Prepare to Daydream About Ariana Grande and More Stars’ First Grammys

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Baby’s first Grammys is always worth looking back on.

And while the music industry’s biggest stars seem like pros on the Grammys red carpet, they all share one common experience: attending music’s biggest night for the very first time.

Take Taylor Swift, for instance. Before the “Cruel Summer” singer had 14 Grammy awards to her name, she attended her first ever Grammys red carpet in 2008, where she wore a purple mermaid-style gown. Though she was nominated for Best New Artist at the time, it wasn’t until 2010 that she scored her first win, taking home both Album of the Year and Best Country Album for Fearless.  

And even Beyoncé—the most-awarded artist in Grammy history—made her milestone debut once upon a time. Indeed, the “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” hitmaker arrived at the 2001 Grammy Awards, sans her whopping 35 awards, with her Destiny’s Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. The girl group—all coordinating in green cut-out outfits—took home the awards for Record of the Year and Best R&B Performance for “Say My Name.”

At the time, the then-19-year-old couldn’t believe she was being honored with the achievement. 

“Thank you so much,” Beyoncé—who shares kids Blue Ivy, 14, as well as 8-year-old twins Rumi and Sir with husband Jay-Z—said during the trio’s acceptance speech for Best Performance. “We are so excited. Oh, gosh. I can’t believe we are winning a Grammy, ladies.”

And she couldn’t leave the stage without thanking her bandmates-turned-family.

“Thank you, Michelle, for blessing Destiny’s Child and thank you, Kelly,” she continued. “I love you very much. Thank you, Grammys!”

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Another celeb who arrived at her first Grammys ceremony with a bang bang is Ariana Grande, who attended the 2011 ceremony alongside brother Frankie Grande before earning her first nominations in 2015 for Best Pop Vocal Album for My Everything and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Bang Bang" with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.

However, the “we can’t be friends” singer didn’t take home the gold until 2019 for Best Pop Vocal Album for Sweetener.

While she didn’t attend in-person, Ariana shared her gratitude on Instagram, writing in part, “This is wild and beautiful. thank you so much." 

For a look back at more stars’ first Grammys, read on…

David McNew/Newsmakers

Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé & Michelle Williams, 2001

During the 2001 ceremony, the Grammys kept saying Destiny's Child name as they nabbed Record of the Year and Best R&B Performance. The girl group donned matching outfits at what was Beyoncé's—as well as fellow members Kelly Roland and Michelle Williams'—first time attending. 

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Taylor Swift, 2008

Before she swiped her first of four Album of the Year wins in 2010, Taylor Swift attended her first ceremony—where she was nominated for Best New Artist—in 2008, months before dropping Fearless. The award instead went to the late Amy Winehouse

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Katy Perry, 2009

This California Gurl had her most unforgettable Grammys night during her first time attending in 2009, where she was nominated for "I Kissed A Girl."

Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

Lady Gaga, 2010

Although Art Pop wasn't out yet, the "Paparazzi" singer attended her first Grammys in 2010 to heaps of applause. After earning one nomination for "Just Dance" in 2009, the pop icon was up for five nominations off of The Fame—and walked away with two wins. 

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Bruno Mars, 2011

The "Just The Way You Are" first proved he, too, was amazing during the Grammys in 2011, where he was honored with six nominations and a win in the Male Pop Vocal Performance for his aforementioned hit. 

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Ariana Grande, 2011

Although she didn't score a nomination herself until 2015, Ariana Grande attended her first Grammys ceremony alongside brother Frankie Grande in 2011, one year after Victorious premiered on Nickelodeon. 

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS

Frank Ocean, 2013

Notoriously known to fly under the radar, Frank Ocean did step out to pick up his only two Grammys during the 2013 ceremony. 

Larry Busacca/WireImage

Kendrick Lamar, 2014

The "Not Like Us" rapper now has 57 Grammy nominations under his belt—but his first seven were earned back in 2014, when he first attended the ceremony, for his album good kid, m.A.A.d city. 

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Charli XCX, 2015

Now, this was brat. Before earning a whopping eight nominations for her latest album, Charli XCX attended the 2015 ceremony, where she earned two nods for her and Iggy Azalea's track "Fancy."

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for NARAS

Kelsea Ballerini, 2017

The "Cowboys Cry Too" singer may have only recently hit mainstream, but she was recognized by the Recording Academy in 2017 for a Best New Artist nomination. 

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Billie Eilish & Finneas, 2019

Duh! The "Bad Guy" singer had quite the haul during her first Grammys in 2019, where she won not only Best New Artist, but also Album of the Year—which she shared with her frequent collaborator and brother.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Megan Thee Stallion, 2021

It's her. The rapper earned her flowers for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best New Artist after bursting into the mainstream with her hit "Savage."

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Harry Styles, 2021

It's definitely not the same as it was. Although the former One Direction singer didn't win Album of the Year until 2022, he took home Best Pop Solo Performance for "Watermelon Sugar" during his first ceremony in 2021. 

David Becker/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Dan Nigro & Olivia Rodrigo, 2022

Good 4 Olivia! After becoming a household name overnight with the success of "Drivers License," the Guts artist—along with her producer Dan Nigro—scored seven Grammys nominations, and walked away with three wins. 

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