The Grammys are the highest honor in the music industry, so it makes sense that the annual awards ceremony has some truly iconic moments. From incredible fashion to mesmerizing performances, the Grammys are always the best night of the year for music lovers. Here are some unforgettable Grammy moments that are worth a revisit, for better or for worse.
Lady Gaga’s Egg
Gaga won three Grammys in 2011, but the real story was her arrival on the red carpet. The pop star showed up in a giant egg, which essentially broke the internet before Kim ever did. “She is incubating,” choreographer Laurieann Gibson told Ryan Seacrest. “She won’t be born until her performance this evening.”
Adele’s Big Comeback
In 2012, the music world was on edge when mega-breakout songstress Adele had to put live performances on hold due to a throat surgery. When she made her comeback with an incredible “Rolling in the Deep” Grammy performance, though, all of our fears went away.
Pharrell’s Hat
It’s the talked-about accessory of all time! Williams’ big brown vintage Vivienne Westwood hat from the 2014 awards not only made Internet history in terms of memes and parody Twitters, but even made it to the Grammy Museum.
Everyone’s In Love
In 2014, Madonna and Queen Latifah married 33 couples during the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis “Same Love” performance. It was a bizarre yet memorable Grammy moment that had Twitter abuzz.
Jennifer Honors Whitney
The best way to honor Whitney Houston at a Grammy ceremony just days after her unexpected death sent shockwaves through the industry? An impeccable tribute performance of “I Will Always Love You” from Jennifer Hudson.
Daft Punk Wins Big
The “Get Lucky” duo won big in 2014, proving that you don’t have to even show your face to be a successful Grammy winner.
Diva’s Unite
Wanna feel old? The famous Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya, and Lil’ Kim remake of “Lady Marmalade” happened all the way back at the 2002 Grammys. Legendary!
J-Lo Turns Some Heads
One of the most famous fashion moments EVER takes us back to 2000, when Jennifer Lopez’s infamous Versace dress would have shut down the Internet had more people been ON the Internet back then.
Elton And Slim Shady
Elton John and Eminem’s collaboration for their 2001 performance of “Stan” is iconic for multiple reasons. Not only are both performers living legends, but it brought the discussion of gay acceptance in the music industry to the forefront of discussion and silenced Eminem’s critics who accused him of homophobia.
Tribute To A Legend
Talk about a fitting tribute to Aretha Franklin: in 2011, the great singer was honored by Christina Aguilera, Yolanda Adams, Martina McBride, Jennifer Hudson’ and Florence Welch in an incredibly 12 minute medley performance. It was a joy to watch.
La Vida Loca!
Ricky Martin’s shaking his bon-bon to “La Copa De La Vida” during the 1999 Grammys is an iconic moment that definitely would have gone viral if it had happened during the Twitter age. It also brought Latin pop to the general public, a new genre for many people to discover.
Who Run The World
We’ll never forget this duet between Beyonce and Tina Turner.
Michael Kills It
The King of Pop gave a classic performance in 1988, when he performed “Man in the Mirror” along with a gospel choir. Watching the performance today reminds us of why he’s such a legend.
Milli Vanilli’s Big “Uh Oh”
At the 1990 Grammy Awards, Milli Vanilli were seen allegedly “singing” and “dancing,” but it was later revealed that the duo had lip-synched their hit song “Girl You Know It’s True.” Furthermore, it was revealed that they were guilty of lip-syncing the entire album, which led to the revocation of their Best New Artist Grammy.
Norah Cleans House
The 2003 Grammy Awards was the year of Norah Jones, who at just 23 years old, swept the evening by winning Album and Record of the year for the jazz/blues “Come Away With Me” and Song of the Year for “Don’t Know Why.” The newcomer won these awards over heavyweights like Bruce Springsteen, Eminem and the Dixie Chicks. She also won three other awards. Huge night for Ms. Jones.
Amy Makes History
Amy Winehouse was the big winner in 2008, winning Best New Artist in addition to Album and Record of the year. Though she would tragically pass away a few years later, her big win ushered in a new sound to the music industry and paved the way for British artists like Adele, Ellie Goulding, Florence and the Machine and Sam Smith.
Tina Reigns Supreme
At the 1985 Grammys, Tina Turner was promoting “Private Dancer” and trying to put her messy and public drama with ex-husband Ike behind her. With her hit “What’s Love Got to Do With It” winning Record and Song of the Year at the ceremony, Turner proved why she’s one of the all time greats.
Baby On Board
Jay-Z, Kanye West, T.I., M.I.A. and her very-soon-to-be-born baby played the 51st Grammy Awards. Performing their mega-hits of that year, the performance was notable for their leading voices in hip hop in addition to M.I.A.’s iconic baby bump outfit.
Pulling A Kanye
During a 1998 performance by Bob Dylan, Michael Portnoy, who was supposed to be in the background, instead ripped off his shirt in an act of protest-art. He pulled a Kanye before Kanye did the same thing to Taylor Swift.