it’s obviously so important for us to remember that there is no such thing as best in music,” said the singer.

“I don’t think any of us sit in the studio, making decisions based on what is going to get us one of these.”

However, he was visibly moved by the honour, adding: “This doesn’t happen to people like me very often, and this is so, so nice.”

Earlier in the night, the star also won best pop album – receiving his award with a kiss from Jennifer Lopez.

“This album from start to finish has been the greatest experience of my life,” he said. “From making it with two of my best friends to playing for people has been the greatest joy I could have asked for.”