Top 24 Best Grammys Performance of Each Year (2000-2023)

She helped start the century off right. For the first ceremony of the millennium, the Academy invited Whitney Houston to perform. The diva showed up and set the stage not just for the night, but for the entire century. Starting out with an effortlessly cool rendition of “It’s Not Right but It’s Okay”, Houston stunned in a leather ensemble while crooning the iconic hit. Then, she stripped things down for a smooth transition into “I Learned from the Best”. Houston’s signature emotive vocals made it abundantly clear how much both pieces meant to her. Needless to say, the entire audience was captivated by the performance of this bona fide legend, and it helped cement her legacy.

2001: “Stan” Eminem & Elton John

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This may be one of the unlikeliest duos in music history, but with their performance at the 2001 Grammys, Eminem and Sir Elton John defied expectations. Despite Eminem’s unsavory reputation at the time, John collaborated with him for an exceptional rendition of the former’s hit song “Stan”. Two artists from separate generations and genres coming together was a sight to behold. While John’s vocals conveyed the emotion of the chorus beautifully, Eminem’s hard-hitting bars kept viewers invested in the story. It was a fantastic way of shedding light on the rapper’s more thoughtful music while exemplifying why he had become so successful so quickly. This duet helped bridge a gap between two different fan bases, creating a moment of pure unity.

This was girl power personified. These extremely talented women took the stage to perform the iconic all-female collaboration, “Lady Marmalade” from the film “Moulin Rouge”. With powerhouse vocals from Mya, Pink and Christina Aguilera, this was definitely a performance to remember. Interspersed between was Lil’ Kim spitting fire bars and Missy Elliott hyping the crowd, adding an extra layer of excitement. Bursting with energy and talent, the song had everyone at the ceremony pumped for the rest of the night. As if it couldn’t get any better, Patti LaBelle, the original singer, joined the divas on stage, elevating the number even further. It’s one of the most unforgettable performances of the early aughts, and the Grammys as a whole.

This year saw the death of an iconic guitarist – The Clash’s Joe Strummer. To honor the artist, these rock legends united onstage to perform one of their classic hits, “London Calling”. The performance featured guitarists from different generations delivering a heartfelt rendition of the song, with each of their distinctive voices and playing styles on display. Springsteen kicked off the number, dedicating it to Strummer and tugging at peoples’ heartstrings even harder. The collective energy of all the musicians only heightened the emotion, exemplifying the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. While The Clash never received their due recognition from the Academy during their career, it was amazing to see the legendary musician get the send-off he truly deserved.

This served as one elite passing the torch to another. Prince had been considered an icon for decades by that point, and he commanded the stage as soon as he walked in. With Beyoncé’s entrance shortly after, everyone immediately knew they were in for a treat. The two sang a medley of Prince’s hits and Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love”, blending them in a cacophony of pop perfection. Beyoncé had recently gone solo, and this appearance was a promising sign of things to come. It was the last time Prince played at the show– but he certainly went out with a bang. No doubt, the mutual respect and admiration they had for each other came through in their electric performance.

2005: “Across the Universe” Various

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Following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the Recording Academy decided to put together a tribute for the victims, featuring some of music’s biggest stars. From Bono to Alicia Keys, entertainers spanning multiple genres and generations came together to perform “Across the Universe”. With each artist taking on various instruments and singing different verses, the set displayed a vast variety of entertainment styles. The result was a near five-minute spectacle filled to the brim with prominent stars. While activism-based performances have become a Grammys staple, this one stood out due to its sheer volume and ambition. In all, it was a great way of raising awareness about a tragic situation overseas and even helped raise funds for the cause.

Although the members of Gorillaz are fictional characters, they still put up one of the most unique performances in Grammy history. The virtual band appeared as holograms, playing their hit “Feel Good Inc.” while being portrayed in their recognizable animated style. As if that wasn’t amazing enough, they then transitioned seamlessly into “Hung Up,” with Madonna performing live. Such a digital show was unheard of at the time, and helped inspire future artists to incorporate similar elements into their own appearances. It also helped remind younger generations why Madonna was considered one of the best pop stars of her time. In all, it was a musical and technological success, one that changed the course of the Grammys forever.

2007: “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” Christina Aguilera

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If there’s one thing the Grammys succeed at, it’s paying tribute to iconic, deceased artists. Following funk legend James Brown’s death in 2006, the show turned to one person to honor his legacy– Christina Aguilera. Known for her powerhouse vocals, she was an obvious choice to honor such a visionary. Aguilera performed a breathtaking rendition of “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”, her soulful voice capturing the heart of the song. Peppered throughout were her stellar vocal runs and belting, showcasing her talent and technicality. The videos of Brown dancing in the background only heightened the emotion. It was a beautiful tribute to one of the most influential names in music history, and it’s clear that Brown himself would have approved.

2008: “You Know I’m No Good”/ “Rehab” Amy Winehouse

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She had one of the most tragic ends in the industry, but she undoubtedly left a lasting impact. Amy Winehouse took the world by storm with her distinctive vocals and jazz-inspired sound, and so it only made sense that she was asked to perform at the 2008 ceremony. Winehouse delivered a technically flawless performance, singing two hits and captivating the audience in the process. She even showed off her improv skills by creating new melodies on the spot. The fact that she’d been going through treatment for substance use disorder at the time only makes this more remarkable. With five wins out of six nominations, that night must have been a pure light among the darker days of her life.

2009: “15 Step” Radiohead & USC Trojan Marching Band

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Did anyone really expect Radiohead to deliver a traditional performance? Since their inception, the band has been raising the bar for their live shows, incorporating different elements into each one. When they had a chance to play the biggest night in music, they invited the marching band from the University of Southern California– the Spirit of Troy. Although incorporating a marching band into a live performance was not unprecedented, Radiohead did it in their own unique way. Both bands were extremely impressive, presenting the multi-rhythmic song with ease. The fact that Spirit of Troy comprised college students only made them all the more impressive. It helped remind the Academy how diverse Radiohead was, both in sound and entertainment.

Not only did this change the course of Grammy performances, it also reshaped Pink’s own live shows. The singer is known for pushing boundaries when it comes to her music, and so it was only fitting for her to take such a risk. At the 2010 ceremony, Pink dropped jaws when she sang “Glitter in the Air” while displaying a flawless aerial routine. It was breathtaking and showcased a talent that was traditionally underrepresented. It also highlighted Pink’s athleticism and the lengths she’s willing to go to express her art in the most authentic way possible. She’s gone on to incorporate aerial tricks into her performances, and they’ve become a staple of her concerts to this day.

Who else is hatching from an egg on the Grammys stage? Known for her artistic and unique style at the time, viewers were at the edge of their seats waiting to see how Lady Gaga would outdo herself at the 2011 awards show. She didn’t disappoint one bit– between the theatricality, her voice, and adept organ playing, it instantly became one of the most memorable performances of her career. Beyond the spectacle, the song also carried a powerful message of equality for all. It was a risk performing a single that was released just two days prior– but it paid off in spades, instantly sending “Born This Way” to the top of the charts.

2012 was an emotional year for music, with the passing of Whitney Houston a day before the ceremony. While spirits were low, Adele managed to rejuvenate them with a gorgeous rendition of her single “Rolling in the Deep”. To make things even more impressive, she had just finished recovering from an intense vocal surgery– leaving fans quite uncertain about the performance. However, Adele shattered all expectations from the very beginning, belting out the first line to a sea of applause. There were no bells and whistles to this rendition– and she didn’t need any. Using only her voice, Adele was able to command not only the live audience, but fans all over the world as well.

2013: “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” Taylor Swift

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This was a pivotal moment that helped shape the rest of her career. By 2013, Taylor Swift was beginning the transition from country to pop. Her introduction to the genre was the hit, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, which immediately cemented her as a star. To formalize her switch, Swift sang a purely pop version of the song at the Grammys, complete with a campy outfit, circus performers, and some playful shade to an ex. She even switched up the phone call bit to incorporate the prestigious event. The performance showed off Swift’s voice and entertaining skills– qualities that she would later hone as she became one of the industry’s biggest stars.

The unexpected career resurgence of Daft Punk turned out to be exactly what everyone needed. In 2014, the Grammys decided to honor the legendary duo by allowing them to perform a medley of their greatest hits, along with honoring other iconic dance songs, such as Chic’s “Le Freak”. The set also included legends like Stevie Wonder, who graced the performance with his impeccable vocals. To make things pop even brighter, the stage was designed like a studio with the famed DJs manning the booth in the back. The show encapsulated the fun, technically brilliant aspects of these pieces, showcasing dance music’s widespread appeal. With this performance, the phenomenal musicians transformed the awards into a nightclub, causing nearly everyone to dance along.

This was the crossover of the decade, if not the century. “FourFiveSeconds” was a musical feat, bringing together icon Paul McCartney and contemporary stars Rihanna and Kanye West. The performance was straightforward and to the point, allowing the music to do all the talking. McCartney’s impressive guitar skills perfectly complemented Kanye and Rihanna as they belted the lyrics. It serves as proof that all you need for a flawless performance is the ability to convey the song’s emotion. The bridge in particular was stellar, showing off Rihanna’s powerful voice. It was a unification of different genres and generations, which is the point of the ceremony itself– a celebration of music and its unifying power.

Music has always been an excellent way to spread activism en masse, and what better stage than the Grammys? Kendrick Lamar had already proven himself to be an artist worthy of the GOAT status with his catalog alone, but this ambitious art piece solidified that. He performed some of his most emotionally cutting songs, delving into the struggles that he and others have faced. From highlighting the realities of the Black experience to mentioning victims of police brutality, Kendrick’s passion came through in spades. The inclusion of Imagine Dragons playing the pounding drums throughout only heightened the intensity. Lamar and Imagine Dragons meshed perfectly together, resulting in a phenomena that didn’t just entertain, but also imparted a valuable lesson.

2017: “Love Drought”/ “Sandcastles” Beyoncé

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In 2017, Beyoncé cemented her legacy as one of the most celebrated musicians in Grammys history. Known for stealing the show at the ceremony with her unique and conceptual performances, her peak moment came during that year. She dressed as a goddess with a golden halo surrounding her, a fitting outfit for the show she was about to give, and delivered two songs from her album “Lemonade”. The spectacle began with a jaw-dropping spoken word piece about motherhood, before launching into an artistic, commanding performance. It served as a love letter not only to womanhood, but to the twins she was carrying at the time. Without a doubt, this career-defining moment validated all of the hype surrounding Beyoncé.

2018 was a powerful year, as many individuals shared their stories during the MeToo movement. One prominent voice during that time was Kesha, who had come forward about the alleged assault she faced from her producer with her comeback single, “Praying”. The song is powerful enough on its own, but being able to sing it to such a large audience made it all the more impactful. This marked Kesha’s debut after previous snubs, and she didn’t hesitate to leave an indelible mark. The emotional depth she conveyed in this performance highlighted how raw the moment was for her. Kesha was backed up by gorgeous harmonies from the other singers, proving that women having each other's backs creates profound beauty.

2019: “Money” Cardi B & Chloe Flower

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This was a monumental night in music, as it was the first time a woman had ever won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The woman in question, Cardi B, later demonstrated her deserving victory, delivering an energy-filled rendition of “Money”. Cardi captivated the audience as soon as she took the stage, kicking off with a classical piano tune that morphed into the opening notes of the track. What followed was an airtight performance without a single hair out of place. The rapper stole the show with her elaborate costuming and choreography and entertained the crowd and viewers at home with her mere presence. It was a powerful Grammys showcase, one that solidified her as a legitimate artist and entertainer.

2020: “When the Party's Over” Billie Eilish & Finneas

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There’s something about a subtle performance that can be breathtaking. Billie Eilish had seen some popularity beforehand, but this helped cement her as pop’s next sensation. She sang a piano ballad rendition of “When the Party's Over”, her gorgeous voice conveying the emotion of the piece perfectly. The lack of any major bells and whistles allowed the song to thrive on its own, captivating everyone watching in person and at home. The crowd was silent throughout, allowing Eilish to shine, alongside her brother Finneas, with whom she has shared a successful partnership for years. It may have been her debut at the Grammys, but Eilish proved exactly why she deserved to be honored alongside other legends that night.

With his natural charisma and talent, Harry Styles made the daunting task of opening the Grammys seem like the easiest thing in the world. It was his first solo appearance at the awards show, and so expectations were high. Yet, Styles exceeded every one of them, burning the house down with his fiery performance of “Watermelon Sugar”. He entertained the audience effortlessly, grooving along as he sang his heart out. While it started off understated, Styles soon began dancing as he became more comfortable. With a stellar supporting band adding to the funky vibe, this performance showcased Styles’ individual prowess and cemented his status as one of the biggest stars of the year.

BTS isn’t just one of the biggest music groups in K-Pop; they’ve become one of the biggest music groups, period. With this reputation, expectations were high for their performance at the industry’s biggest night. The boy band choreographed a whole story, starting out as spies throughout the venue before launching into their explosive hit “Butter”. They then went into action, showcasing their impressive performance skills and harmonic voices. The boys oozed personality throughout, showing off their natural charisma as they represented their genre and country. There were also huge pop culture moments in the routine– such as V whispering to Olivia Rodrigo. The result was a truly unforgettable show, proving why K-pop has become so popular in recent years.

2023: ‘50 Years of Hip-Hop’ Tribute Various

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For the longest time, hip-hop never really got the respect it deserved. Hence, it was a genuine surprise when the Grammys hosted a performance paying homage to the genre 50 years after it was first popularized. It was a larger-than-life spectacle, featuring rappers across multiple generations, from Grandmaster Flash to Lil Uzi Vert. Legends passed the mic like a symbolic baton, as they delivered renditions of their most influential songs, which continue to inspire even today. The nearly 15-minute-long extravaganza struck a perfect balance, never overstaying its welcome, and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next revelation. It was the perfect love letter to hip-hop, encapsulating why the genre has remained culturally significant since its inception. Which Grammys performance do you think has stolen the show the most? Let us know in the comments below.