The 10 best looks from the 2020 Grammy Awards

Ahead of the 62nd annual Grammy Awards, the buzz surrounding "music's biggest night" mostly involved a controversy with the former CEO of the Recording Academy (which runs the awards). But this year's broadcast — happening hours after the sudden death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant — instead included plenty of introspection, a few tears, and several tributes to the basketball legend (including an impromptu performance of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye" by Boyz II Men and Grammys host Alicia Keys) in between rousing performances by musicians including Lizzo (CBC Life's makeup maven Julia Dantas was part of the star's makeup team!), Lil Nas X (with BTS, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diplo, Mason Ramsey and Nas) and Tyler, the Creator (with Boyz II Men and Charlie Wilson).

And even though a number of bold-faced nominees — including Drake, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift — skipped the Grammys, there were still lots of outstanding style moments at the show this year, including some exciting, boundary-pushing menswear looks. Billy Porter's moving-fringe hat was an immediate hit on social media, and it was great to see so many colourful suits worn with diamond necklaces and without shirts, cowboy hats and boots, and statement footwear on the red carpet. Finally, an awards show where men's fashion takes centre stage.

Lizzo

Lizzo, who picked up awards last night, shone on the red carpet in a custom white Versace gown, Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and shoes by Rene Caovilla. I also loved her dazzling nail art, and the beaded Versace dress that she wore backstage post-performance was pretty incredible, too. 

Ariana Grande

I'm not always a fan of the huge tulle gown, but this monochromatic look on Ariana Grande was pretty spectacular; the custom dress is by Giambattista Valli. And, as if one ballgown isn't enough for the red carpet, Grande then changed into a second all-grey look before heading into the awards show. 

Shania Twain

Shania Twain was a presenter at this year's Grammys, and wore two gorgeous gowns for the evening: a black tulle design by Christian Siriano for the red carpet, and a silver stunner by Canadian label Mikael D during the show. Her glam look was created by stylist Rafael Linares, hairstylist Christian Vermaak, and Toronto makeup artist Susana Hong. 

Jessie Reyez

First time nominee Jessie Reyez wore a beautiful strapless gown by Lithuanian-Canadian designer Romona Keveža and jewelry by Mémoire and David Yurman. The Canadian musician worked with a Toronto-based glam squad for her pretty Grammys look: stylist Steph Major and hair and makeup artist Alison Sharp. 

Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes always looks fashionably dapper and put-together, and last night was no exception. The handsome "Señorita" singer wore a berry-coloured Louis Vuitton suit paired with a necklace by Bulgari. 

John Legend

There were a lot of amazing suits on the red carpet, but I was drawn to the simplicity of John Legend's grey, tailored Alexander McQueen suit. The pleated, asymmetric jacket is eye-catching without being ostentatious, and Legend's bulky black shoes were a good complement. 

Lil Nas X

A hot-pink, leather cowboy suit is one thing, adding studs and Swarovski crystals and a bondage-inspired corset is another. It's not a look everyone can pull off (nor is it meant to be!) but I really love the boldness and enthusiasm of Lil Nas X's custom Atelier Versace look, curated by his stylist Hodo Musa. 

Alicia Keys

Atelier Versace also created Grammys host and performer Alicia Keys' gorgeous silver dress that she wore to kick off the show (there were multiple outfit changes throughout the evening). The archival metal mesh dress featured a draped, asymmetric shoulder and high slit, and looked great with the well-placed crystals on Keys' face.  

FKA twigs

FKA twigs, who performed (but didn't sing, unfortunately) during the show's Prince tribute, is known for her unique fashion sense. And her Grammys red-carpet look didn't disappoint. The artist looked positively regal in an opulent, black-and-pink dress by British designer Ed Marler and jewelry by London's Bentley & Skinner.

Lilly Singh

The Canadian talk show host wore a chartreuse gown by Georges Chakra with matching heels from Stuart Weitzman last night. But the highlight of the look has to be the many Skittles that she proudly carried in her transparent Marzook clutch.

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.