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BTS performs “Butter” onstage at the 64th Grammy Awards, held in Las Vegas on March 3. (AP/Yonhap News)

Wearing all-black suits, the members of BTS delivered a stellar performance at the 64th Grammy Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday. While Jin was operating a complicated-looking machine full of buttons, Jungkook made his grand entrance onto the stage by descending from the ceiling on a rope. Meanwhile, V whispered something into Olivia Rodrigo’s ear, then took out a square card and threw it toward the stage.

The other members of BTS then joined Jungkook on the stage to perform their hit song “Butter.” The choreography looked like something right out of a spy movie, suspenseful and suave as a “Mission Impossible” stunt. Their breakdancing moves and jacket-air-guitar playing also received cheers from the audience. It was clear to see why they got a standing ovation after their performance, which set the bar high for the rest of the night.

However, despite their stellar performance and amazing track record, BTS was once again unable to take home a Grammy. Although the boy band was nominated for the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, the award ultimately went to Doja Cat and SZA.

Both Doja Cat and SZA cried as they received their awards, thanking their fans for supporting them. BTS smiled and applauded from their seats in the audience.

BTS members pose for photos on the red carpet at the 64th Grammy Awards, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 3. (AFP/Yonhap News)

After the award ceremony was over, Jimin went on V’s live stream on Naver and told fans that he thought he would be able to reward the ARMY — what BTS fans refer to themselves as collectively — by winning the Grammy that night, but was somewhat disappointed with the results.

RM also had a similar reaction, saying, “I can’t deny that I don’t feel great.” Suga mentioned that, since it was already the group’s second time to be nominated for a Grammy, “there is nothing to be sad about.”

Among the four main awards given out that night, Song of the Year and Record of the Year went to Silk Sonic for their song “Leave the Door Open,” Album of the Year went to Jon Batiste for “We Are,” while the Best New Artist was picked up by Olivia Rodrigo. Jazz musician Jon Batiste was the recipient of the most Grammy Awards this year with five trophies.

Silk Sonic, a collaboration between Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, won four, while American pop music star Olivia Rodrigo took home three trophies. Paak, a Korean American rapper who inherited his last name from his mother, who was adopted from South Korea, said, “We are really trying our hardest to remain humble at this point. But in the industry, they call that a clean sweep!” he said, referring to the many awards the duo won that night.

Despite all the celebrations and laughs, however, the Grammys have long been criticized for their conservative tendencies that favor English-speaking white male singers. It is the oldest among the three major American music awards, but it has been accused of being “so white” for not paying more attention to diversity. However, as if to reflect these criticisms, the four main awards this year went to people of color or women.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the audience of the 64th Grammy Awards via simulcast on March 3. (AFP/Yonhap News)

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also made a surprise appearance through a video and delivered a message of peace to those at the Grammys. He said that, instead of music flowing in Ukraine, it was now only the silence of death that was dominating.

“Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded, in hospitals,” he said, pleading with the world to help Ukrainians not to lose any more music in their lives.

He implored those listening to “tell the truth about war. On your social networks. On TV. Support us in any way you can. Any. But not silence.”

After the message, American singer-songwriter John Legend and Ukrainian singer Mika Newton sang “Free,” a song about their desire to end the war and to have peace. The screen behind them showed images of the war in Ukraine.

By Jung Hyuk-june, staff reporter

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