Why isn't there a Grammy for Best Grammy Performance? Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most jaw-dropping performances at the biggest night in music so far this century.
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00:00 "But I'm like, I'm sorry, I'm busy opening up the Grammys."
00:04 Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks
00:07 for the most jaw-dropping performances at the biggest night in music
00:11 so far this century.
00:13 2000.
00:23 "It's not right, but it's okay," I learned from the best.
00:26 Whitney Houston.
00:27 She helped start the century off right.
00:30 "Then four of you really cheated, yeah, only two of you had dinner."
00:35 For the first ceremony of the millennium, the Academy invited Whitney Houston to perform.
00:40 The diva showed up and set the stage not just for the night, but for the entire century.
00:45 Starting out with an effortlessly cool rendition of "It's Not Right, But It's Okay,"
00:50 Houston stunned in a leather ensemble while crooning the iconic hit.
00:54 "It's not right, but it's okay, okay, okay."
01:01 Then she stripped things down for a smooth transition into "I Learned From the Best."
01:06 Houston's signature emotive vocals made it abundantly clear how much both pieces meant to her.
01:12 Needless to say, the entire audience was captivated by the performance of this bona fide legend,
01:18 and it helped cement her legacy.
01:20 "I learned, I learned from you."
01:37 2001 - Stan, Eminem, and Elton John
01:40 This may be one of the unlikeliest duos in music history,
01:44 but with their performance at the 2001 Grammys, Eminem and Sir Elton John defied expectations.
01:50 "It's your biggest fan, this is Stan."
01:52 "The keys gone cold, the money gone right, I got out of bed, that's all."
01:58 Despite Eminem's unsavory reputation at the time,
02:01 John collaborated with him for an exceptional rendition of the former's hit song "Stan."
02:06 Two artists from separate generations and genres coming together was a sight to behold.
02:11 "And even if I could, it would all be great, with your picture on my wall,
02:18 it reminds me that it's not so bad, not so bad."
02:23 While John's vocals conveyed the emotion of the chorus beautifully,
02:26 Eminem's hard-hitting bars kept viewers invested in the story.
02:30 It was a fantastic way of shedding light on the rapper's more thoughtful music,
02:34 while exemplifying why he had become so successful so quickly.
02:38 This duet helped bridge a gap between two different fan bases, creating a moment of pure unity.
02:44 "They found a tape, but it didn't say who it was to,
02:46 come to think about it, his name was, it was you, Tatum."
02:51 2002 - Lady Marmalade
02:54 Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Maya, Pink, Missy Elliott, and Patti LaBelle.
03:00 This was girl power personified. These extremely talented women took to the stage to perform the
03:05 iconic all-female collaboration "Lady Marmalade" from the film "Moulin Rouge!" With powerhouse
03:12 vocals from Maya, Pink, and Christina Aguilera, this was definitely a performance to remember.
03:17 "Poulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir? Poulez-vous coucher avec moi?"
03:24 Interspersed between was Lil' Kim spitting fire bars and Missy Elliott hyping the crowd,
03:29 adding an extra layer of excitement. Bursting with energy and talent,
03:34 the song had everyone at the ceremony pumped for the rest of the night.
03:37 As if it couldn't get any better, Patti LaBelle, the original singer,
03:49 joined the divas on stage, elevating the number even further. It's one of the
03:54 most unforgettable performances of the early aughts, and the Grammys as a whole.
03:58 "Lady Marmalade!"
04:13 2003. London Calling. Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Tony Kanal, Pete Thomas, Dave Grohl,
04:20 and Little Steven. This year saw the death of an iconic guitarist, The Clash's Joe Strummer.
04:26 To honor the artist, these rock legends united on stage to perform one of their classic hits,
04:32 "London Calling."
04:33 "London calling, from the faraway towns, the waters declare, a battle come down."
04:39 The performance featured guitarists from different generations delivering a heartfelt rendition of
04:44 the song, with each of their distinctive voices and playing styles on display.
04:49 Springsteen kicked off the number,
04:51 dedicating it to Strummer and tugging at people's heartstrings even harder.
04:55 "But I have no fear, 'cause one day this trail may be mine, live by the river."
05:02 The collective energy of all the musicians only heightened the emotion,
05:06 exemplifying the true spirit of rock and roll. While The Clash never received their due
05:11 recognition from the Academy during their career, it was amazing to see the legendary
05:15 musician get the send-off he truly deserved.
05:17 "Fear so bad, so I got, got, got, got, got, got, got, got, got, got, got, got."
05:31 2004 - Purple Rain, Baby I'm a Star, Let's Go Crazy, Crazy in Love, Beyoncé & Prince.
05:38 This served as one elite passing the torch to another. Prince had been considered an icon for
05:44 decades by that point, and he commanded the stage as soon as he walked in. With Beyoncé's
05:49 entrance shortly after, everyone immediately knew they were in for a treat.
05:53 "Purple rain, purple rain, oh yeah."
06:00 The two sang a medley of Prince's hits and Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love,"
06:04 blending them in a cacophony of pop perfection. Beyoncé had recently gone solo,
06:09 and this appearance was a promising sign of things to come.
06:12 "Take it with the Prince."
06:20 It was the last time Prince played at the show, but he certainly went out with a bang.
06:24 No doubt the mutual respect and admiration they had for each other
06:27 came through in their electric performance.
06:29 2005 - Across the Universe, Various.
06:38 Following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the Recording Academy
06:44 decided to put together a tribute for the victims, featuring some of music's biggest stars.
06:49 "Away across the universe,
06:53 see the most ways I'm found, drifting through my open mind."
06:58 From Bono to Alicia Keys, entertainers spanning multiple genres and generations came together to
07:04 perform "Across the Universe." With each artist taking on various instruments and singing different
07:10 verses, the set displayed a vast variety of entertainment styles.
07:14 "Nothing's gonna change my world."
07:24 The result was a near five-minute spectacle filled to the brim with prominent stars.
07:29 While activism-based performances have become a Grammy's staple, this one stood out due to
07:34 its sheer volume and ambition. In all, it was a great way of raising awareness about
07:39 a tragic situation overseas and even helped raise funds for the cause.
07:43 "Something's gonna change my world."
07:54 2006 - Feel Good, Inc., Hung Up, Madonna, Gorillaz, and De La Soul.
08:00 Although the members of Gorillaz are fictional characters, they still put up one of the
08:03 most unique performances in Grammy history. The virtual band appeared as holograms,
08:08 playing their hit "Feel Good, Inc."
08:10 "So don't stop, get it, get it. Keep all your chitters heavy, watch the way we gravitate."
08:17 While being portrayed in their recognizable animated style, as if that wasn't amazing enough,
08:22 they then transitioned seamlessly into "Hung Up," with Madonna performing live.
08:27 Such a digital show was unheard of at the time and helped inspire future artists to incorporate
08:32 similar elements into their own appearances.
08:34 It also helped remind younger generations why Madonna was considered one of the best pop stars
08:47 of her time. In all, it was a musical and technological success,
08:51 one that changed the course of the Grammys forever.
08:54 "So don't stop, get it, get it. Keep all your chitters heavy, watch the way we gravitate."
09:02 2007 - It's a Man's Man's Man's World, Christina Aguilera.
09:07 If there's one thing the Grammys succeed at, it's paying tribute to iconic deceased artists.
09:12 Following funk legend James Brown's death in 2006,
09:16 the show turned to one person to honor his legacy, Christina Aguilera.
09:21 "This is a man's world. This is a man's world."
09:30 Known for her powerhouse vocals, she was an obvious choice to honor such a visionary.
09:35 Aguilera performed a breathtaking rendition of "It's a Man's Man's Man's World,"
09:40 her soulful voice capturing the heart of the song.
09:42 "Man, I know I'm out of control. Maybe some time."
09:50 Peppered throughout were her stellar vocal runs and belting,
09:53 showcasing her talent and technicality. The videos of Brown dancing in the background
09:58 only heightened the emotion. It was a beautiful tribute to one of the most
10:02 influential names in music history, and it's clear that Brown himself would have approved.
10:06 2008 - You Know I'm No Good, Rehab, Amy Winehouse.
10:20 She had one of the most tragic ends in the industry, but she undoubtedly left a lasting
10:25 impact. Amy Winehouse took the world by storm with her distinctive vocals and jazz-inspired sound,
10:31 so it only made sense that she was asked to perform at the 2008 ceremony.
10:35 Winehouse delivered a technically flawless performance, singing two hits and captivating
10:46 the audience in the process. She even showed off her improv skills by creating new melodies
10:51 on the spot. The fact that she'd been going through treatment for substance use disorder
11:01 at the time only makes this more remarkable. With five wins out of six nominations,
11:07 that night must have been a pure light among the darker days of her life.
11:10 2009 - 15 Step, Radiohead, and USC Trojan Marching Band.
11:23 Did anyone really expect Radiohead to deliver a traditional performance?
11:27 Since their inception, the band has been raising the bar for their live shows,
11:31 incorporating different elements into each one.
11:39 When they had a chance to play the biggest night in music, they invited the marching band from the
11:43 University of Southern California, the Spirit of Troy. Although incorporating a marching band
11:48 into a live performance was not unprecedented, Radiohead did it in their own unique way.
11:53 Both bands were extremely impressive, presenting the multi-rhythmic song with ease.
12:05 The fact that the Spirit of Troy comprised college students only made them all the more
12:10 impressive. It helped remind the Academy how diverse Radiohead was, both in sound and entertainment.
12:16 2010 - Glitter in the Air, Pink. Not only did this change the course of Grammy performances,
12:32 it also reshaped Pink's own live shows.
12:35 The singer is known for pushing boundaries when it comes to her music,
12:45 and so it was only fitting for her to take such a risk. At the 2010 ceremony,
12:50 Pink dropped jaws when she sang "Glitter in the Air" while displaying a flawless aerial routine.
12:57 [Singing]
13:04 It was breathtaking and showcased a talent that was traditionally underrepresented.
13:09 It also highlighted Pink's athleticism and the lengths she's willing to go to
13:14 express her art in the most authentic way possible.
13:17 [Singing]
13:26 She's gone on to incorporate aerial tricks into her performances,
13:30 and they've become a staple of her concerts to this day.
13:33 2011 - Born This Way, Lady Gaga. Who else is hatching from an egg on the Grammy stage?
13:39 Known for her artistic and unique style at the time, viewers were at the edge of their seats
13:44 waiting to see how Lady Gaga would outdo herself at the 2011 awards show.
13:48 [Singing]
13:56 She didn't disappoint one bit. Between the theatricality, her voice, and adept organ
14:02 playing, it instantly became one of the most memorable performances of her career.
14:06 Beyond the spectacle, the song also carried a powerful message of equality for all.
14:11 [Singing]
14:17 It was a risk performing a single that was just released two days prior,
14:21 but it paid off in spades, instantly sending Born This Way to the top of the charts.
14:26 [Singing]
14:33 2012 - Rolling in the Deep, Adele. 2012 was an emotional year for music,
14:38 with the passing of Whitney Houston a day before the ceremony. While spirits were low,
14:43 Adele managed to rejuvenate them with a gorgeous rendition of her single, "Rolling in the Deep."
14:47 [Singing]
14:55 To make things even more impressive, she had just finished recovering from an intense vocal surgery,
15:00 leaving fans quite uncertain about the performance. However, Adele shattered all
15:05 expectations from the very beginning, belting out the first line to a sea of applause.
15:10 [Singing]
15:18 There were no bells and whistles to this rendition, and she didn't need any. Using only her voice,
15:24 Adele was able to command not only the live audience, but fans all over the world as well.
15:29 [Singing]
15:38 2013 - We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, Taylor Swift. This was a pivotal moment that
15:44 helped shape the rest of her career. By 2013, Taylor Swift was beginning the transition from
15:50 country to pop.
15:51 [Singing]
15:57 Her introduction to the genre was the hit, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,"
16:01 which immediately cemented her as a star. To formalize her switch, Swift sang a purely pop
16:07 version of the song at the Grammys, complete with a campy outfit, circus performers, and some playful
16:12 shade to an ex.
16:14 [Singing]
16:19 She even switched up the phone call bit to incorporate the prestigious event. The performance
16:23 showed off Swift's voice and entertaining skills, qualities that she would later hone as she
16:28 became one of the industry's biggest stars.
16:31 [Singing]
16:41 2014 - Get Lucky, Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, Lose Yourself to Dance, Le Freak, Another Star,
16:48 Around the World, Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers, Stevie Wonder, and Pharrell Williams.
16:54 The unexpected career resurgence of Daft Punk turned out to be exactly what everyone needed.
16:59 [Singing]
17:08 In 2014, the Grammys decided to honor the legendary duo by allowing them to perform a medley of
17:13 their greatest hits, along with honoring other iconic dance songs such as Sheik's "Le Freak."
17:20 The set also included legends like Stevie Wonder,
17:22 who graced the performance with his impeccable vocals.
17:25 [Singing]
17:31 To make things pop even brighter, the stage was designed like a studio with the famed
17:36 DJs manning the booth in the back. The show encapsulated the fun,
17:40 technically brilliant aspects of these pieces, showcasing dance music's widespread appeal.
17:46 With this performance, the phenomenal musicians transformed the awards into a nightclub,
17:51 causing nearly everyone to dance along.
17:53 [Singing]
17:58 2015 - 4/5 Seconds, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney.
18:04 This was the crossover of the decade, if not the century. 4/5 Seconds was a musical feat,
18:10 bringing together icon Paul McCartney and contemporary stars Rihanna and Kanye West.
18:15 The performance was straightforward and to the point, allowing the music to do all the talking.
18:20 [Singing]
18:28 McCartney's impressive guitar skills perfectly complemented Kanye and Rihanna as they belted
18:33 the lyrics. It serves as proof that all you need for a flawless performance is the ability to
18:38 convey the song's emotion.
18:40 [Singing]
18:48 The bridge in particular was stellar, showing off Rihanna's powerful voice. It was a unification
18:54 of different genres and generations, which is the point of the ceremony itself - a celebration of
19:00 music and its unifying power.
19:02 [Singing]
19:09 2016 - The Blacker the Berry, Alright, King Kunta, September 21, 2014, Radioactive,
19:17 Kendrick Lamar, and Imagine Dragons.
19:19 Music has always been an excellent way to spread activism en masse,
19:23 and what better stage than the Grammys? Kendrick Lamar had already proven himself to be an artist
19:29 worthy of the GOAT status with his catalog alone, but this ambitious art piece solidified that.
19:34 [Singing]
19:40 He performed some of his most emotionally cutting songs, delving into the struggles that he and
19:45 others have faced. From highlighting the realities of the Black experience to mentioning victims of
19:50 police brutality, Kendrick's passion came through in spades.
19:54 [Singing]
20:03 The inclusion of Imagine Dragons playing the pounding drums throughout
20:07 only heightened the intensity. Lamar and Imagine Dragons meshed perfectly together,
20:12 resulting in a phenomena that didn't just entertain, but also imparted a valuable lesson.
20:17 [Singing]
20:26 2017 - Love Drought, Sandcastles, Beyonce
20:31 In 2017, Beyonce cemented her legacy as one of the most celebrated musicians in Grammy history.
20:36 [Singing]
20:42 Known for stealing the show at the ceremony with her unique and conceptual performances,
20:47 her peak moment came during that year. She dressed as a goddess with a golden halo surrounding her,
20:52 a fitting outfit for the show she was about to give, and delivered two songs from her album Lemonade.
20:57 [Singing]
21:06 The spectacle began with a jaw-dropping spoken word piece about motherhood,
21:10 before launching into an artistic, commanding performance. It served as a love letter not only
21:15 to womanhood, but to the twins she was carrying at the time. Without a doubt,
21:19 this career-defining moment validated all of the hype surrounding Beyonce.
21:24 [Singing]
21:32 2018 - Praying, Kesha, Camila Cabello, Cindy Lauper, Julia Michaels, Andra Day, and Bebe Rexha
21:40 2018 was a powerful year, as many individuals shared their stories during the #MeToo movement.
21:46 [Singing]
21:52 One prominent voice during that time was Kesha, who had come forward about the alleged assault
21:57 she faced from her producer with her comeback single, "Praying." The song is powerful enough
22:02 on its own, but being able to sing it to such a large audience made it all the more impactful.
22:07 [Singing]
22:15 This marked Kesha's debut after previous snubs, and she didn't hesitate to leave an indelible
22:21 mark. The emotional depth she conveyed in this performance highlighted how raw the moment was
22:26 for her. Kesha was backed up by gorgeous harmonies from the other singers, proving that women having
22:31 each other's backs creates profound beauty.
22:34 [Singing]
22:43 [Applause]
22:50 2019 - Money, Cardi B, and Chloe Flower
22:54 This was a monumental night in music, as it was the first time a woman had ever won the
22:59 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
23:01 [Singing]
23:07 The woman in question, Cardi B, later demonstrated her deserving victory,
23:11 delivering an energy-filled rendition of "Money." Cardi captivated the audience as soon as she took
23:17 the stage, kicking off with a classical piano tune that morphed into the opening notes of the track.
23:22 What followed was an airtight performance without a single hair out of place.
23:26 [Singing]
23:33 The rapper stole the show with her elaborate costuming and choreography,
23:37 and entertained the crowd and viewers at home with her mere presence. It was a powerful
23:42 Grammy showcase, one that solidified her as a legitimate artist and entertainer.
23:47 [Singing]
23:54 2020 - When the Party's Over, Billie Eilish, and Phineas
23:58 There's something about a subtle performance that can be breathtaking. Billie Eilish had seen some
24:03 popularity beforehand, but this helped cement her as pop's next sensation.
24:08 [Singing]
24:15 She sang a piano ballad rendition of "When the Party's Over," her gorgeous voice conveying
24:20 the emotion of the piece perfectly. The lack of any major bells and whistles allowed the
24:24 song to thrive on its own, captivating everyone watching in person and at home.
24:29 [Singing]
24:36 The crowd was silent throughout, allowing Eilish to shine, alongside her brother Phineas,
24:41 with whom she has shared a successful partnership for years. It may have been her debut at the
24:46 Grammys, but Eilish proved exactly why she deserved to be honored alongside other legends that night.
24:52 [Singing]
25:03 2021 - Watermelon Sugar, Harry Styles
25:06 With his natural charisma and talent, Harry Styles made the daunting task of opening the
25:12 Grammys seem like the easiest thing in the world.
25:14 [Singing]
25:20 It was his first solo appearance at the awards show, and so expectations were high.
25:25 Yet, Styles exceeded every one of them, burning the house down with his fiery performance of
25:30 "Watermelon Sugar." He entertained the audience effortlessly, grooving along as he sang his heart
25:35 out.
25:36 [Singing]
25:40 While it all started off understated, Styles soon began dancing as he became more comfortable.
25:46 With a stellar supporting band adding to the funky vibe, this performance showcased Styles'
25:51 individual prowess and cemented his status as one of the biggest stars of the year.
25:56 [Singing]
26:04 2022 - Butter, BTS
26:07 BTS isn't just one of the biggest music groups in K-pop, they've become one of the biggest music
26:12 groups, period. With this reputation, expectations were high for their performance at the industry's
26:17 biggest night.
26:18 [Singing]
26:27 The boy band choreographed a whole story, starting out as spies throughout the venue before
26:31 launching into their explosive hit "Butter." They then went into action, showcasing their
26:36 impressive performance skills and harmonic voices.
26:39 [Singing]
26:47 The boys oozed personality throughout, showing off their natural charisma as they represented
26:52 their genre and country. There were also huge pop culture moments in the routine,
26:56 such as V whispering to Olivia Rodrigo. The result was a truly unforgettable show,
27:01 proving why K-pop has become so popular in recent years.
27:05 [Singing]
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27:28 2023 - 50 Years of Hip-Hop Tribute, Various
27:34 For the longest time, hip-hop never really got the respect it deserved.
27:38 Hence, it was a genuine surprise when the Grammys hosted a performance paying homage
27:42 to the genre 50 years after it was first popularized.
27:46 [Singing]
27:53 It was a larger-than-life spectacle, featuring rappers across multiple generations,
27:58 from Grandmaster Flash to Lil Uzi Vert. Legends passed the mic like a symbolic baton,
28:04 as they delivered renditions of their most influential songs, which continue to inspire even today.
28:10 [Singing]
28:17 The nearly 15-minute-long extravaganza struck a perfect balance, never overstaying its welcome
28:23 and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next revelation.
28:28 It was the perfect love letter to hip-hop, encapsulating why the genre has remained
28:33 culturally significant since its inception.
28:35 [Singing]
28:40 "Multigenerational! 50 years!"
28:43 Which Grammys performance do you think has stolen the show the most? Let us know in the comments.
28:48 [Singing]
28:55 Do you agree with our picks? Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo,
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29:03 [Music]