Cirkut, Serban Ghenea Secure Grammys for Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra”
At the recent Grammy Awards, notable Canadian artists made headlines with their impressive achievements. Among the standout moments was Joni Mitchell’s rare public appearance to accept the Grammy for Best Historical Album.
Joni Mitchell’s Historic Win
Joni Mitchell won this prestigious award for her box set, Joni Mitchell Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years. This collection showcases unreleased material from her archives, featuring songs from 1976 to 1980. During the ceremony, the 82-year-old folk legend wore a stunning sequined pantsuit in gold, silver, and black.
While her acceptance speech didn’t delve into political issues, she wore an “Ice Out” button as a silent protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mitchell reflected fondly on her career, recalling the challenges of the British Invasion in the 1970s and her creative struggles with record labels.
Memorable Remarks
In her speech, she humorously recounted an incident involving her album For the Roses and the restrictions set by her label’s head, David Geffen. Despite the constraints, she embraced her artistic vision, prompting laughter from the audience with her anecdotes.
Cirkut and Serban Ghenea Shine
Canadian songwriter and producer Henry Walter, known as Cirkut, also enjoyed significant success at the Grammys. He won the Producer of the Year and Best Dance Pop Recording awards alongside sound mixer Serban Ghenea for their collaboration on Lady Gaga’s track, Abracadabra. In his acceptance speech, Cirkut expressed gratitude to his collaborators, including Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, for believing in his vision.
- Cirkut: Winner of Producer of the Year and Best Dance Pop Recording.
- Serban Ghenea: Collaborated with Cirkut on Abracadabra.
Career Highlights
Cirkut first gained prominence in 2011 by producing High for This for The Weeknd. Since then, he has created hits for numerous artists, including Katy Perry and Rihanna. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “Once upon a time I was a kid from Canada making beats in my bedroom and now I’m here.”
Other Canadian Winners
Another highlight of the evening was Toronto’s Justin Gray, who received the Grammy for Best Immersive Audio Album, making him the first Canadian to win in this category. He expressed gratitude to the collaborators who helped bring his album, Immersed, to fruition.
- Justin Gray: Winner of Best Immersive Audio Album.
- Collaborators: Included 38 Toronto artists.
The Grammy Awards ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of these talented Canadians but also set the stage for highly anticipated performances from various artists, including Justin Bieber.
As the festivities continue, the spotlight remains on the contributions of Cirkut and Serban Ghenea with Lady Gaga’s acclaimed Abracadabra, marking another chapter in their successful careers.
