Who won Record of the Year at the 1990 Grammy Awards?

The February 1990 Grammy Awards celebrated the biggest hits of 1989. Behind the glitz and glamour of the ceremony, an unprecedented controversy was brewing that would reshape how the industry approached authenticity. Which hit song took home the coveted Record of the Year trophy that fateful night?

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The answer is: Bette Midler - "Wind Beneath My Wings"

Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings," produced by Arif Mardin, dominated the 1990 Grammy Awards. The emotional ballad from "Beaches" won both Record of the Year and Song of the Year, with songwriters Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley taking home the latter trophy.

The song had already been recorded by multiple artists, and Midler thought it was too sentimental. Producer Marc Shaiman practically begged her to give it a shot for the "Beaches" soundtrack. After finally agreeing, Midler knocked it out in just a few takes, later admitting she just wanted to get it over with.

As Midler celebrated her win, another Grammy story was unfolding. Milli Vanilli was nominated for Best New Artist and won. Months later, it was revealed they hadn't sung a note on their album. The duo became the first artists to ever return a Grammy, though "return" might be generous since the Academy snatched it back after the lip-syncing scandal broke.

The incident forced the Grammys to implement stricter verification processes for nominations, while Midler's authentic performance stood as a reminder of what genuine artistry looked like. Her song remains a karaoke favorite, though few attempt Midler's dramatic final note that she, unlike other winners that year, really did sing herself.