Unforgettable Grammy Performances of All Time

Grammy Moments That Stuck With Us

Grammy Awards, with their glitz and glam, are already pretty iconic. But when you throw in performances by our favorite artists in the mix, things will only get better.

And who are these singers? Well, you’ll have to find out for yourself. Keep reading and find out about unforgettable Grammy performances that are still remembered to this day.

Michael Jackson

The 1988 Grammy performance by the king of pop, Michael Jackson, on his songs “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “Man in the Mirror” became one of the most unforgettable ones in the award show’s history. Michaels’ famous moonwalk was enough to send the crowd into a frenzy.

Transitioning seamlessly from “The Way You Make Me Feel” to “Man in the Mirror,” Michael captured a more emotional tone. These performances were the singer’s first ones to be televised.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston gave a dazzling performance of “One Moment in Time” at the 1989 Grammy Awards. This anthem was initially written for the 1988 Summer Olympics and portrayed Whitney’s extraordinary vocal range.

The singer didn’t hold back from pouring every emotion into the song while performing it on stage. This performance undoubtedly added another iconic moment to her Grammy Award Legacy.

Lady Gaga

During the 2016 Grammy Awards, Lady Gaga moved the audience to tears with her heartful renditions of “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” and “Ziggy Stardust.” Her tribute to David Bowie made for a stunning and powerful performance.

Besides the strong vocals, Gaga didn’t hold back from performing a theatrical flair with elaborate costumes, striking visuals, and dramatic stage setups. This further mirrored Bowie’s pushing-boundary artistry.

Aretha Franklin

In what is known to be a last-minute swap, Aretha Franklin delivered an unforgettable Grammy moment in 1998. The singer stepped in to perform “Nessun Dorma,” filling in for Luciano Pavarotti.

Due to an unavoidable emergency, Pavarotti couldn’t make it to the stage. Instead, Aretha took his place, wowing the audience. The singer received a standing ovation, and rightly so.

Kendrick Lamar

Leave it up to Kendrick Lamar to give a thought-provoking performance, and that too at the Grammys. Kendrick singing “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright” at the 2016 Grammy Awards was a visually striking moment that captivated the audience.

“The Blacker the Berry” was all about racial injustice, identity, and systematic oppression. Similarly, “Alright” was an anthem of resilience and hope, showcasing the concept of empowerment.

Pink

Pink doesn’t shy away from giving out-of-the-box performances, and her 2010 Grammy performance was a testament to this reputation. She went on to sing “Glitter in the Air” and complemented it with aerial aerobatics.

The audience was stunned when the singer went mid-air and executed aerobatics using a silk rope. She definitely set a high standard for live performances.

Adele

Adele is known for giving moving performances. Her live act on “Hello” at the 2017 Grammy Awards is still remembered to this day as a raw moment filled with unfiltered emotion and brilliance. Adele’s voice set a moment of “quiet power,” a talent not many have.

The song was already a massive hit and this performance further became more poignant. By the end, Adele’s voice had left the audience nothing but mesmerized.

Amy Winehouse

One of the most iconic moments in the history of awards, Amy Winehouse’s performance of “Rehab” and “You Know I’m No Good” was quite a different one. Amy wasn’t physically present at the ceremony due to visa issues.

However, she was still able to broadcast the performance from London. And managed to deliver a passionate and soulful rendition of the song.

Madonna

A monumental moment in pop music, Madonna’s performance of “Hung Up” at the 2006 Grammy Awards marked her triumphant return. The song was a lead single from her album, “Confessions on a Dance Floor.”

This dance anthem did a great job of capturing the spirit of the mid-2000s pop scene. The song’s electronic vibe was further enhanced by high-energy dance routines, a giant disco ball, and eye-catching set designs.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin’s performance of ” La Copa de la Vida” at the 1999 Grammy Awards was a turning point in the mainstream media as this moment opened up doors for Latin music in the industry. Accompanied by a group of dancers, Ricky was able to infuse the stage with an unmatched spirit.

His presence on the stage helped the singer reach a wider audience and increase visibility for Latin music. Latin music then saw an increase in popularity that continued through the 2000s.

Harry Styles

Harry Style’s “Watermelon Sugar” set the stage on fire (metaphorically speaking, of course). Wearing a black leather jacket and a feather boa surrounding him, the singer for sure made his Grammy solo debut with a banger.

He later also won his first-ever Grammy at the 2021 award show. Harry’s vocals and the song’s lyrics were enough to make the crowd go crazy.

BTS

Loved by everyone around the globe, this South Korean band took the 2022 Grammy Awards stage with swagger and style. The band went on to play their super-hit song “Butter.”

The performance was filled with high-end choreography, signature charisma, and striking visuals. Their presence on the stage bridged a gap between Western pop and global K-pop fans.

Radiohead

Radiohead didn’t stop after the success of their surprise album, “In Rainbows,” as they went on to give an iconic performance of “15 Step” at the 2009 Grammy Awards. The live performance of this song further hinted at Radiohead’s experimental style.

Even though “15 Step” wasn’t a conventional song choice for a Grammy performance, Radiohead put on a remarkable show. Radiohead collaborated with the Trojans, doing justice to the song’s uniqueness.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, the host of the 2019 Grammy Awards, once again proved that she’s one of a kind. Taking the piano at the center of the stage, Alicia Key went on to play a series of songs in her soulful voice.

These tunes included “I Wish I Wrote Em,” “Killing Me Softly,” and “Unforgettable.” Coldplays’ hit “Clocks” and “Boo’d Up” by Ella Mai’s was also included.

For more show-stopping moments, don’t miss A Night of Unforgettable Performances at CMA 2024 .

Beyonce

Beyonce ruled the 2010 Grammys with the mashup of her two songs, “If I Were a Boy” and “You Ought To Know.” Her performance was once again proof of her vocal power and ability to transform any song she touches.

Beyonce is also set to shine at the upcoming NFL game. Check out Beyoncé to Headline NFL Christmas Halftime Show for more information.