Sun. January 26, 2014
Los Angeles, CA -
Winners in 82 categories were announced Sunday at the 56th annual Grammy awards, but it was marriage equality that came out the big winner.
Thirty-three couples tied the knot at the Grammys during Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' performance of "Same Love," which has become an anthem for marriage equality. The duo was joined by Mary Lambert and Madonna.
"This song is not a love song for some of us but for all of us," Queen Latifah said as she introduced the performance.
The on-air nuptials were between gay and straight couples, including Lewis' sister Laura and her boyfriend. Latifah officiated the weddings as couples exchanged rings in the aisle to Madonna's "Open Your Heart."
"By the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you a married couple," Latifah shouted.
Latifah officiated using a temporarily granted legal power to marry in California, a licence which expired at midnight.
Beyoncé and Jay Z joined in the standing ovation after the ceremony and Keith Urban was caught on camera shedding a tear. Later, Paul Williams accepted for Daft Punk and paid homage to the "Same Love" ceremony.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis won four awards at the Grammys, including Best New Artist. Daft Punk won three awards, including Record of the Year for "Get Lucky." Lorde won Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Royals." Other 2014 Grammy winners included Jay Z and Justin Timberlake, Imagine Dragons, Kacey Musgraves and Led Zeppelin.
Twitter and Facebook was active in support of #marriageequality during and after the performance and ceremonies.
#SameLove was incredible. Love to @Macklemore, @RyanLewis, @MaryLambertSing @Madonna & @IAmQueenLatifah for a beautiful performance #GRAMMYs
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 27, 2014
That was one of the coolest things Ive ever seen on TV. Macklemore & Lewis, Queen Latifah, Mary Lambert & Madonna. #SameLove #GRAMMYs
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 27, 2014
#SameLove this was a legendary performance! One of the bestest I have ever seen! pic.twitter.com/nNPn8tpIgi
— I'm Enrique Iglesias (@jessleal7) January 27, 2014
By far the most moving grammy moment, ever... a mass wedding to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Crying my... http://t.co/BE9agpNP8F
— Dave Koz (@DaveKozMusic) January 27, 2014
The power vested in Latifah by the state of California? Isn't she the *queen*? #Grammys
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) January 27, 2014
#SameLove Keith Urban Crying =priceless
— Branden James (@BrandenJMusic) January 27, 2014
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