Santana and Rob Thomas were the kings of the 2000 Grammy Awards. (Photo property of Billboard Magazine)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
I love the Grammys! I have been watching music’s biggest night for the past 13 years.
Tomorrow evening, several of the biggest names in music ranging from Top 40 sweethearts Beyoncé, Katy Perry and Lorde to music legends Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Carole King will take the Staples Center stage for an unbelievable night of musical performances.
So before host LL Cool J takes the Staples Center stage…here are some of my favorite Grammy moments of the past 13 years….
15. Santana & Rob Thomas: “Smooth” (2000)
The rock icon introduced a new generation to his guitar magic as he walked away with eight Grammys including both Record and Song of the Year for “Smooth.”
14. Whitney Houston: “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay”/”I Learned from the Best” (2000)
Sadly, this performance marked the final time that Whitney Houston performed on the Grammy Awards. The late R&B diva’s sass and superb vocal runs showed why we will always love and miss her.
13. Adele & Jennifer Nettles: “Chasing Pavements” (2009)
While this duet only lasted for a couple of seconds, this duet showcased both Adele and Nettles’ powerful vocals and showcased that they are two of the most powerful vocalists in the industry.
Lady Gaga and Elton John’s duet set the tone of the 2010 Grammy Awards. (Photo property of Getty Images)
12. Lady Gaga & Elton John: “Poker Face”/”Speechless”/”Your Song” (2010)
Since her debut in 2008, Lady Gaga is one of the most polarizing singer-songwriters from the millennial generation. For the 2010 Grammy Awards, she teamed up with music legend Sir Elton John, who previously performed with controversial acts that ranged from Guns N’ Roses to Eminem (more on him later). Viewers got chills while they watched this impeccable performance.
11. Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson & Smokey Robinson: “Earth Song” (2010)
Five of the greatest vocalists paid tribute to the late King of Pop when they performed MJ’s 1996 hit “Earth Song” accompanied by the 3-D film that was featured in Michael Jackson’s This Is It.
10. Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride, Yolanda Adams & Florence Welch: “Aretha Franklin Tribute” (2011)
The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards kicked off with a tribute to the Queen of Soul. All of these women from different genres slayed their respective Aretha songs and it was just a joy to watch this segment from the first note to the high-powered finale.
9. CeeLo Green, Gwyneth Paltrow & The Muppets: “Forget You” (2011)
Channeling Elton John, The Lady Killer transported audiences to the bright Planet CeeLo, which was filled with bright puppets and a colorful set. In addition, it marked the first time that Gwyneth Paltrow performed the song live after delivering a fan-favorite cover of the hit on Glee.
Oscar-winning and Grammy-winning artist Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to her idol, Whitney Houston, at the 2012 Grammy Awards. (Photo property of NME)
8. Jennifer Hudson: “I Will Always Love You” (2012)
Jennifer Hudson received the thrill of the lifetime when her idol, Whitney Houston, handed her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the 2009 ceremony. Tragically, four years later, Jennifer performed Whitney’s signature song at the end of the show’s In Memoriam segment. Her heartbreaking performance gave everyone chills.
7. Mary J. Blige: “Be Without You”/”Stay With Me” (2007)
The Queen of the 2007 Grammy Awards was Mary J. Blige. Her bombastic vocal performance of her signature song and DeBarge’s ballad was not only the best performance of the night, but also cemented her place as Grammy royalty!
6. Beyoncé & Tina Turner: “Proud Mary” (2008)
For the Grammys’ 50th Anniversary, Beyoncé performed with her idol, the Queen of Rock, Ms. Tina Turner! This is an unbelievable vocal collaboration and a sure visual delight that fans loved to watch!
Simon & Garfunkel’s moving reunion at the 2003 Grammys brought the house down! (Photo property of the AP’s Mark Lennihan)
5. Simon & Garfunkel: “The Sound of Silence” (2003)
When the award show returned to New York City for the first time since 9-11, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel reunited to perform their hauntingly beautiful collaboration: “The Sound of Silence.” While many of today’s acts need backup dancers and flashy lights…their impeccable harmonies hushed the room and proved why they are legends.
4. Adele: “Rolling in the Deep” (2012)
There are no words to describe this outstanding vocal from nine-time Grammy winner!
3. Eminem & Elton John: “Stan” (2001)
Up to this performance, Eminem was seen as a polarizing presence in the music industry. While many rap aficionados praised his work, organizations like GLAAD condoned his homophobic views that he expressed in music. However, his iconic duet with future mentor Sir Elton John became one of the Grammy Awards’ greatest moments!
2. Christina Aguilera: “It’s A Man’s World” (2007)
Paying homage to the Godfather of Soul, Christina Aguilera tackled the late James Brown’s iconic song! Her powerful vocal runs and phrasing was watching the ultimate vocal master class in the University of Singing!
Melissa Etheridge’s (with Joss Stone, right) raw cover of “Piece of My Heart” stole the show at the 2005 Grammy Awards. (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com)
1. Melissa Etheridge feat. Joss Stone: “Piece of My Heart” (2005)
If you ever want to see a true example of courage, watch this Grammy performance! Melissa Etheridge returned to the Grammy stage after undergoing chemotherapy to pay tribute to rock goddess Janis Joplin. In all of my 13 years of watching the Grammys, I have never seen someone deliver such a raw and powerful interpretation of a song that tugged at my heartstrings and made me cry. I hope someone delivers a performance like this one tomorrow night.
To learn more about the Grammy Awards, visit their official website: http://www.grammy.com/
