3 of the Most Memorable Grammy Performances of All Time

The Grammys are the opportunity for an artist to flex their talent in front of both their peers and the world at large. It’s music’s biggest night and, as such, requires a certain level of performance chops from a musician. The three artists below delivered what was required. Do you remember these past Grammy performances?

Videos by American Songwriter

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4 of the Best Grammy Performances of All Time

1. “Love Drought/Sandcastles” – Beyoncé (2017)

Anyone who was witness to Beyoncé’s powerful medley of “Love Drought” and “Sandcastles” at the 2017 Grammys knows just how powerful it was. Beyoncé–pregnant at the time–gave a masterful performance without doing her typically intricate choreography. Her legion of dancers added a grandiosity to this performance that made it one of the most memorable in recent Grammy history.

Ten times out of nine, I know you’re lying
And nine times outta ten, I know you’re trying
So I’m trying to be fair
And you’re trying to be there and to care
And you’re caught up in your permanent emotions
All the loving I’ve been giving goes unnoticed
It’s just floating in the air, lookie there
Are you aware?

2. “The Blacker the Berry/Alright” – Kendrick Lamar (2016)

There is nothing to do while watching Kendrick Lamar’s 2016 Grammy performance but stare in awe. He doesn’t stop his unrelenting spell of lyrics for the entirety of his time on stage. The medley of “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright” is equal parts mystifying and sobering. If you haven’t been fortunate enough to see this performance yet, check it out, HERE.

Uh, and when I wake up
I recognize you’re lookin’ at me for the pay cut
But homicide be looking at you from the face down
What MAC-11 even boom with the bass down
Schemin’! And let me tell you bout my life
Painkillers only put me in the twilight

3. “Man in the Mirror” – Michael Jackson (1988)

If your song is strong enough and your vocals are powerful enough, you don’t need anything too flashy. Michael Jackson proved that in his Grammy performance from 1988. “Man in the Mirror” is a powerful song in the recorded version, but Jackson pouring his soul out on stage through this song is something else entirely…

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could’ve been any clearer
If they wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

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(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)