As the Grammys wrapped up its dazzling return to the calendar on Sunday, both artists and fans have been left with wins, losses and hopes for the upcoming year. In a first for Pakistan, Grammys have become a place to return to since 2022, courtesy of singer-songwriter Arooj Aftab.

Since the release of her 2021 album Vulture Prince, Aftab secured nominations for Best New Artist and Best Global Music Performance for her track Mohabbat, the latter making her the first Pakistani artist to win a Grammy. Last year, the singer clinched another first for the country after performing at the annual event and enchanting the audience with Udhero Na featuring Anoushka Shankar.

This year, the Brooklyn-based singer joined the star-studded affair at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena in a dashing all-black ensemble. Aftab paired up flared pants with chunky platform heels and a loose button-down left untucked. Adding texture to her almost monochromatic look, she tied an ultra-thin silk scarf around her neck, reaching her knees. 

For those familiar with the artist and her penchant for dramatic blazers, Aftab did not disappoint. The singer threw in a black blazer with thick stripes of silver sequins twisted into a diamond shape. The glitter matched the pronounced shoulder pads, readying her for her two nominations of the year in the Best Global Music Performance and the Best Alternative Jazz Album categories for Shadow Forces and Love in Exile respectively, alongside Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily.

While she and her collaborators did not take home the gold-plated gramophone statuette for their latest record, Aftab took to IG with backstage candids, hinting at an electrifying evening. The celeb was seen getting prepped behind the vanity, showcasing her outfit at various stages before the final look.

Aftab reached the Grammys with Iyer and Ismaily, putting on stylish black shades after the ceremony and swapping her black scarf for a thin silver necklace. 

Expressing her joy, the singer took to Instagram with a short note. “Thanks again #GRAMMYs, what an honor to receive two nominations in such beautiful categories, alongside many legendary artists,” Aftab penned. “Love in Exile explored the bleaker boundaries of society and the human condition. Love In Exile dreamt of a better place.” 

The singer, who had worn the artists for ceasefire in Gaza sticker, added, “We need peace, safety and equality for all peoples. We need a ceasefire and resolution now.” Capping her note with thanks to Iyer and Ismaily, Aftab wrote, “Blessings to everybody. PS new music very soon.”

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