In a stark contrast to last year's male-dominated Grammy Awards in New York, Sunday night's show was all about the ladies.
In total, 31 women won awards—compared to last year's 17—and female artists including Kacey Musgraves, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Dua Lipa took home some of the night's biggest trophies. The 61st ceremony, which was hosted by Alicia Keys and held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, also featured women-filled tributes to Aretha Franklin and Dolly Parton and an appearance by former first lady Michelle Obama.
The party extended well beyond the televised show. In addition to decor-heavy after-parties from the Recording Academy and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Roc Nation hosted a star-studded Saturday brunch that drew the likes of Jay-Z and Beyoncé (who skipped the ceremony itself). Other buzzy gatherings included MusicCares' tribute to Dolly Parton, Billboard's annual Power 100 celebration, and highly visual brand activations from MasterCard, Delta Air Lines, and more.
Here's a look at decor and production highlights from music's biggest week.
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
The Recording Academy's official after-party took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday night, drawing 5,000 Grammy winners, nominees, industry executives, and other celebrities. Designed and produced by the Recording Academy and Angel City Designs, the event took on a European, modern masquerade ball theme that evolved throughout the night. Eggs&Bacon handled additional production and logistics, while ShowPro handled lighting and video and Town & Country provided rentals.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
The color scheme also changed throughout the night, starting with light pastel colors that evoked Marie Antoinette and evolving into deeper purples and greens. "The intention was to really transport guests to another time and place without being too specific about the moment or the location," explained the Recording Academy's event head, Branden Chapman.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
In keeping with the theme, designers placed a garden maze in the middle of the event. CJ Matsumoto & Sons handled florals for the evening.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
On-theme performers from E Plus Productions entertained the crowd, and ATK handled audio production. TLC and En Vogue also performed at the event, along with DJ Michelle Pesce and jazz singer Kurt Elling.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
Catering came from Joe Flamm, the executive chef of Spiaggia in Chicago. In partnership with Levy Restaurants, Flamm's menu was designed to complement the theme with four Renaissance-inspired food stations. The beginning of the night saw tray-passed appetizers such as beef shank and frutti di mare. Later in the evening, food stations called “Venice,” “Glamorous,” and “Renaissance” served a variety of dishes, many that were vegan, gluten-free, or nut- and shellfish-free. Dessert (pictured) took on a carnival theme, with gelato pops, French macarons, and mini eclairs and tarts.
Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios
The Recording Academy's Grammy Celebration
This year marked Absolut's third sponsorship of the Grammy Awards, and the brand worked with MKG to create a series of experiences throughout the weekend that were designed for social sharing. At the Grammy Celebration, the brand's photo op used vertical frames, pink neon lighting, and greenery to create the shape of a bottle that guests could pose inside.
Photo: Courtesy of MKG
Steven Tyler's Grammy Awards Viewing Party
On Sunday, Steven Tyler hosted his second annual viewing party for 500 people at Raleigh Studios. Sponsored by Live Nation and Hilton and hosted by Jane Lynch, the event raised $2.8 million for Janie's Fund, a nonprofit for girls dealing with abuse and neglect. Virginia Fout from V Productions produced the event, which included a live auction from AAB Productions, a seated dinner, and a performance by Aerosmith. 15/40 Productions handled additional production design and lighting.
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Steven Tyler's Grammy Awards Viewing Party
Damon Dunbar handled floral arrangements, which sat atop linens from La Tavola Fine Linen Rental. Crumble Catering provided the three-course meal, while Senovva handled audiovisual production and Gallagher Staging handled staging.
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Steven Tyler's Grammy Awards Viewing Party
For a smaller cocktail reception, V Productions created a rock 'n' roll-inspired living room using Medieval-style chandeliers, plush furniture, and bookshelves filled with personal photos. Never-before-released images of Tyler decorated whitewashed wooden planks.
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.
Roc Nation's The Brunch
One of the weekend's buzziest events was Roc Nation's annual brunch, held on Saturday at a private estate. Presented in conjunction with Puma, American Express, and Barclays Center, the event drew a who's-who of the music industry, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Diddy, DJ Khaled, Usher, and many more. The entryway featured green hedges and cascading yellow flowers punctuated by framed images of previous brunch attendees. The gathering was designed and produced by SO Events, while Celio's Design handled florals.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Roc Nation's The Brunch
Inside the white tent, vibrant decor details included floral chandeliers and blue and white furniture with pops of yellow that created an Italian Garden theme. Bright Event Rentals and Revelry Event Designers also worked on the event.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Roc Nation's The Brunch
Food stations from the Kitchen for Exploring Foods also tied into the Italian Garden theme, offering items such as steak and eggs, pasta, made-to-order waffles, and a grand Italian charcuterie station.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Roc Nation
MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute
Another high-profile event was MusiCares' Person of the Year tribute, held on Friday night at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Honoring Dolly Parton, the 2,800-attendee event was hosted by the band Little Big Town with performances from Pink, Katy Perry, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Miley Cyrus, and many more. It raised $6.7 million for MusiCares. Decor-wise, the evening was planned by the Recording Academy with decor and florals from Elite Productions International (EPI). The team designed two different looks for the table settings, one with free-flowing florals and mini lantern votives, and another with a large gold lantern surrounded by florals.
Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images for NARAS
MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute
EPI continued the floral concept throughout the registration and auction reception, using pops of yellow as a tribute to Dolly Parton's favorite color.
Photo: Courtesy of EPI
Delta Air Lines' Pre-Grammy Party
Guests entered the celebration through an installation of hanging gold records.
Photo: Tyler Curtis
Delta Air Lines' Pre-Grammy Party
MKG also designed a GIF booth where guests posed around an oversize Grammys gramophone; a wall of gold records provided the background.
Photo: Tyler Curtis
Spotify's Best New Artist Party
Spotify hosted its Best New Artist 2019 party on Saturday night at the Hammer Museum. The event featured performances from Best New Artist nominees including the eventual winner, Duo Lipa, along with Jorja Smith (pictured), Margo Price, Chloe x Halle, Bebe Rexha, and H.E.R. For a stage backdrop, vibrant lighting accentuated the museum's existing trees.
Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images for Spotify
Citi Sound Vault
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Citi hosted exclusive events for cardmembers at the Hollywood Palladium. Featuring intimate performance from Pink, Muse, and Chris Stapleton, the events also featured a capsule collection designed by artist Trevor "Trouble" Andrew. A photo op at the events was made from speakers and oversize records.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Citi
Mastercard Sensory Lab
To celebrate Grammy week, Mastercard debuted its sensory lab at Fred Segal in West Hollywood on Thursday night. The interactive space, designed and produced by BMF, featured a fireside chat with Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda, a sneak peek at the brand's new ad with Camila Cabello, and a performance by rapper Kyle. The space debuted Mastercard's new audio branding, a lyric-free melody meant to resonate with customers around the world.
Photo: Tory Stolper Photography
Mastercard Sensory Lab
Guests could win prizes from a Mastercard-branded claw machine.
Photo: Tory Stolper Photography
Mastercard Sensory Lab
In keeping with the "lab" theme, staffers wearing lab coats served drinks out of beakers.
Photo: Tory Stolper Photography
Republic Records Grammy Awards Celebration
On Sunday night, Republic Records hosted an after-party at Spring Place Beverly Hills. The night, which featured a DJ set from SG Lewis, had a photo booth from sponsor Crocs that displayed a series of black and white shoes. Guests could also decorate their own Crocs to take home.
Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Republic Records
AEG's Grammys Party
AEG tapped Revelry Event Designers to create a chandelier-filled V.I.P. lounge and event on Sunday at the Staples Center. Bright Event Rentals provided rentals for the space.
Photo: Staples Center/Bernstein Associates
Sir Lucian Grainge's 2019 Artist Showcase
Universal Music Group C.E.O. Sir Lucian Grainge hosted his annual artist showcase, presented by Citi, on Saturday at the Row. Attendees such as rapper YG signed their names on a mirror; the mirror theme continued throughout the event.
Photo: John Salangsang/Invision for Universal Music Group/AP Images
Warner Music Group's Pre-Grammy Celebration
Warner Music Group celebrated its Grammy-nominated artists and songwriters on Thursday night at the NoMad Hotel. Dua Lipa and Nispey Hussle performed at the event, which was sponsored by Citi and Belvedere Vodka in association with V Magazine. Belvedere created signature cocktails inspired by the year's nominees, with names such as "Dua Daydream" and "Django Jasmine"; they were displayed in front of custom neon signage.
Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Belvedere Vodka
