Grammy Awards 2015: Pharrell, Beyonce, Lecrae And Katy Perry Acknowledge God, the 'True Creator Of Music'

Feb 12, 2015 04:58 PM EST

Beyonce
R&B singer Beyonce performs ''Take My Hand, Precious Lord,'' at the 57th annual Grammy Awards. Michael Tran/Film Magic

From R&B icon Pharrell Williams to pop singer Katy Perry, humility and gratitude to God was a key theme throughout Sunday night's 57th annual Grammy Awards.

Williams, who won three awards, including Best Music Video, Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Urban Contemporary Album, changed the words to his hit single, "Happy," during his performance.

Instead of singing the line "happiness is the truth," he sang "happiness is the Lord," joined by pianist Lang Lang and a gospel choir. Williams, who is of Christian faith, then thanked God for his successes.

"I forgot to say it earlier God, but as You can see I'm at Your service, Lord," Williams said on stage.

The "Get Lucky" singer has previously opened up about his religious beliefs, asserting that those who don't believe in God are "incredibly arrogant and pompous."

"How do you see all the stars and think there's nothing else out there? It's so incredibly arrogant and pompous. It's amazing that there are people who really believe that. It's unbelievable," Williams told UK's Stylist magazine last year.

"Every person who doubts is another person unconverted to better ways of thinking," he continued. "So, with no conversation there's no conversion. With no conversion, there's no conviction. And with no conviction, there's only confusion ... If you don't believe there is a change that is due to you then you will never, ever find it. Change won't come and tap you on the shoulder. You have to be open for change."

Meanwhile, superstar Beyonce also credited God for her major Grammy win, including Best R&B Song, Best R&B Performance and Best Surround Sound Album.

In her acceptance speech, she said "Wow, thank you guys so much. This is such an honor. I'd like to thank God... This has been such an incredible year. I love y'all... I'd like to thank my beloved husband. I love you deep. My daughter who's watching, Blue, I love you."

Beyonce also performed "Take My Hand, Precious Lord,' a moving gospel anthem which highlights humanity's complete reliance on God.

Perhaps the most surprising expression of gratitude, however, came from pop singer Katy Perry, who recently insisted she is "not a Christian."

The "Dark Horse" singer, who began her career as a Gospel artist, performed an emotional rendition of "By the Grace of God," a song about overcoming obstacles which includes the lyrics, "By the grace of God (there was no other way) / I picked myself back up (I knew I had to stay) / I put one foot in front of the other and I / Looked in the mirror and decided to stay."

Christian rapper Lecrae, who won a Grammy for Best Christian Contemporary Song/Performance, reflected on his strong faith in his speech, telling attendees, "Love and respect to everybody out here because this is a celebration of gifts. And there's so many people out here who are gifted, but obviously you can't celebrate gives without celebrating the giver of all gifts. So I want to celebrate Jesus for gifting us all with the gift of love and sacrifice," he said.

The artist, who was recognized for his hit song, "Messenger," was joined by some of the song's writers, who  chimed in thanking the "original messenger" and the "true creator of all music."