For over six decades now, the Grammy Awards have consistently cued up iconic musical moments.
Remember when M.I.A. performed at the 2009 show while having contractions, or when, in 2011, Lady Gaga hit the stage packaged in an egg or how Elton John and Eminem mended fences with "Stan" back in 2001? Delightfully, this latest edition added more such instances to the growing catalog.
From nostalgic appearances by the likes of Joni Mitchell (who won her 10th Grammy Sunday night) and Billy Joel, to standout performances from today's pop star legends such as Dua Lipa's hypnotic opening medley and Miley Cyrus' charming performance of "Flowers" after winning her first Grammy of her career, the 66th annual Grammy Awards show from Los Angeles' Crypto.com arena delivered an eclectic array of stellar star turns.
We take a look at some of the top moments from the night, including Taylor Swift making Grammy history and Jay-Z delivering a fiery speech.
A seemingly shocked Taylor Swift broke a Grammy record Sunday night, taking her fourth album of the year award for "Midnights," stepping out from the trio she'd left behind, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon (who all have won album of the year three times).
"I would love to tell you that this is the best moment of my life, but … " Instead she listed endless moments from finding a bridge to a song to heading to Japan (imminently) to continue the 2024 leg of her Eras Tour.
Earlier in the night, Swift's "Midnights" also won a Grammy for pop vocal album. Swift noted onstage it was her lucky 13th Grammy win ("That's my lucky number, I don't know if I told you that?" she joked). Then to shrieks from Swifties in the crowd, the singer announced the April 19 release of a new album, "Tortured Poets Department."
Canadian siren and bazillion album-seller Celine Dion drew a standing ovation from the crowd simply for walking out onstage. As it should be.
Dion, whose Las Vegas residency set countless records, has been battling stiff person syndrome and enduring the loss of her husband and longtime manager, René Angélil. But Sunday night, the five-time Grammy winner was brief before announcing the night's big award, album of the year (to Swift). "Thank you all. I love you right back," Dion said. "When I say that I'm happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart."
A diminutive Tracy Chapman, with grey streaked hair, plucked her acoustic guitar and country superstar Luke Combs, large and in charge, hit the stage to perform Chapman's 1988 hit song "Fast Car." The duo traded verses, and time seemed suspended as Combs looked like a child living his dream singing next to Chapman.
Stars in attendance, including Swift and Oprah, stood up to sing and dance along to the classic tune. While some music grabs you by the throat, this song tears at your heart. The song concluded, Combs bowed to Chapman and the two embraced onstage.
In a pre-recorded segment, Combs said Chapman's tune, which she released at just 24, became his first favorite song as a young boy. A tune that, 35 years after its debut, nabbed a Country Music Award this year thanks to Combs turning it into a concert sing-along favorite. It was also the first such win for a Black woman.
Oscars, take note. The Grammys just showed you how "In Memoriam" segments are done. Sunday night's comprehensive "In Memoriam" paid tribute to scores of music industry veterans, starting with a heartfelt tribute to Tony Bennett by Stevie Wonder. Seated at his piano, Wonder first sang "For Once in My Life" alongside an archival video of Bennett singing, then performed the late icon's "The Best Is Yet to Come."
Annie Lennox then took the stage, her left eye featuring a long make-up teardrop, as a photo of Sinead O'Connor appeared behind her. As her rendition of O'Connor's indelible "Nothing Compares 2 U" ended, Lennox called for a ceasefire in Gaza with her first in the air. "Artists for a ceasefire. Peace in the world!"
Jon Batiste, along with singer Ann Nesby, did their best to conjure the ghost of Bill Withers with a medley of hits. Oprah also hit the stage as the strains of Tina Turner's classic "Proud Mary" filled the air to introduce Fantasia Barrino, who delivered a powerful and graceful tribute to the late icon.
Rolling on a river indeed.
Jay-Z, sleek in all-black, took the stage with his daughter Blue Ivy, 12, to receive this year's Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. Beyoncé, equally stunning in complementary white, beamed with pride from her table.
Aside from thanking the award's namesake, the hip-hop legend held no punches during his lengthy speech calling out the Grammys for never awarding his wife the album of the year award. "We love y'all. We want y'all to get it right. At least get it close to right," he said. " … I don't want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than anyone and never won album of the year. So even by your own metrics, that doesn't work." Beyoncé currently holds 32 Grammys to her name.
Joni Mitchell first blew musical minds nearly 60 years ago, as a talented if seemingly shy genius from Canada. Mitchell, 80, wowed the arena with a touching rendition of "Both Sides Now," a reflection back on life written when she was a twentysomething. Mitchell's voice may not be soaring as it once was, but the darker timber simply added more poignancy to her words.
Mitchell also won the Grammy for best folk album for "Joni Mitchell at Newport." For her performance, alongside Brandi Carlile, Mitchell appeared appropriately sitting on a throne, holding a cane. "I've looked at life from both sides now," she sang. And you know she has.
It was a night of firsts. Mitchell hit the Grammys stage for the first time, and Billy Joel debuted his new single, "Turn the Lights Back On." Sitting at the grand piano, Joel sang, "Please open the door …" And with that, a 30-year songwriting drought ended for the 74-year-old.
While the new song won't be confused for one of endless rollicking Joel hits, it was a reminder that the "Piano Man" still has power in his fingers and voice and is still capable of creative flourishes at his age. "Did I wait too long, to turn the lights back on?" Joel sang. The answer to that was in the standing ovation.