It’s almost 2022 time so, of course, we’re looking back on the most memorable performances in the show’s history.
This year, the awards will feature performances from big names such as Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, BTS, , and more.
Foo Fighters, however, have cancelled their performance following the tragic death of band member Taylor Hawkins last month.
As for nominees, it’s an open playing field, with the likes of , , Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion up for some major gongs.
Now, it wouldn’t be the Grammys without both memorable and controversial moments, many of which take place during the performances.
Let’s take a look back at some of the most chaotic performances, the most genius, and everything in between – we can’t wait to see what will be making headlines this year.
What are some of the best and most controversial Grammys performances ever?
Michael Jackson 1988
We’re starting off strong with the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson.
Michael’s The Way You Make Me Feel/Man in the Mirror medley from 1988 will go down in Grammys history, as the icon had the audience sitting in the palm of his hand.
His epic 10-minute performance showcased his natural dancing abilities (there was a moonwalk, of course) and his emotive vocals.
MJ’s otherworldly performance also featured a live choir who created an electric atmosphere and received rapturous applause.
Beyoncé and Prince 2004
Beyoncé has taken to the Grammys stage on several occasions, and it will come as no surprise that this isn’t the first time her name is mentioned in this list.
Queen B performed with the legendary Prince in 2004 and they had the crowd on their feet.
They joined forces to sing hits including Purple Rain and Baby I’m a Star, as well as a slick transition from Crazy in Love to Let’s Go Crazy.
The most iconic part, though? When they left the stage and the late Prince said, ‘Don’t hate us ’cause we fabulous.’ So iconic.
Amy Winehouse 2008
Amy won five Grammy awards in 2008 and it isn’t hard to understand why when you watch her performance from that year.
She took to the stage with her hits Rehab and You Know I’m No Good, which was streamed from London after the singer had issues with her Visa.
However, that didn’t stop her performance from stealing the show and becoming one of the Grammys’ most talked about in history.
Amy was receiving treatment for addiction at the time, but shone like a star with her bewitching performance from a set designed to look like a jazz nightclub.
Despite being in just her early twenties, Amy bagged best new artist that night, along with four other awards.
Taylor Swift 2014
Taylor Swift is Grammys royalty at this point, as she’s the first female artist to win album of the year three times.
She’s also delivered some stellar performances over the years, one of the most powerful being her 2014 rendition of fan-favourite All Too Well.
Complete with dramatic hair flips and strong vocals, it would’ve been hard to find a single audience member who wasn’t covered in goosebumps as she belted out what went on to become her favourite song to perform live thanks to the new life fans have given it.
Taylor gave it her all as she played the tune on the piano and had visible tears in her eyes while baring her soul in the deeply personal lyrics.
Taylor has 11 Grammy wins and a mega 42 nominations in total, with Evermore up for album of the year again in 2022.
Lady Gaga 2011
Now, every performance Lady Gaga delivers is iconic in its own way, but her Grammys 2011 performance is one we will always remember.
Over 10 years later, who could the sight of her arriving on the red carpet inside a giant egg?
As she took to the stage, Gaga ‘hatched’ before bursting into Born This Way.
While it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it was the moment everyone was talking about.
Plus, there’s no denying her talent with powerful vocals and killer choreography.
Lizzo 2020
This one may be a more recent entry, but Lizzo has already solidified herself as a Grammys queen.
She took to the stage in 2020 with Cuz I Love You and Truth Hurts, opening the Grammys in front of an all-female orchestra.
Viewers were then treated to an instrumental break from a group of ballerinas while Lizzo changed out of her gorgeous gown.
Following those insane vocals, she returned for a change of pace with the rapping we all love her for.
Lizzo also dedicated her performance to Kobe Bryant, who died on the same day.
Ariana Grande 2020
This 2020 performance from Ariana really had it all after the pop star snubbed the awards the previous year over a song choice dispute.
The vocal powerhouse started off with a spine-chilling rendition of Imagine before singing a verse from The Sound of Music hit Favourite Things, quickly breaking into 7 Rings.
Her medley ended with Thank U, Next, during which Ari had to fight back tears while changing the lyrics to honour her beloved father, Edward Butera.
‘I be thanking my dad, ‘cause he’s really awesome,’ she sang, choked up.
Nicki Minaj 2012
Nicki Minaj made some headlines after this jaw-dropping 2012 performance.
The star began her medley performance by raging against a fake priest before a video was shown of the Young Money rapper becoming possessed by her trouble-making alter ego, Roman Zolanski.
In need of an ‘exorcism,’ Nick was chained to a wooden board as hooded priests pranced around her.
She then began levitating while surrounded by flames and smoke but, in true Nicki style, didn’t miss a single beat.
Bob Dylan 1998
Bob Dylan’s performance was interrupted back in 1998 by the ‘Soy Bomb guy.’
While he was singing Love Sick, artist Michael Portnoy removed his shirt to reveal the words painted on his chest.
He danced in a robotic manner, much to the confusion of viewers.
Michael later said he used those words because soy represents dense nutritional life and he wanted art to represent ‘dense, transformational, explosive life.’
He was on stage for 35 seconds before being removed by security.
Kesha 2018
There was not a dry eye in the house, or at home, as Kesha performed Praying in 2018.
The power ballad was written in the midst of Kesha’s legal battle with Doctor Luke, and she was joined on stage by some of the greatest female artists to deliver an incredible performance.
Janelle Monae introduced the performance with a speech saying: ‘Time’s up for pay inequality, time’s up for discrimination, time’s up for harassment of any kind, time’s up for abuse of power.’
Cyndi Lauper, Andra Day, Camila Cabello, Bebe Rexha, and Julia Michaels then took to the stage for a heart-wrenching rendition of the empowering song, with the women sharing a group hug afterwards.
Beyoncé 2017
It would be rude to not end on Beyoncé after all the iconic Grammys moments she has so kindly given to us.
The superstar performed Love Drought and Sandcastles in 2017, looking and sounding every inch the goddess she is.
She wore a bejewelled gold dress and a crown, giving her baby bump its TV debut.
Bey ended the performance by reading poetry by Warsan Shire, saying: ‘If we’re gonna heal, let it be glorious. 1,000 girls raise their arms. Do you remember being born?’
The nine-minute set was a real moment of celebration that left everyone in awe and with no doubt in their minds that Beyoncé is one of the greatest entertainers.
Who is performing in 2022?
Here’s hoping for more memorable moments at the Grammys 2022, with the likes of J Balvin, Brothers Osborne, H.E.R., John Legend and Silk Sonic performing.
Jon Batiste, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile and Carrie Underwood will also perform individually, while Maverick City Music, Aymée Nuviola and Billy Strings will perform in special segments.
The Grammys will also put on a special in memoriam tribute to Stephen Sondheim, which will see performances from Cynthia Erivo Leslie Odom, Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler.
The Grammys airs this Sunday.
