Revisiting the Best Grammy Performances of All Time
February 5, 2023
1,611 6 minutes read
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Music is the ultimate soundtrack to life. It can pick us up when we’re feeling down, provide a source of comfort when we’re struggling, and give us a way to express our joy and passions. It has the power to transport us to different times and places, bring back cherished memories, and even spark new ones. It can be our companion, our confidante, and our source of solace when the world around us is chaotic. Whether it’s a beloved favorite or a new discovery, music is an incredible gift that can carry us through life’s ups and downs and bring us deeper into our own stories.
There are a few major awards ceremonies throughout the year, and the one that celebrates music is hands down the best and most entertaining television broadcast. Awards season really starts heating up in early February with the Grammy Awards. And when it comes to awards ceremony performances, there is no other event that can outdo the Grammys. With a lineup of talent that seems to get better and better every year, the Grammys continues to be the most entertaining awards show in the calendar year. And it’s right around the corner!
What makes Grammy performances stand out is the electrifying unpredictability that comes with the territory. Sure, there are always the performances we all expect to be great, but it’s those unexpected turns that leave us in awe. From Beyonce’s unforgettable “Love on Top” performance at the 2012 Grammys to Eminem and Rihanna’s collaboration on “Monster” in 2014, there have been some truly iconic Grammy performances over the years. Here are some of the greatest Grammy performances of all time that deserve another dose of the spotlight.
Beyonce – “If I Were A Boy
If we’re going to do a list of iconic Grammy performances of all time, then we should absolutely start with one of the most iconic performers of a generation (and a performer that is up there with the most trophies ever received). At the 52nd annual Grammy Awards ceremony, Beyonce took the stage and sang her single “If I Were a Boy” in an effortless blend of vocals and raw emotion. The stripped-down performance put the focus on Beyonce’s masterful voice and saw her hitting high notes that many other singers could only dream of. From the moment she marched onto stage with an army in full riot gear, it was a truly breathtaking performance proving once again why Bey is one of the industry’s all-time greats.
Watch Beyonce sing “If I Were A Boy” at the 52nd annual Grammys ceremony.
Eminem & Elton John – “Stan”
Kevin Winter/Hulton Archive via Getty Images
At the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony, we experienced an eyebrow-raising pairing that we weren’t quite sure would be a hit, but that all changed when Eminem and Elton John took the stage. Despite the differences in their music styles and fan bases, this unlikely duo delivered an epic performance of Eminem’s chart-topping rap song “Stan.” The Eminem and Elton combo was a statement on how far hip-hop had come in terms of mainstream acceptance and recognition within the music industry. Not only did it leave us with chills that night, but it continues to be one of the most memorable performances in Grammy history.
Watch Eminem and Elton John perform “Stan” at the Grammys.
Pink – “Glitter In The Air”
Pink is a national treasure, and her performance at the 2010 Grammys solidified her status as one of the world’s greatest entertainers. Her unique combination of singing and aerial acrobatics during her performance of “Glitter In The Air” left us in awe. Pink performed a stunning spectacle that included ballet dancers, elaborate costumes, and her incredible vocal range combined with some seriously impressive showmanship skills.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 12: Singer Adele, winner of the GRAMMYs for Record of the Year for “Rolling In The Deep”, Album of the Year for “21”, Song of the Year for “Rolling In The Deep”, Best Pop Solo Performance for “Someone Like You”, Best Pop Vocal Album for “21” and Best Short Form Music Video for “Rolling In The Deep”, poses in the press room at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Some voices are undeniably great. At the 2012 Grammy Awards ceremony, Adele took the stage and performed her smash hit single “Rolling In The Deep” with a combination of power and emotion that was impossible to ignore. Her voice echoed through the auditorium as she nailed each note and the crowd responded in kind. By the end of her performance, Adele had won over the audience and set herself up for an amazing night, taking home a total of six awards.
It’s pretty amazing to watch a prolific musician perform on a single piano. But when Alicia keys opened her performance of “Songs I Wish I Wrote” at the 61st annual Grammy Awards by playing two pianos, it became an instant classic. Alicia gave us a powerful and stirring performance filled with passion and emotion. Keys’ song choices hit home for most listeners, as it is about cherishing the songs that have touched our hearts over the years. It was a beautiful and poignant way to pay homage to some of music’s earliest influences.
Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, Little Steven – “London Calling”
What’s absolutely amazing about the Grammys is that you never know when a certain collection of legends will take the stage and perform together. In 2003, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl and Little Steven performed The Clash’s punk anthem “London Calling” in one of the most iconic performances of all time. This special one-night-only collaboration was an electrifying spectacle that kept the audience on their feet with thrill-filled cheers.
Watch Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, and Little Steven perform “London Calling” at the 45th Grammy Awards ceremony.
Lady Gaga – “Born This Way”
If there’s one artist who knows how to put on a show, it’s Lady Gaga. Before she was crowned the queen of outrageous style and unique performance art, Lady Gaga took over the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards with her hit single “Born This Way.” Dressed in a flowy gold skirt and matching top, Lady Gaga flawlessly performed the upbeat tune while surrounded by a band of dancers. With anthemic lyrics and an explosive performance to match, it’s no surprise that Lady Gaga became one of the most iconic Grammy performers of all time.
Watch Lady Gaga perform “Born This Way” at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.
Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams”
There’s a reason certain Grammy performances are unforgettable. When Annie Lennox took the stage dressed in homage to Elvis Presley, backed by Dave Stewart and the Eurythmics, it was clear that this performance at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony would be an iconic one. The song chosen for Lennox’s act was “Sweet Dreams” and she absolutely nailed it. With her powerhouse vocals, the audience erupted in cheers as she left us all with an unforgettable version of the classic Eurythmics song.
Check out the Eurythmics perform “Sweet Dreams” at the Grammy Awards.
Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever”
At the 2022 Grammy Awards, Billie and her brother Finneas put on an electrifying show on a rooftop in the rain, performing her most powerful song, “Happier Than Ever.” Billie wore a Taylor Hawkins t-shirt as a fitting tribute to her biggest fan. Performing such an emotionally charged song at the Grammys takes guts, but that’s exactly what you would expect from Billie. Together, the two siblings created an intense and cathartic experience for the audience.
At the 1994 Grammys, Whitney Houston graced the stage to perform her classic hit “I Will Always Love You” in a gorgeous, glittery white gown. With her amazing vocal range, Whitney poured her heart and soul into the song as she belted out each note with crystal clarity. The performance quickly became an iconic moment in Grammy history and remains a timeless reminder of the power of music to move us all.
The Grammys have seen some truly incredible performances over the years and it’s clear that there are many more to come. As music continues to evolve and artists keep pushing boundaries, there’s no telling what kinds of special moments we can expect from America’s biggest night in music.
So don’t miss out on your chance to witness the next iconic Grammy performance and be sure to tune into the next show! Until then, enjoy re-watching some of your favorite musical acts who have taken the stage at the Grammys.
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