One of the most highly anticipated awards shows every year is the Grammys, and this year’s crop of nominees, from Beyoncé to Lizzo, Mary J. Blige and more, are sure to make this year’s telecast interesting whether they hit the stage to pick up an award or to perform. But before the show can even begin, our eyes will be on the red carpet.
In addition to the fashion, which always turns heads, we always keep an eye out for the couples who attend, making their first stop in front of photographers on the carpet. In honor of the big show on Sunday, Feb. 5, we gathered up some throwback photos (some recent, others going way back) of Black celebrity couples from over the years, keeping it to the pairs still standing strong today. From Bey and Jay to Kirk and Tammy, see a few of our favorite Black couples at the Grammys over the years.
01
01
Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Before three kids and a ton of Grammy Awards between them, Jay and Bey made one of their earliest appearances as a couple on the red carpet in 2006.
Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles (Photo by L. Cohen/WireImage for The Recording Academy)
02
02
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith
The classic couple turned heads in ’90s fashions (lots of leather, asymmetrical details and a Neo-Soul headwrap) at the Grammy Awards in 1999.
Will Smith & Jada Pinkett (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)
03
03
LL Cool J and Simone Smith
One of our favorite long-lasting couples, LL Cool J and wife Simone, looked quite regal at the 2011 ceremony.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 13: Singer LL Cool J; Simone Johnson attend The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Dan MacMedan/WireImage)
04
04
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys
Even behind his shades, it was obvious that Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz were giving each other googly eyes of love when they hit the 2012 awards ceremony together — their first as a couple.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 12: Singer Alicia Keys and husband producer Swizz Beatz arrive at The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
05
05
Ja Rule and Aisha Atkins
These two have been married for more than 20 years, but early in their marriage, and while carrying their first child, Aisha hit the red carpet with her famous hubby at the 2003 show.
Ja Rule and guest during The 45th Annual GRAMMY Awards – Arrivals at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
06
06
Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus
Snoop D-O-G-G is seen planting a big one on the cheek of his longtime love, wife Shante Broadus, at the Grammys in 2009.
Singer/Rapper/Actor Snoop Dogg and wife Shante Taylor arrive at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)
07
07
Pharrell Williams and Helen Lasichanh
Always a trendsetting couple, Pharrell and wife Helen hit the Grammys red carpet in matching but definitely not similar gray looks in 2015.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Helen Lasichanh (L) and recording artist Pharrell Williams attend The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the STAPLES Center on February 8, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage)
08
08
Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford
The high school sweethearts stepped out for Lamar’s very first Grammy Awards in 2014. Even though he left that event empty-handed, he was a winner by her side.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 26: Rapper Kendrick Lamar (L) and Whitney Alford attend the 56th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)
09
09
Ciara and Russell Wilson
Their first Grammy Awards together took place just a few months before Ciara and Russ tied the knot in 2016.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) NFL player Russell Wilson and singer Ciara attend The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage)
10
10
Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka’oir
The couple, known for their bright, bold fashions, toned things down, stunning in black at the 2020 Grammys.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: (L-R) Keyshia Ka’Oir and Gucci Mane attend the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
11
11
Kirk Franklin and Tammy Franklin
One of our favorite couples of faith, Frank and Tammy were all smiles as he took home some trophies at the 2007 Grammys.
Winner of Best Gospel Song and Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album Kirk Franklin and his wife Tammy Franklin pose with the trophies at the 49th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles 11 February 2007. AFP PHOTO/Gabriel BOUYS (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
