Last night, Dua Lipa was awarded Best New Artist just moments after she wrapped her electrifying performance with St. Vincent,and rightfully so, she could not contain her emotion.
Dua Lipa’s first Grammy was actually in the best dance recording category for “Electricity,” her collaboration with Silk City, a.k.a. Diplo and Mark Ronson. She was beside herself and couldn’t contain her joy following that triumph, and the best new artist win was just as moving for the English pop star.
Dua Lipa began her acceptance speech by praising her “incredible” fellow female nominees, which included Chloe x Halle, H.E.R., Margo Price, Bebe Rexha and Jorja Smith. “I guess this year we’ve really stepped up!” she declared, a direct throw to Recording Academy president Neil Portnow’s remarks following the 2017 Grammys regarding gender disparity and a lack of female representation in the music industry.
Lipa also mentioned her loyal fanbase, “I wanna say a really big thank you to my fans who have allowed me to be the best version of myself!” she then offered the audience some words of hard-earned wisdom.
“For anyone that hasn’t realized how special they are, to have a different story, a different background, a name that honors their roots because they just want to be normal, whatever the hell that means, just know that no matter where you’re from, your background or what you believe in — never let that get in the way of you and your dreams,” she declared. “You deserve it. I’m proof you can do whatever you put your mind to.”
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