Macklemore and Ryan Lewis win big at the Grammys as 34 couples wed during performance
THE Grammy Awards certainly won't be a night forgotten my US rapper Macklemore any time soon.
The 30-year-old star not only won four awards at last night's ceremony along with producer Ryan Lewis, but he also put on an incredible performance of their new single 'Same Love' whilst 34 couples got married live at the Staples Center.
The rapper voices his support of LGBT rights and same-sex marriage in the song - which also condemns homophobia in mainstream hip-hop, society, and mass media.
As he performed the track with singer/songwriter Mary Lambert, it was clear to see that the lyrics meant a lot to him.
Halfway through the performance, Queen Latifah took to the stage to announce that 34 couples from different orientations and backgrounds - gay, straight and of different races - were in the crowd and had chosen to get married during the ceremony.
Whilst Queen Latifah acted as officiant, the couples exchanged rings - including Ryan Lewis's own sister and her boyfriend.
In a recent interview, Lewis said that the weddings "will be in our minds the ultimate statement of equality, that all the couples are entitled to the same exact thing".
The scenes were, of course, met with cheers from the star-studded crowd, and singer Katy Perry was even lucky enough to catch one of the bouquets.
Queen of Pop Madonna then headed onto the stage to sing some of her hit song 'Open Your Heart' and then finished off 'Same Love' with Macklemore and Mary by her side.
Speaking ahead of the planned performance, Madonna said: "I wouldn't do any old song with any old artist but I feel like history is going to be made tonight. So I want to be part of that."
All-in-all it was a triumphant night for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis as they walked away with the awards for Best New Artist, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance.