With more performances than actual awards presented, the 62nd Grammy Awards played out like a music festival filled with the biggest singers of the past year as well as some surprise collaborations. Fitted with returning host Alicia Keys, the awards ceremony was accompanied by overwhelming sadness after Kobe Bryant and his daughter’s untimely deaths Sunday.
Nonetheless, music was at the forefront of the night, and that led to some great performances —and some not so great ones. While the likes of Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X blew their performances out of the parks, others such as Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani or Aerosmith and Run DMC fell flat. So, without further ado, here are some of the best performances from the 2020 Grammy Awards:
Lizzo’s flute-tastic opening number
Lizzo’s career has skyrocketed in the past year or so, and if anyone ever questions why, just show them her 2020 Grammy opening performance.
The “Good As Hell” singer dedicated the night to Bryant as she performed “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts.” Giving the audience outfit changes, plus-size representation with her backup dancers and a bomb flute solo, Lizzo brought enough energy for the audience to give her a standing ovation.
Tyler, the Creator’s fiery performance
Prior to winning his first Grammy Award ever, Tyler, the Creator brought literal fire to the stage with his performance. Accompanied by Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men, Tyler performed “EARFQUAKE” and “NEW MAGIC WAND.”
Tyler made the stage his own with the help of sweet harmonies from Boyz II Men and potent vocals from Wilson. Surrounded by matching dancers filled with equal intensity and energy, Tyler’s performance stands as one of the most visionary and unique performances of the night.
Billie Eilish makes her performance debut at the Grammys
Despite Billie Eilish having a wild past year, her performance of the night marked her Grammy stage debut. Alongside her brother, Finneas, the 18-year-old performed her touching song “when the party’s over” from WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
Contrasting many of the other performances, Eilish stripped things down, showing she doesn’t need antics to capture a crowd. Sitting upon a stool as her brother played piano, Eilish domineered the stage with her poignant performance and soft but powerful vocals.
Lil Nas X brings every “Old Town Road” remix to life
Lil Nas X already has broken records on the Billboard charts, and now, he brought every single “Old Town Road” remix to the stage during the Grammys. Performing with Billy Ray Cyrus, BTS, Mason Ramsey, Diplo and Nas, Lil Nas X brought his horses from the back and to the Grammy stage.
Dressed like the cowboy equivalent of a disco ball, Lil Nas X perused a spinning stage as he met up and sang with each of the other artists. Adding in a quick trumpet solo, Matrix-like outfit change and more, Lil Nas X made his Grammy debut one to remember.
Demi Lovato makes her first appearance since her overdose
Taking the stage for the first time since her 2018 overdose, Demi Lovato performed the heart-wrenching “Anyone.” Lovato wrote the track just four days before her overdose, and even during her performance, the pop singer’s emotions were raw.
Overcome with her emotions, Lovato had to restart her performance, and she delivered a powerful one. Performing with tears running down her face, Lovato gave her all in what was the most passionate performance of the night. It had been too long since the world had seen Lovato up on stage, and that was even more apparent as she received a standing ovation for the intimate performance.
