Here's what you missed at the 2015 Grammy awards

We know what you're thinking: Awards shows are garbage, a superficial prom for America's creative "talent" to preen and prance and pat themselves on the back. And the Grammys, with its skewed voter system and history of awful snubs, are no different. You're right — but also wrong. Last year, 28.5 million people watched the Grammys, and these shows, while horrifyingly bland and bizarre, are important platforms for some of the country's most beloved icons to shape how we think about the nation and each other. This year's Grammys were no exception. Some examples: + In one quote, four-time Grammy winner Sam Smith sent a powerful message to aspiring artists about what it really means to be a musician. + President Barack Obama made a surprise video PSA for the White House's campaign to end domestic violence — not bad, considering Grammy votershonored serial misogynist Eminem with the award for best rap album. + Activist, performance artist and rape survivor Brooke Axtell spoke out against sexual assault alongside Katy Perry, who finally sent the message she ignored at the Super Bowl. + Pharrell used the anticipation around a "new" version of his hit song "Happy" to send an important, if subtle, message on the #BlackLivesMatter movement. + Miranda Lambert took a bold stand for women in country music, the incredible artists and songwriters often underrepresented in a genre in need of diversity. Of course, there was plenty of fun at this year's Grammys. Our favorites: + Madonna. Holy living fuck, Madonna. + Kanye West nearly (jokingly) repeated his infamous 2009 "Imma let you finish" moment after Beck clinched the award for album of the year.