Shure Wireless Dominates 61st Grammy Awards
Dolly Parton (L) uses Shure AD2/SM58 and Kacey Musgraves uses Shure AD2/ Beta 58A while performing onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center
Axient Digital wireless systems and PSM 1000 in-ear monitor systems provide flawless RF performance on Music’s Biggest Night
From the opening production number to the evening’s final award to Kacey Musgraves for Album of the Year, Shure wireless systems were selected by the audio team and majority of artists performing on the 61st GRAMMY Awards, broadcast live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The GRAMMY production team encouraged all artists to use microphones they are most comfortable with, knowing this freedom helps produce the best performances.
The majority of the show’s 18 musical productions featured Axient Digital wireless mics, demonstrating remarkable industry acceptance of this innovative product, introduced less than two years ago.
The 2019 GRAMMY broadcast was an ambitious affair, executed expertly by Audio Coordinator Michael Abbott’s team of veteran engineers and techs. Key suppliers included ATK Audiotek for sound system design and implementation. ATK again brought in Soundtronics RF expert Steve Vaughn to handle wireless system design and frequency coordination. The broadcast production mixer was Tom Holmes, working from music mixes by Eric Schilling and John Harris in the Music Mix Mobile remote trucks. Inside Staples Center, the FOH desks featured Mikael Stewart doing the production mix, with Ron Reaves mixing music for the live audience.
Notable performances included a tribute to MusiCares Person of the Year Dolly Parton, using an Axient Digital AD2 with SM58® mic capsule for a medley of classic country songs. Parton was joined on stage by Shure endorsing artists Kacey Musgraves (Beta 58A®), Maren Morris (SM58), and Little Big Town (Beta 87, Beta 58A, and SM58), all using custom white AD2 handhelds, plus Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry.
Another highlight was the night’s focus on the iconic Motown label. Shure endorser Jennifer Lopez used her customized Axient AXT200 with KSM8 to lead a tribute of Motown classics, along with Axient Digital users Smokey Robinson and Ne-Yo. Diana Ross used an AD2/KSM9 combination for her own stirring medley, while Chloe x Halle used the AD2/Beta 58A for their homage to the late, great Donny Hathaway. Another soulful performance was the trio of Andra Day, Fantasia, and Yolanda Adams singing “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman,” all using AD2 handhelds.
Axient Digital was also the vocal wireless system of choice for country artists Dan + Shay singing their hit, “Tequila,” and for the duet medley by St. Vincent and Best New Artist winner Dua Lipa. Others opting for Axient Digital included Camila Cabello, Post Malone, Young Thug, J. Balvin, and Flea. For her electric performance of “Money,” Best Rap Album winner Cardi B used a Shure UR1 wireless bodypack.
First-time host Alicia Keys, widely praised for striking an inclusive, welcoming tone for the event, opted for her customary Shure UR2 handheld transmitter, both for stage announcements and for her unique twin piano performance, a personal cross-genre musical medley she summarized as “songs I wish I’d written.” Not only did Keys use Shure wireless mics and PSM® 1000 in-ear monitors, but even the grand pianos she used were miked by Shure, with dual Beta 181 condenser microphones inside.
In fact, the Beta 181 was the secret weapon inside all acoustic pianos on the GRAMMY stage this year. “The Beta 181 is our go-to mic for piano, both in the mix trucks and in the house,” notes music mixer Eric Schilling. “We get the clarity we need with well-defined low end. It just works!” shure.com