The Grammys got off to a good but unremarkable start. Taylor Swift opened the show with a solid performance of “Out of the Woods,” Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt performed a fine duet, and the Weeknd showed off his dazzling voice.
Grammys 2016: Andra Day and Ellie Goulding had the night’s first standout performance
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But the night didn’t officially begin until about 30 minutes into the telecast, when Andra Day took the stage. Day, armed with crackling talent, a dusty voice, and her hit song “Rise Up,” grabbed the night and never let go.
Day set the stage for Ellie Goulding to come out and duet on Goulding’s Oscar-nominated tune “Love Me Like You Do.” Goulding’s airy voice cut a brilliant contrast to Day’s tone and texture. The performance really got going as Day lent her voice to Goulding’s song — and then eclipsed Goulding altogether. I almost felt a little bad for Goulding, but there’s no shame in being upstaged by Day.
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