Childish Gambino Makes History Wins Grammy Awards Song Of The Year Honors
Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” won Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, marking the first time a rap song has won the category.
The song beat out megahits including “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes, “The Joke” by Brandi Carlile, “God’s Plan” by Drake and “All The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
Donald Glover, the musician and actor who performs as Childish Gambino, won the award with co-writer and “Black Panther” composer Ludwig Göransson.
“This song speaks to so many people. It talks about injustice, it celebrates life and unites people at the same time,” Göransson said backstage after the win. “I feel like this song really shook the world, and it’s something you can’t really shake off.”
Glover, 35, did not attend the awards show. He previously turned down an offer to perform, as did Kendrick Lamar and Drake – a move many Grammy watchers interpreted as commentary on the show’s history of passing over hip hop artists in the top categories.
Göransson said he didn’t know where Glover was but planned to reach out to him after the show.
“I haven’t talked to him yet, but I’m going to call him,” Göransson told reporters backstage.
It’s the 60th anniversary of song of the year category, which recognizes songwriting.(as opposed to record of the year, which honors the best overall recording). This year’s field of eight nominees made the competition the most crowded one in the prestigious category’s history.
