Lady Gaga; Alicia Keys.Photo:Kevin Winter/Getty (2)
Kevin Winter/Getty (2)
The Grammy Awardsis to hardcore music buffs as theSuper Bowlis to football fiends.Music’s biggest night has been an integral part of pop culture since its debut in 1959, annually delivering a supply ofnoteworthy moments. Whether it’s shattering records, snubbing would-be shoe-ins or doling out out-of-the-blue wins — alongside controversial performances or downright iconic ones — there’s always a guarantee of some stirred drama or straight-up chaos when A-list music celebs all gather in one space.FromAdelededicating her album of the year award toBeyoncétoPinkdefying gravity in an airborne act, here are the Grammys' most jaw-dropping moments throughout the 2000s.
The Grammy Awardsis to hardcore music buffs as theSuper Bowlis to football fiends.
Music’s biggest night has been an integral part of pop culture since its debut in 1959, annually delivering a supply ofnoteworthy moments. Whether it’s shattering records, snubbing would-be shoe-ins or doling out out-of-the-blue wins — alongside controversial performances or downright iconic ones — there’s always a guarantee of some stirred drama or straight-up chaos when A-list music celebs all gather in one space.
FromAdelededicating her album of the year award toBeyoncétoPinkdefying gravity in an airborne act, here are the Grammys' most jaw-dropping moments throughout the 2000s.
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2023: Beyoncé Made Grammys History
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Winning the best dance/electronic music album award forRenaissance, Beyoncé began her acceptance speech with, “Thank you so much. I’m trying not to be too emotional. I’m trying to just receive this night. I want to thank God for protecting me. Thank you, God.”
On the same night, the GOAT also won best R&B song for “Cuff It,” best traditional R&B performance for “Plastic Off the Sofa” and best dance/electronic recording for “Break My Soul.” Bow down!
02of 282023: Hip-Hop Greats Reunited for 50th AnniversaryKevin Winter/GettyThe 2023 Grammys salutedhip-hop’s 50th anniversaryin grandiose fashion.The celebration kicked off with seven-time Grammy winnerDr. Drereceiving the inaugural Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. Reflecting on the genre during his acceptance speech, the rapper and producer said, “Where would I be without [hip-hop]? Hip-hop became a lifeline for me as a teenager growing up in Compton.“Shortly following his impactful words,dozens of the genre’s pioneers joined forces— includingMissy Elliott,Salt-N-Pepa,LL Cool J,Big Boiand more — for an almost 10-minute number.
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2023: Hip-Hop Greats Reunited for 50th Anniversary
Kevin Winter/Getty
The 2023 Grammys salutedhip-hop’s 50th anniversaryin grandiose fashion.
The celebration kicked off with seven-time Grammy winnerDr. Drereceiving the inaugural Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. Reflecting on the genre during his acceptance speech, the rapper and producer said, “Where would I be without [hip-hop]? Hip-hop became a lifeline for me as a teenager growing up in Compton.”
Shortly following his impactful words,dozens of the genre’s pioneers joined forces— includingMissy Elliott,Salt-N-Pepa,LL Cool J,Big Boiand more — for an almost 10-minute number.
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2022: Doja Cat Almost Missed Her Win
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Doja Cat and SZA took home the award forbest pop duo/group performancefor their 2021 chart-topper “Kiss Me More.”
“I’ve never taken such a fast piss in my whole life,” the “Paint the Town Red” rapper joked. “Damn, this is a big deal.”
04of 282021: A COVID-Safe ShowChris Pizzello/AP/ShutterstockHeld partially outside, with limited attendees, a closed red carpet and mostly performances (some even remote), the 2021 Grammys were an unprecedented one in an unprecedented year. Yet a lot still felt the same: Beyoncé won big,Taylor Swiftperformed andHarry Styleswas as stylish as ever.
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2021: A COVID-Safe Show
Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock
Held partially outside, with limited attendees, a closed red carpet and mostly performances (some even remote), the 2021 Grammys were an unprecedented one in an unprecedented year. Yet a lot still felt the same: Beyoncé won big,Taylor Swiftperformed andHarry Styleswas as stylish as ever.
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2020: A Tribute to Kobe Bryant
The 2020 Grammy Awards began just hours after news broke thatKobe Bryantand his daughterGiannawere among thosekilled in a helicopter crashoutside Los Angeles. HostAlicia Keysbrought outBoyz II Mento help her pay tribute to the basketball star, a moment all the more poignant since the awards ceremony was held at Bryant’s home arena, L.A.’s Staples Center.
“Share our strength and our support with their families,” Keys continued. “We never imagined in a million years we’d have to start the show like this, never never never never never never, so we wanted to do something that could describe a tiny bit how we all feel right now.”
06of 282020: The Return of Demi LovatoKevin Mazur/GettyDemi Lovatoperformed for the first time in more than a year and a half, and when she did, she didn’t leave a dry eye in the house or a person in their seat.Lovato performed “Anyone,” a song that was written before sheoverdosed at home in Hollywood Hillsin July 2018. Lovato began singing the first few lyrics of the emotional song before becoming so overwhelmed with emotion that she started over.When Lovato tried again, she proved she was back and better than ever, flexing those incredible vocal chops andearning a standing ovation.
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2020: The Return of Demi Lovato
Kevin Mazur/Getty
Demi Lovatoperformed for the first time in more than a year and a half, and when she did, she didn’t leave a dry eye in the house or a person in their seat.
Lovato performed “Anyone,” a song that was written before sheoverdosed at home in Hollywood Hillsin July 2018. Lovato began singing the first few lyrics of the emotional song before becoming so overwhelmed with emotion that she started over.
When Lovato tried again, she proved she was back and better than ever, flexing those incredible vocal chops andearning a standing ovation.
07of 282019: Cardi B Became the First Woman to Win Best Rap AlbumROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty ImagesThe “Bodak Yellow” rapper was visibly shocked when she was called onstage, and had a hilariouslyhard time beginning her acceptance speech.“Babe, I can’t breathe. Oh my goodness, woah child. I’m sorry,“Cardi Bsaid with husbandOffsetbeside her as she attempted to speak. “I’m sorry, I just woah — the nerves are so bad. Maybe I need to start smoking weed.”
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2019: Cardi B Became the First Woman to Win Best Rap Album
ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images
The “Bodak Yellow” rapper was visibly shocked when she was called onstage, and had a hilariouslyhard time beginning her acceptance speech.
“Babe, I can’t breathe. Oh my goodness, woah child. I’m sorry,“Cardi Bsaid with husbandOffsetbeside her as she attempted to speak. “I’m sorry, I just woah — the nerves are so bad. Maybe I need to start smoking weed.”
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Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Keys took a break from her hosting duties to wow the crowd with an epicdual-piano performance.
“I always wanted to play two pianos,” she said nonchalantly, as she straddled a piano bench between the two instruments and launched into a medley of wide-ranging hits.
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2018: Kesha Delivered an Emotional Performance of “Praying”
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty
10of 282018: Brothers Osborne, Marren Morris and Eric Church Paid Tribute to Victims of the Las Vegas ShootingKevin Winter/GettyThe country music starscovered Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven"in poignant remembrance of the victims of theRoute 91 Harvest Festival shooting.“On Oct. 1, all of country music was reminded, in the most tragic way, the connection we share with our fans and the healing power music will always provide,” said Church before the song.“A few months earlier and a continent away, the samewas true in Manchester, England,” Morris added. “The painful truth is that this year, in just those two events, 81 music lovers, just like us, went out to enjoy a night of music and never came back home, with many more injured and still healing.““So tonight, tohonor those who were lost, Eric, Brothers Osborne and I — who were all there in Las Vegas that tragic weekend — wanted to come together and honor the memory of the beautiful music-loving souls so cruelly taken from us,” she continued.
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2018: Brothers Osborne, Marren Morris and Eric Church Paid Tribute to Victims of the Las Vegas Shooting
The country music starscovered Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven"in poignant remembrance of the victims of theRoute 91 Harvest Festival shooting.
“On Oct. 1, all of country music was reminded, in the most tragic way, the connection we share with our fans and the healing power music will always provide,” said Church before the song.
“A few months earlier and a continent away, the samewas true in Manchester, England,” Morris added. “The painful truth is that this year, in just those two events, 81 music lovers, just like us, went out to enjoy a night of music and never came back home, with many more injured and still healing.”
“So tonight, tohonor those who were lost, Eric, Brothers Osborne and I — who were all there in Las Vegas that tragic weekend — wanted to come together and honor the memory of the beautiful music-loving souls so cruelly taken from us,” she continued.
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2017: Adele Won Album of the Year, Dedicated Her Award to Beyoncé
“I’m very humbled and I’m very grateful and gracious, but my artist of my life is Beyoncé and this album to me, theLemonadealbum, was just so monumental,” she said, acknowledging the singer, who was mere steps away from her.
“It was so monumental and so well thought-out and so beautiful and soul-baring,” Adele continued. “We all got to see another side to you that you don’t always let us see and we appreciate that. All us artists here adore you. You are our light!”
12of 282016: Sofia Vergara Danced with PitbullYou can’t make this stuff up. To close out the 2016 Grammys,Sofia Vergarahit the stage duringPitbull’s performance of “Taxi,” initially dressed as a bedazzled taxi. They proceeded to dance for the remainder of the song.
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2016: Sofia Vergara Danced with Pitbull
You can’t make this stuff up. To close out the 2016 Grammys,Sofia Vergarahit the stage duringPitbull’s performance of “Taxi,” initially dressed as a bedazzled taxi. They proceeded to dance for the remainder of the song.
13of 282016: Taylor Swift Seemingly Acknowledged Kanye West’s Controversial “Famous” LyricsROBYN BECK/AFP/GettySwift took home album of the year for1989, and she used her acceptance speech to respond to Kanye West’s lyrics that claimhe made her famous.“As the first woman to win album of the year at the Grammys twice,” the “Bad Blood” singer said, “I want to say to all the young women out there, there are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame.”
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2016: Taylor Swift Seemingly Acknowledged Kanye West’s Controversial “Famous” Lyrics
ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty
Swift took home album of the year for1989, and she used her acceptance speech to respond to Kanye West’s lyrics that claimhe made her famous.
“As the first woman to win album of the year at the Grammys twice,” the “Bad Blood” singer said, “I want to say to all the young women out there, there are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame.”
14of 282015: Beck Beat Out Beyoncé for Best AlbumKevin Winter/WireImageThe rocker’sMorning Phasewas named album of the year, beating outPharrell Williams,Ed Sheeran,Sam Smithand, most shockingly, Beyoncé, whosesurprise albumBeyoncélit the world on fire. Clearly joking,Kanye stormed the stageand pretended to consider interrupting Beck … but then returned to his seat.“Come back!” Beck said, playing along.
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2015: Beck Beat Out Beyoncé for Best Album
Kevin Winter/WireImage
The rocker’sMorning Phasewas named album of the year, beating outPharrell Williams,Ed Sheeran,Sam Smithand, most shockingly, Beyoncé, whosesurprise albumBeyoncélit the world on fire. Clearly joking,Kanye stormed the stageand pretended to consider interrupting Beck … but then returned to his seat.
“Come back!” Beck said, playing along.
15of 282014: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Won, Kendrick Lamar SnubbedKevin Mazur/WireImageMacklemore& Ryan Lewis swept the whole awards show, winning for best rap song (“Thrift Shop”), best rap performance (“Thrift Shop”) and best rap album (The Heist). Many felt thatKendrick Lamar’sGood Kid, M.A.A.D. Cityshould have won best rap album.Macklemore eventually acknowledged that Lamar “was robbed” … andeven posted an Instagram photoof the apologetic text message he sent to Lamar.“He deserved best rap album,” he commented on the post.
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2014: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Won, Kendrick Lamar Snubbed
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Macklemore& Ryan Lewis swept the whole awards show, winning for best rap song (“Thrift Shop”), best rap performance (“Thrift Shop”) and best rap album (The Heist). Many felt thatKendrick Lamar’sGood Kid, M.A.A.D. Cityshould have won best rap album.
Macklemore eventually acknowledged that Lamar “was robbed” … andeven posted an Instagram photoof the apologetic text message he sent to Lamar.
“He deserved best rap album,” he commented on the post.
16of 282014: Beyoncé Killed It, Per UsualGettyAll hailed Queen Bey in 2014, when she opened the Grammys with aFlashdance-esque performance of “Drunk in Love.“Jay-Zjoined her on stage, Grammy censors buzzed, the crowd gave a standing ovation and #surfboart started trending.
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2014: Beyoncé Killed It, Per Usual
Getty
All hailed Queen Bey in 2014, when she opened the Grammys with aFlashdance-esque performance of “Drunk in Love.“Jay-Zjoined her on stage, Grammy censors buzzed, the crowd gave a standing ovation and #surfboart started trending.
17of 282014: A Moving Mass Wedding with a Famous OfficiantGettyAnyone who snoops around friends of friends' wedding photos on Facebook was in heaven whenQueen Latifahmarried 33 couplesduringMacklemore & Ryan Lewis’s “Same Love” performancein 2014.Madonnajoined them on stage, as well as collaboratorsMary Lambertand Trombone Shorty. And 13 million followers cheeredwhen Katy Perry caught the #samelove bouquet.
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2014: A Moving Mass Wedding with a Famous Officiant
Anyone who snoops around friends of friends' wedding photos on Facebook was in heaven whenQueen Latifahmarried 33 couplesduringMacklemore & Ryan Lewis’s “Same Love” performancein 2014.Madonnajoined them on stage, as well as collaboratorsMary Lambertand Trombone Shorty. And 13 million followers cheeredwhen Katy Perry caught the #samelove bouquet.
18of 282012: Jennifer Hudson Did Whitney Houston ProudGettyNo explanation needed: The only way to honorWhitney Houston, whose death just days before the 2012 Grammy Awards still had the music world in shock, was with a stunning,emotional tributefromJennifer Hudsonof “I Will Always Love You.”
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2012: Jennifer Hudson Did Whitney Houston Proud
No explanation needed: The only way to honorWhitney Houston, whose death just days before the 2012 Grammy Awards still had the music world in shock, was with a stunning,emotional tributefromJennifer Hudsonof “I Will Always Love You.”
19of 282012: Nicki Minaj Sang, Was ExorcisedGettyIs it a sin to loveNicki Minaj? Apparently so. The “Roman Holiday” performer’s onstage exorcism in 2012 had everyone saying a few extra Hail Marys.
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2012: Nicki Minaj Sang, Was Exorcised
Is it a sin to loveNicki Minaj? Apparently so. The “Roman Holiday” performer’s onstage exorcism in 2012 had everyone saying a few extra Hail Marys.
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2012: Adele Went A Cappella
21of 282011: Lady Gaga Hatched from an EggKevin Winter/GettyFor herunforgettable performanceof “Born This Way,“Lady Gagawas all about the theatrics … and committed to a very grand entrance in which she emerged from a giant egg, wearing a yolk-colored latex bra and yellow skirt. Unexpected? Yes. Epic? Also yes.
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2011: Lady Gaga Hatched from an Egg
For herunforgettable performanceof “Born This Way,“Lady Gagawas all about the theatrics … and committed to a very grand entrance in which she emerged from a giant egg, wearing a yolk-colored latex bra and yellow skirt. Unexpected? Yes. Epic? Also yes.
22of 282010: Pink Went to New HeightsGettySinging with both feet on the ground is so early-2000s. “I thought I was going to fall on my nude butt,” Pinksaid of her 2010 Grammys performance, in which shesang “Glitter in the Air"while suspended from silk drapes. It became her go-to move both on tour and in awards show performances.
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2010: Pink Went to New Heights
Singing with both feet on the ground is so early-2000s. “I thought I was going to fall on my nude butt,” Pinksaid of her 2010 Grammys performance, in which shesang “Glitter in the Air"while suspended from silk drapes. It became her go-to move both on tour and in awards show performances.
23of 282009: M.I.A. Performed in the Best Pregnancy Outfit EverROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyThere is no question that M.I.A.‘snine-months-pregnantperformance of “Swagger Like Us” at the 2009 Grammys was one of the most rock ‘n’ roll performances of all time.
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2009: M.I.A. Performed in the Best Pregnancy Outfit Ever
There is no question that M.I.A.‘snine-months-pregnantperformance of “Swagger Like Us” at the 2009 Grammys was one of the most rock ‘n’ roll performances of all time.
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2008: Amy Winehouse Won All
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2008: Herbie Hancock Beat Out Kanye West and Amy Winehouse
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2002: Girl Power Prevailed
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2001: Eminem and Elton John Performed Together
Frank Micelotta/Getty
28of 282000: Jennifer Lopez Wore … the DressScott Gries/ImageDirect)Before there wasthe Dress, there was … the Dress ThatJennifer LopezWore to the 2000 Grammys.
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2000: Jennifer Lopez Wore … the Dress
Scott Gries/ImageDirect)
Before there wasthe Dress, there was … the Dress ThatJennifer LopezWore to the 2000 Grammys.
source: people.com
