The countdown to the 54th Annual Grammy Awards telecast is on. While a number of trophies will be handed out tonight, all eyes are on the performances. Last year, we saw Lady Gaga emerge from an egg, Cee Lo Green channel vintage Elton John while performing with the Muppets, and Usher light up the stage with his performance of “OMG”. This year’s anticipated performances include the return of Adele, the Dance music performance (featuring Chris Brown, Deadmau5 and Foo Fighters, and David Guetta with Lil Wayne), and the sad, unexpected tribute to Whitney Houston. In anticipation of tonight’s performances, I can’t help but reflect on some of my favorite past Grammy performances. There are far too many to mention here, so the list stands at 10.
Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond – You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (1980)
Originally recorded individually by both Streisand and Diamond, they later came together to record the duet and performed their beautiful rendition at the 1980 Grammy Awards.
Marvin Gaye – “Sexual Healing” (1983)
This performance marked the beginning of a comeback for Marvin Gaye. He had not had a hit in a number of years and broke from Motown Records. “Sexual Healing” was the first single from the Midnight Love album and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance.
Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got to Do” (1985)
Another comeback. After some very challenging years, Tina Turner released her breakthrough album Private Dancer, which features the wildly successful “What’s Love Got To Do With It”.
Eric Clapton – “Tears in Heaven” (1993)
Beautiful, heartbreaking performance from Eric Clapton, in memory of his young son’s death. The song earned Clapton three Grammy Awards.
Ricky Martin – “La Copa de la Vida” (1999)
With one of the most energetic performances, Ricky Martin showed U.S. viewers what fans around the world had already known. He definitely had the moves. Menudo who?
Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, Bruce Springsteen, “Little” Steven Van Zandt – “London Calling” (2003)
Four rock superstars came together to remember one of their fallen brothers. The death of The Clash’s Joe Strummer still stings a bit, but what a way to be remembered.
Mavis Staples, Kanye West, John Legend, and Blind Boys of Alabama Medley (2005)
A little “feel good” medley for the soul. And really, any occasion to hear Mavis Staples sing is always good.
Radiohead – “15 Steps” (2009)
Electrifying performance by Radiohead, supported by the USC Marching Band. With so many people on stage, it could have easily been a bit too much, but the performance came together quite nicely.
Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, T.I., MIA – “Swagger Like Us” (2009)
Christened the “Rap Pack” at the 2009 Grammy Awards, this performance was a standout because 1) it is outside the typical hip-hop performance and 2) the live band helped fuel an already high octane song.
But my favorite Grammy performance has been unmatched to date…
Michael Jackson – “Man in the Mirror” (1988)
The “King of Pop” put his heart and soul into this unforgettable performance. Accompanied by a full choir, it seems as if Jackson surprised the production staff. Nearly 25 years later, this is still the performance to beat.
Perhaps the next memorable performance will be broadcast on tonight’s telecast. We’ll have to watch and see. What is your favorite Grammy performance?