On January 4th, nearly 17 million viewers tuned in to watch the 2024 Grammys Music Award Show, marking a new high since 2020. The night was filled with thrilling performances, glamorous outfits, and unfiltered drama. Here are the highlights of this spectacular evening.
Fantasia Paid A Fabulous Tribute To Tina Turner
Fantasia dazzles the audience with her empowering rendition of ‘Proud Mama’, commanding the stage with confidence. She shines brilliantly in a metallic gold fringed dress inspired by Tina Turner, while her backup dancers complement her in silver attire. With her unmatched sass, powerful vocals, and fierce moves, Fantasia pays tribute to Tina Turner, delivering the standout performance of the night.
Tracy Chapman Makes A Rare Appearance To Perform ‘Fast Car’
The legendary singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman made her first television appearance at this year's Grammys to perform her hit "Fast Car" with Luke Combs, who released an official cover of the song in March 2023, reigniting its popularity as a major radio hit. Tracy, a four-time Grammy winner, last performed this song at the Grammys in 1989 when she won Best Female Pop Vocalist. Chapman and Combs' duet brought a wholesome and heartfelt harmony to the stage.
Sza Becomes An Action Star & Debuts New Single
SZA leads with nine nominations at the 66th annual Grammys. She brings cinematic magic to her live performance, of her top hits "Snooze" and "Kill Bill."Onstage, she commands attention in a black trench coat and hat, with flames in the background. Transitioning into "Kill Bill," she pushes a man offstage, setting the tone for the song's performance. Accompanied by a sword-wielding performer who gracefully navigates the audience, SZA evades the swords on stage, emerging victorious not only in her performance but also by winning three Grammys for best R&B song, best progressive R&B album, and best pop duo/group performance.
Later, SZA treats everyone to a performance of her debut song "Saturn" at the Grammy House, a track set to appear on her upcoming SOS deluxe album, titled LANA.The performance showcases SZA descending from a vine into a mystical forest, promoting forest restoration through Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition.
Miley Cyrus Delivers A Bold Performance After Winning First Grammy
The Pop Mogul triumphantly received her first-ever Grammy for her single, "Flowers" and graced the stage with a debut live performance of her Grammy-winning hit. Miley exuded the essence of her idols Dolly Parton, Pati Labelle, Tina Turner and Whitney Houston. She delivers a bold performance in a silver fringed dress flaunting her strong stature, voluminous hair, and jazzy moves. Throughout the years, Miley has showcased her versatility as a star, exploring various genres and musical styles. Upon accepting her award, she shared a story of how she relinquished the pursuit of this accolade while creating 'Endless Summer', only for it to serendipitously come to her like a butterfly. Later in the evening, she further solidified her success by winning Record of the Year.
Victoria Monet's Wins First Grammy as the 2nd Female R&B Artist To Ever Reach Best New Artist
Victoria Monet finally receives the recognition she deserves, as she is up for 7 nominations this year. She got her start in the music industry as a songwriter working with artists like Ariana Grande, Nas, Blackpink, Fifth Harmony, T.I., Lupe Fiasco, and Coco Jones. Victoria wins her first Grammy after two decades in the music industry with her breakout album Jaguar. Additionally, she becomes only the second female R&B artist to achieve the title of Best New Artist since Alicia Keys in 2013 She scores 2 other awards throughout the night and in her heartfelt speech, she tells, "This award was a 15-year pursuit… I moved to LA in 2009 and I like to liken myself to a plant, who was planted and you can look at the music industry as soil. It can be looked at as dirty or it can be looked at as a source of nutrients and water. My roots have been growing underneath the ground, unseen for so long. I feel like today, I’m sprouting, finally above ground.”
Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox & Jon Batiste Honor Late Music Legends at 2024 Grammys
Stevie Wonder honored the late Tony Bennett, who passed away at 96 on July 21, 2023. Wonder performed favorites like “The Best Is Yet to Come” and “For Once in My Life,” sharing a touching moment by blending their voices through footage on a big screen. Wonder praised Bennett's values, highlighting his love for art, peace, unity, and civil rights, concluding with a heartfelt farewell message.
Annie Lennox teamed up with Wendy & Lisa to pay tribute to the late Sinead O’Connor with her hit “Nothing Compares 2 You.” Former Prince band members Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman contributed to the performance. Lennox concluded with a call for world peace, echoing O’Connor’s activism. O’Connor passed away on July 26, 2023, at 56.
The Memoriam session continued with Jon Batiste collaborating with Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Ann Nesby, and Cory Henry for a soulful performance to honor Clarence Avant. They performed “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” and “Optimistic,” with Nesby delivering powerful vocals.
Tyla and Burna Boy Shine With African Pride
Tyla has emerged as a breakout artist from Johannesburg with her chart-topping single "Water" that reached top 10 in 16 countries. She won the first ever award for Best African Music Performance against leading competitors such as Ayla and Burna Boy, a moment she never dreamed was possible at 22 years old. Later, Burna Boy, known as the African Giant for good reason, delivers a powerhouse performance. Dressed in a blinged-out red sweater and pants, he commands the stage with his signature presence. Joined by Brandy and 21 Savage, they ignite the stage with their fiery passionate energy. Burna Boy makes history as the first Afro-beats artist to perform at the annual ceremony.
Travis Scott Thrashes On Stage During His Raging Performance
Travis Scott takes the stage to perform his global hit "Fein," delivering an apocalyptic set that perfectly matches the ensuing frenzy. Playboi Carti also joins him onstage midway through the performance. This single, featured on his album "Utopia," soared to number 1 on the Billboard Chart and has amassed over 3 billion streams. However, despite its success, Killer Mike secured the Grammy for Best Rap Album. Travis Scott subtly critiques the Grammys during his performance, screaming out the lines, “They slept on me ten times!” channeling his frustration into his set.
Jay Z Gives A Brutally Honest Speech
After being unseen all night, the Carters make a timely entrance just as Jay Z is set to receive the Global Impact Award. Bringing his daughter Blue Ivy onstage to share the moment, Jay Z wastes no time in addressing the Grammys on behalf of his wife, the icon Beyoncé, who surprisingly received no nominations this year. He candidly tells the crowd, “She has more Grammys than anyone and has never won Album of the Year. Even by your own metrics, that doesn't add up.” He proceeds to critique the entire Album of the Year category, suggesting that some nominees may feel overlooked and that some don't belong in the category at all. Despite feeling nervous about making such a direct statement, Jay Z asserts that he can't help but speak the truth when he's in this state, leaving viewers stunned. He concludes with the message that in life, persistence is key, emphasizing the importance of showing up until deserving accolades are received.
Celine Dion Gifts Us With Her Appearance And Backstage Performance
The "Power of Love" singer has maintained a low profile since disclosing her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome in December 2022. However, she graced everyone with her presence to present the Album Of The Year Award, which was bestowed upon Taylor Swift for the fourth time, setting records. During her introductory speech, the 16-time Grammy nominee emphasized the universal significance of music. "Those fortunate enough to attend the Grammy Awards must never overlook the immense love and joy that music brings to our lives and to people worldwide," said Dion. Not only did she bless us with her presence, but she also delighted the audience with an impromptu performance, joyfully singing “My Heart Will Go On” with songwriter Sonyae.
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