New Broadway musicals don’t get much play outside of New York, but the wild popularity of Hamilton launched the show’s cast recording to the number one spot on Billboard’s rap chart last year—so it’s no surprise the stars were invited to perform at the Grammys Monday night, by telecast from New York.
The cast performed the opening rap number, “Alexander Hamilton,” which runs through the founding father’s early years in the Caribbean and his departure for New York, and introduces the show’s creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda.
More: See Celebrities on the Grammys Red Carpet
The cast went on to win Best Musical Theater Album, presented on their stage in New York by Stephen Colbert. Miranda rapped his acceptance speech with shout-outs to everyone from classic Broadway composers Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock to rapper Biggie Smalls.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Welcome to the Noah Lyles Olympics
- Melinda French Gates Is Going It Alone
- What to Do if You Can’t Afford Your Medications
- How to Buy Groceries Without Breaking the Bank
- Sienna Miller Is the Reason to Watch Horizon
- Why So Many Bitcoin Mining Companies Are Pivoting to AI
- The 15 Best Movies to Watch on a Plane
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com