Singer of heartbreak, Sam Smith dominates Grammys with four wins

Sam Smith, the British soul singer who was virtually unknown a year ago, dominated the Grammys Sunday with four awards, although adventurous rocker Beck was the surprise winner of Album of the Year honors. Superstar Beyonce and “Happy” creator Pharrell Williams also took home top prizes on the music industry’s biggest night, which was marked by displays of artist activism against domestic violence and police brutality. The 22-year-old Smith took home three of the night’s most prestigious trophies - Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist - as well as Best Pop Vocal Album. Smith, who until recently was working as a bartender in London, on stage thanked the man he fell in love with last year and who inspired “Stay With Me” - his mega-hit ballad about a one-night stand.

Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys.

Best New Artist winner Sam Smith

Beck, who also won Best Rock Album, has for two decades been known for his inventive and often ironic style which has won him critical acclaim and a cult following, if not the mainstream success usually recognized by the Grammys. Pharrell Williams won for Best Urban Contemporary Album and for Best Video for “Happy,” his viral ode to happiness that spawned hundreds of imitations around the world. Williams, 41, has emerged as a star in his own right with “Happy” after years on the sidelines as a producer. Beyonce won for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance with “Drunk In Love,” her tale of marital bliss sung with her husband Jay-Z, as well as for the more technical Best Surround Sound Album. With the latest honor, Beyonce has won 20 Grammys - topping Aretha Franklin for the woman with the second biggest all-time haul, although still well behind the country star Alison Krauss at 27.

Life is a carousel.

Grammy winner and “Happy” producer Pharrell Williams.

Grammys2015 Entertainment