2018 Grammy Performances Breakdown
If you haven't seen Kesha's performance of "Praying" at the Grammy's, go watch it immediately.
Kesha and group, "Praying."
I always get nervous for powerful songs like this to be performed because the vocals can be so difficult and there's always the worry the artist won't be able to actually hit the notes live. But Kesha's voice was perfect. She lowered some of the notes to ensure there wouldn't be a struggle, but it didn't take away from the impassioned display. Cyndi Lauper, Camilla Cabello, Bebe Rexha, Julia Michaels and Andra Day joined the songstress on stage, as did 19 other female musicians. All were clad in white (a symbolic color tied to the suffragette movement) to show their support for the singer, the Time’s Up movement and Voices in Entertainment, a group founded by female record executives this past week. I had goosebumps rippling across my skin and tears pricking my eyes throughout the entire song. Even host James Cordon took a moment to collect himself before moving on.
Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid, "1-800-273-8255"
This performance made my eyes well and my heart full and was the flawless closer to the awards. I was so moved by these amazing young artists. This was gripping, heartrending and deserved the standing ovation it received ten times over. The trio was joined on stage by dozens of suicide attempt survivors, as well as family and friends of suicide victims. There aren't enough accolades I can give this performance.
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Maren Morris, Eric Church and Brothers Osbourne, "Tears in Heaven."
The country crooners performed Eric Clapton's "Tears In Heaven" in a solemn and touching, stripped-down tribute to the victims of the Route 91 Harvest festival and the Manchester bombing. The victims' names had places of honor as the backdrop behind the singers.
Elton John and Miley Cyrus, "Tiny Dancer."
Elton John came out strong, in fact, he doesn't sound like he's aged at all. When he first started, I felt like I was transported back to the 1970s, listening to a first performance. As for Miley, I wasn't a fan of her for the longest time, but started coming around in recent years. And I have to say, her country twang was a fun little update, though off-key in some places. The pairing was a nice melding of two generations and Elton is always fun to watch. God, his glasses, I love him. And I'm so sad he's ending his tours.
Lady Gaga, "Joanne" and "Million Reasons."
Killed it, per usual. I'm obsessed with her winged piano and the ethereal look she was rocking. But, even more, I loved the subtle nod to Time's Up in between her two songs. The moment everyone cheered after she hit the chorus of "Million Reasons," ugh, yes, it was an uplifting little moment and when she stood to finish performing and belted out that long note, I got chills. Her powerful, hard-hitting voice didn't falter once and it was such a beautiful piece.
Pink, "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken."
Always a killer performer. Dressed down in a white tee, jeans and barefoot, Pink let her vocals do all the talking—until she started signing, that is. The entire act focused on her and the ASL translator. So powerful. I can't even fathom how she's able to sing like that. There's a reason Pink has been around so long.
U2, "Get Out of Your Own Way."
I wanted to like this more, but honestly? The eyes threw me. I couldn't get with that and the vocals weren't completely doing it for me.
Kendrick Lamar, U2 and Dave Chappelle, medley.
The rapper set the bar high with the opening performance—a politically charged performance that featured his signature quick lyrics, U2, dancing soldiers, a drum accompaniment and commentary from Dave Chappelle, "I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America." If this didn't get your heart racing, you are probably dead inside.
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Cardi B and Bruno Mars, "Finesse."
The breakout rapper and Grammy-sweeper performed their joint remix single, with an In Living Color-inspired look and feel, continuing the aesthetic of their music video. Bruno Mars, of course, is always a hit, but Cardi B's energy really made the performance. You could feel her excitement through the screen and I loved every second of it.
Childish Gambino "Terrified."
I love Donald Glover. I don't think he can do any wrong in my eyes performance-wise and he did not disappoint last night. Not only did he look sharp as fuck in that white suit, but his high notes were crisp, clean and haunting. His throwback sound was impeccable. And have you EVER heard a more angelic sound than his "The Lion King" costar, J.D. McCrary??
Chris Stapleton and Emmylou Harris, "Wildflowers."
The two performed an acoustic duet of Petty’s 1994 song with no pomp or glitz, only raw talent and guitars. It was a sweet, pared-down tribute to the famous rocker.
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Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, "Despacito."
I have to say, I'm so sick of this song. However, it was nice to see the song performed fully in its native language and sans Bieber. Could have done without the long pauses and backup dancers though. Plus, it was a little messy sounding, overall, a little too hectic, but the pair sounded good underneath all the noise.
SZA, "Broken Clocks."
This was an interesting choice considering the bigger hits off her album, but girl BROUGHT. IT. She was soulful, energetic and an all-around killer. Also, I dug the fashion commentary as a voice for the rebel youth in her tattered cheerleading uniform top.
Sting and Shaggy, "Englishman in New York."
I don't know...Sting was good, but then Shaggy came out of the woodworks. Yes, they recently collaborated on an album together, but eh. The combo kind of threw me. I like the little hits on immigration though ("I'm a legal alien").
Jon Batiste and Gary Clark Jr. (Chuck Berry and Fats Domino tribute), "Ain't That a Shame."
Definitely a spot-on tribute. It was truly a good time watching these two rock out.
DJ Khaled, Rihanna and Bryson Tiller, "Wild Thoughts."
I mean, it was Rihanna, and she stunned as usual, but she also started sounding a little breathless early on in the act. And DJ Khaled's role as unwanted hype man definitely took away from the appearance. Tiller was just lost in all the mayhem.
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Little Big Town, "Better Man."
Bringing the glam to country with head to toe shimmer, lead singer Karen Fairchild fell a little flat when it came to the vocals. Overall though, a pretty solid performance.
Ben Platt, "Somewhere" from West Side Story.
A simple, perfect performance. Finally, Benji's getting alllll the stage time!
Patti LuPone, "Don't Cry for Me Argentina."
Obviously, Patti soared, but the performance paled in comparison to other, more energetic acts.
Sam Smith, "Pray."
Let's be real. Does Sam Smith ever disappoint? That answer would be a resounding "NO" if you're actually uncertain. He is king. Although, they could've perhaps lit his choir, especially during their parts...
One day, I hope to be writing this from a first-hand viewing experience, not just through the TV. Dreams do come true, after all.
