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The Grammy Awards are known for their unpredictability, contrasting with events like the Golden Globes or the VMAs, where attendees often maintain a polite demeanor.
However, when it comes to Grammy performances, expectations can be shattered. The 2024 Grammy Awards showcased two legendary folk artists, Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman, making stunning comebacks with support from contemporary musical talents.
Mitchell, joined by Brandi Carlile and other top musicians, delivered a breathtaking rendition of "Both Sides Now," while Chapman performed a moving duet of "Fast Car" with Luke Combs.
The Trevor Noah-hosted event at the Crypto.com Arena kicked off with a stellar first hour and maintained a level of entertainment throughout, culminating in a surprise album announcement by Taylor Swift. Despite its length, the show remained engaging.
A ranking of performances from worst to best was compiled, excluding "In Memoriam" performances, such as those by Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, and Jon Batiste.
12 - U2
Delivering a successful remote performance on an awards telecast is no easy feat, as demonstrated by U2's performance of "Atomic City" filmed at Las Vegas' Sphere. Despite their status as one of the greatest live rock acts, U2 struggled to connect with the audience. The Sphere, renowned for its immersive experiences, presented a unique challenge for the small screen. Unfortunately, the execution fell short, as the camera movements were erratic, hindering viewers from fully appreciating the band's performance or the venue's ambiance.
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11 - Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo's recorded output and lyrics consistently impress, but her awards show performances have varied in quality. While her latest performance was a commendable attempt, her rendition of "Vampire" fell short of expectations. Despite the track's slow build in intensity, it failed to reach the anticipated cathartic climax. Additionally, the bloody aesthetic invoked comparisons to Lady Gaga's more inventive 2009 VMAs performance, highlighting a lack of originality in presentation.
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10 - Billy Joel
Billy Joel's return to the spotlight with his new single "Turn the Lights Back On" is a welcome sight for fans, showcasing his enduring legacy. However, amidst a show brimming with breathtaking moments and captivating visuals, Joel's performance felt somewhat underwhelming, featuring him simply sitting at a piano. In a nod to his iconic song "We Didn't Start the Fire" from 1989, Joel's presence at the 2024 Grammys reminded us that while he may not have ignited the flames of excitement on this occasion, his musical prowess remains undeniable.
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9 - Billie Eilish
Before winning the Song of the Year award for their collaboration on Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated Barbie film, Billie Eilish and Finneas delivered a performance of "What Was I Made For?" during the Grammy Awards. Seated on a stool with Finneas at the piano, they maintained the heartfelt simplicity of the existential ballad, earning a standing ovation from the audience at the Crypto.com Arena. However, for many viewers watching a 3.5-hour show, the performance felt somewhat subdued, lacking the energy needed to captivate throughout.
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8 - Travis Scott
Travis Scott, who has faced disappointment with ten Grammy nominations without a win, channeled his frustration into a high-energy performance at the awards ceremony. Dressed in attire reminiscent of a SWAT team member, Scott delivered a fiery rendition of three tracks from his album "Utopia." Starting with "I Know?" and "My Eyes," he unleashed his pent-up emotions during "Fe!n" alongside Playboi Carti. Demonstrating a WWE-esque intensity, Scott tossed chairs across the stage while flames surrounded him, passionately rapping about feeling overlooked. Despite his album not winning against Michael by Killer Mike, Scott's performance was captivating, offering a stark contrast to the previous performer, Joni Mitchell, and serving as compelling counter-programming.
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7 - Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa kicked off the 2024 Grammys with an electrifying performance, delivering sultry dance-pop vibes as she sang her upcoming single "Training Season." Amidst a visually captivating setup featuring a rotating, cube-shaped jungle gym, she seamlessly incorporated a line from "Dance the Night" before transitioning into "Houdini." Confidently strutting around a dark, reflective stage reminiscent of a sci-fi villain's lair, Lipa set a high-energy tone that the rest of the show, for the most part, managed to maintain.
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6 - Burna Boy, Brandy and 21 Savage
In a historic moment, Burna Boy delivered the first-ever Afrobeats performance at the Grammys, leaving no stone unturned. With the enchanting vocals of Brandy and the effortless cool of 21 Savage backing him up, Burna mesmerized the audience with his rendition of "Sittin' on Top of the World," proving that he rightfully belongs at the pinnacle of the music industry. The lavish stage, resembling a bustling city block, and clever costume coordination — all three performers adorned in red — evoked the glamour of an MGM golden era musical. Burna's infectious energy and natural charisma exuded the charm of a Hollywood star, solidifying his place as a global musical sensation.
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5 - Fantasia
Fantasia's presence in this roundup might raise eyebrows since her performance wasn't part of the traditional "In Memoriam" segment. However, her tribute to the late rock legend Tina Turner stands out as a standalone performance deserving of recognition. As an American Idol champion, Fantasia possesses the ability to command any stage, especially when interpreting another artist's song.
Her rendition of "Proud Mary" struck the perfect balance between paying homage to Turner's iconic style and infusing it with her own unique personality. Clad in a tassel-drenched outfit and delivering energetic dance moves reminiscent of Turner, Fantasia exuded a joyous and ebullient energy that was entirely her own. It was undeniably a proud and merry moment in her illustrious career.
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4 - Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus ended her Grammy drought on Sunday by clinching two awards for her chart-topping hit "Flowers." Emboldened by this victory, Cyrus approached her performance with a carefree and playful attitude, radiating the irresistible charm of someone who is unapologetically themselves. Setting the tone for her performance, Cyrus teased the audience at the outset, playfully asking why they were pretending not to know her song. It was clear from the start that this was a celebratory moment for her. In a spontaneous moment of excitement, Cyrus even altered one of the lyrics on the spot to reflect her newfound Grammy success, adding an extra layer of joy to her performance.
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6 - Burna Boy, Brandy and 21 Savage
In a historic moment, Burna Boy delivered the first-ever Afrobeats performance at the Grammys, leaving no stone unturned. With the enchanting vocals of Brandy and the effortless cool of 21 Savage backing him up, Burna mesmerized the audience with his rendition of "Sittin' on Top of the World," proving that he rightfully belongs at the pinnacle of the music industry. The lavish stage, resembling a bustling city block, and clever costume coordination — all three performers adorned in red — evoked the glamour of an MGM golden era musical. Burna's infectious energy and natural charisma exuded the charm of a Hollywood star, solidifying his place as a global musical sensation.
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5 - Fantasia
Fantasia's presence in this roundup might raise eyebrows since her performance wasn't part of the traditional "In Memoriam" segment. However, her tribute to the late rock legend Tina Turner stands out as a standalone performance deserving of recognition. As an American Idol champion, Fantasia possesses the ability to command any stage, especially when interpreting another artist's song.
Her rendition of "Proud Mary" struck the perfect balance between paying homage to Turner's iconic style and infusing it with her own unique personality. Clad in a tassel-drenched outfit and delivering energetic dance moves reminiscent of Turner, Fantasia exuded a joyous and ebullient energy that was entirely her own. It was undeniably a proud and merry moment in her illustrious career.
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4 - Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus ended her Grammy drought on Sunday by clinching two awards for her chart-topping hit "Flowers." Emboldened by this victory, Cyrus approached her performance with a carefree and playful attitude, radiating the irresistible charm of someone who is unapologetically themselves. Setting the tone for her performance, Cyrus teased the audience at the outset, playfully asking why they were pretending not to know her song. It was clear from the start that this was a celebratory moment for her. In a spontaneous moment of excitement, Cyrus even altered one of the lyrics on the spot to reflect her newfound Grammy success, adding an extra layer of joy to her performance.
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3 - SZA
At the 2024 Grammys, SZA elevated the performance of her low-key songs "Snooze" and "Kill Bill" to a whole new level. Donning oversized attire and positioned next to a flaming dumpster, SZA created a visually striking scene. The addition of a martial artist, reminiscent of Beatrix Kiddo from Kill Bill, added an unexpected twist. This martial artist showcased impressive swordplay, captivating the audience, including Phoebe Bridgers, who watched in awe. As the swordswoman transitioned onto the stage, a confrontation ensued, mirroring the themes of "Kill Bill." SZA and her leather-clad backup dancers delivered assertive choreography, while the swordplay heightened the intensity of the performance. In SZA's rendition of "Kill Bill" at the Grammys, her metaphorical sword truly soared.
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2 - Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs
Luke Combs achieved an unexpected triumph in the country music scene last year when he released a cover of Tracy Chapman's emotionally resonant folk-rock classic, "Fast Car." Remarkably, this song held a special place in Combs' heart since childhood, marking one of his earliest guitar lessons. Despite Chapman's reclusive nature, she emerged from the shadows at the recent Grammys. The revered artist surprised the audience by joining Combs onstage, armed with her acoustic guitar, to perform her iconic 1988 hit. Chapman's performance was stellar, her rich vocals harmonizing seamlessly with Combs' rugged voice. For Combs, this collaboration marked a pivotal moment in his life. Throughout the performance, he repeatedly glanced at Chapman, almost as if to reassure himself that it was indeed real. When Chapman took the lead vocals, Combs leaned back from the microphone, mouthing the lyrics with sheer excitement. The result was flawless, leaving audiences with a heartwarming and unforgettable experience.
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1 - Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell's remarkable resurgence in recent years has captivated audiences, and the 2024 Grammys provided a special glimpse for those who had yet to experience her comeback firsthand.
In a scene adorned with flickering candles, Mitchell, seated gracefully on a plush white chair with cane in hand, graced the stage alongside Brandi Carlile, Alison Russell, Lucius, Blake Mills, and Jacob Collier. Together, they delivered a poignant rendition of Mitchell's timeless classic "Both Sides Now," accompanied by gentle instrumentation. This intimate setting, reminiscent of a cozy living room gathering spanning generations, offered a refreshing departure from the usual grandeur of the Grammy stage, making it a standout moment.
Mitchell's performance was a rare display of raw emotion and authenticity seldom seen at the Grammys. Despite penning "Both Sides Now" in her youth, the profound wisdom embedded in its lyrics resonated with the audience, infused with the depth of perspective gained through Mitchell's life experiences. At 80 years old, Mitchell's weathered voice, altered by a brain aneurysm in 2015, added a rugged beauty to the performance, showcasing resilience and depth of character rarely encountered on televised awards shows.
More than just a tribute to a legendary artist, Mitchell's performance served as a vital reminder of the enduring power of art to touch our souls deeply. It highlighted her unparalleled ability to evoke profound emotions through her music, reaffirming her status as a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
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There you have them 66th Grammys performances ranked.
Source: billboard
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