Grammys red carpet: all the drama, all the hotness

by Robyn BECK / with Susan Stumme in Washington

Music's brightest stars on Sunday rocked the red carpet at the Grammy Awards, bringing some high drama, serious style -- and, as ever, lots of skin.

While the Oscars tend to embrace a classic brand of Hollywood glamour, the Grammys are daring: some of the most iconic fashion looks have emerged at the storied gala, such as Jennifer Lopez's plunging green Versace gown in 2000.

Here's a look at what the A-listers wore to the Grammys in Los Angeles:

- Music royalty -

Beyonce finally won the Album of the Year award for the first time in her career, and she chose a glittering Schiaparelli gown for her golden moment.

A "Cowboy Carter" coded bandana motif was worked into the low-cut gown with a keyhole opening. Elbow length gloves completed the look, and the singer wore her hair long and icy blonde.

U.S. singer-songwriter Taylor Swift rocked the red at the Grammys, and raised eyebrows with her thigh chain (AFP)

Taylor Swift, who presented Beyonce with her best country album award but went home empty-handed, was dressed to impress in a sexy, sparkly red Vivienne Westwood one-shoulder mini-dress.

Red is the title of one of her albums, but it is also the signature color of boyfriend Travis Kelce's Super Bowl-bound Kansas City Chiefs. Speculation ran rampant on social media about the message she was trying to convey.

Her naughty thigh chain with a "T" charm also begged the question -- did it stand for Taylor, Travis or both?

- High drama -

U.S. singer-songwriter Chappell Roan wore vintage Jean-Paul Gaultier to the Grammys (AFP)

Breakout star Chappell Roan, who took home the award for Best New Artist, is known for her theatrical style, and she did not disappoint.

She hit the red carpet in a vintage look from Jean-Paul Gaultier inspired by Edgar Degas's depiction of ballet dancers.

Lady Gaga went for goth chic in Vivienne Westwood at the Grammys (AFP)

The pop singer wore a fascinator to match the bright yellow and baby blue printed gown with dramatic black bows on the shoulders.

Her makeup was heavy, and her signature red curls flowed loosely down her back. Her nails were long and golden -- like the statuette she took home.

Lady Gaga, who is also known for being sartorially dramatic (meat dress, anyone?), went for goth chic in a long-sleeved black corseted Vivienne Westwood gown with a full skirt and matching jet-black hair.

- Not demure, not mindful -

U.S. singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter dazzles in a baby blue backless gown at the Grammys (AFP)

Besides Roan, other members of music's new generation of pop stars didn't let their red carpet moments go to waste, rocking decidedly sexy looks.

Sabrina Carpenter, who won two Grammys in the pop categories, wore a backless baby blue JW Anderson floor-length halter gown with a feather peplum and hem.

Her blonde locks were swept into a come-hither curly up-do that conjured up images of Marilyn Monroe.

Charli XCX rocked a gray Gaultier gown at the Grammys (AFP)

Charli XCX, who scooped up three Grammys, wore a gray Gaultier gown with a corset bodice and oodles of frothy chiffon -- definitely very brat.

And Olivia Rodrigo slayed in a daring Versace black halter gown with a plunging neckline and a nearly bare back, with just a few straps holding it together.

- Head scratchers -

Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori arrived at the Grammys wearing next to nothing (AFP)

Rapper Kanye West, who was nominated for best rap song, arrived with his wife Bianca Censori, who shed a fur coat to reveal that she was practically naked in a sheer body stocking that left everything in view.

They left the event shortly after the bold arrival. Some reports suggested they were thrown out, but celebrity news website TMZ, citing a source close to the Recording Academy, said they left on their own.

Singer Willow Smith, the daughter of Hollywood couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith rolled up in a bejeweled bikini and a tuxedo-style jacket.

Actor Jaden Smith (L) and his singer sister Willow Smith turned heads on the red carpet (AFP)

Her actor brother Jaden had a giant black castle hat encasing his head.

And singer Joy Villa, who has made no secret of her support for President Donald Trump with her looks over the years, wore a red baseball cap that bore a resemblance to the ubiquitous MAGA hats at his rallies.

Villa's chapeau, paired with a slinky golden gown, simply said: "The Hat Stays On."

© Agence France-Presse