LAS VEGAS, April 3 (Reuters) – Olivia Rodrigo, the teenage singer of the ballad “Driver’s License”, was crowned Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards on Sunday but missed a chance to complete a rare top four sweep music industry awards. .

The 19-year-old, who performed her signature hit as she sat on the hood of a white Mercedes on stage at the Grammys, triumphed over Saweetie, Glass Animals and others to claim the new accolade of performer at the televised ceremony in Las Vegas.

“This is my biggest dream come true. Thank you so much!” she said holding her trophy.

Rodrigo was nominated for the top four Grammys: Best New Artist and Song, Record and Album of the Year.

But she lost at least one of those categories when Song of the Year went to Silk Sonic’s 1970s-inspired R&B song “Leave the Door Open.” The band, the duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak, performed the hit on stage to open the awards ceremony and returned minutes later to accept their trophy.

“Because of you, Andy and I are gonna sing this song forever,” Mars said.

Music‘s highest honors were postponed from January during a spike in COVID-19 cases and moved from Los Angeles to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Thousands of spectators filled the hall, a contrast to last year’s scaled-down outdoor event.

Host Trevor Noah urged audiences to think of the night as “a concert where we’re giving out prizes”.

“We’re going to keep people’s names out of our mouths,” Noah added, a jab at last Sunday’s Oscars slap by actor Will Smith, who told comedian Chris Rock not to mention his wife’s name. woman.

Jon Batiste, a multi-genre artist who entered the day with 11 nominations in the lead, picked up four awards presented before the televised ceremony. They included the best music video for “Freedom,” a colorful tribute to New Orleans.

“I am so grateful for the gifts God has given me and the ability to share them for the love of humanity,” Batiste said.

Batiste’s “Cry” won Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song. He also shared the award for Best Soundtrack for Visual Media, for composing and arranging the music for the Pixar animated film “Soul.”

Competitors for the coveted album of the year include Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’, Kanye West’s ‘Donda’, Batiste’s ‘We Are’ and Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s ‘Love for Sale’.

Justin Bieber’s “Justice” also features, along with Doja Cat’s “Planet Her”, HER’s “Back of My Mind”, Lil Nas X’s “Montero” and Taylor Swift’s “Evermore”.

The winners are chosen by some 11,000 voting members of the Recording Academy.

Reporting by Lisa Richwine in Las Vegas; Additional reporting by Maria Caspani in New York; Editing by Diane Craft and Stephen Coates

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