The 2024 Grammy Awards were one for the record books. Things kicked off with an incredible performance from Dua Lipa and never slowed down. We saw records broken, long-time icons take the stage to perform and present, singers breaking through for their first awards and a host that managed to make it a fun event throughout.
Oh, and Taylor Swift announced a brand new album that nobody expected.
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Overall, it was a fabulous evening celebrating music from last year. Here are some of the best moments of the night.
Tracy Chapman performs Fast Car with Luke Combs
Country singer Luke Combs charted last year with his cover of Tracy Chapman’s hit “Fast Car,” and he earned a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance. After an intro video to his Grammy performance that was full of well-deserved praise for Chapman, the recognizable opening guitar notes rang out. The player? The one-and-only Chapman.
As the crowd realized who it was, the cheers rang through the auditorium. It was a gorgeous performance, full of heart and sounding beautiful as Combs deferred to the original singer and songwriter. It was a touching tribute and one that will be hard to top.
The look on Tracy Chapman's face when the crowd realizes its her https://t.co/8jzMYjnOYv
— Tommy Vietor (@TVietor08) February 5, 2024
Joni Mitchell's emotional first Grammy performance
There was barely a dry eye in the auditorium (or at home) as the legendary singer-songwriter took to the Grammy stage for the first time ever to perform. Mitchell sang her emotional song “Both Sides Now,” earning an ovation.
Treasured gold. The only song that could ever beat #bothsidesnow as best song ever written is likely another #JoniMitchell song. One of my favorite songwriters for sure.
— Dr. Sarah Renee Phillips (@EcoEvoGal) February 5, 2024
Celine Dion's return
What a moment for the iconic singer as Celine Dion made a surprise appearance to present the Album of the Year Grammy. Dion, who was diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome, earned a well-deserved standing ovation.
An unforgettable Grammys moment as Celine Dion surprises everyone after facing Stiff-Person Syndrome diagnosis. The crowd rises with a massive ovation, celebrating not just her music but her strength and resilience🌟 pic.twitter.com/7iwfpjbt00
— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) February 5, 2024
Taylor Swift's album announcement
Swift won Grammys for Pop Vocal Album and Album of the Year, and when accepting the award for the former, she blew everyone’s minds. It was Swift’s 13th Grammy, and the Eras Tour singer used the opportunity not to announce Reputation (Taylor’s Version) — as a lot of fans expected — but instead share that a her new album will release in April.
The Tortured Poets Department will drop on April 19, making it the 11th studio album for Swift.
Billy Joel remains iconic
Billy Joel is back, folks. Well, he never really left, but the singer has a new song out — “Turn the Lights Back On” — which he performed on Sunday night. It was wonderful to hear the Piano Man at the Grammys once again, and they smartly let him play to end the show, too. No notes.
I am really happy that Billy Joel has a new song out! @billyjoel @RecordingAcad
— Marianne Bornhoft (@spokanehouse) February 5, 2024
Trevor Noah crushes as host
We’ve had a tough run of hosts after Jo Koy was roasted for his stint at the Golden Globes. Comedian Trevor Noah, on the other hand, did a solid job in the role. He was funny without being condescending, seemed to truly enjoy the evening and had genuine respect for the performers and artists.
The folks who produce the #GRAMMYs should produce everything and have @Trevornoah host all the things too.
— Craig Melvin (@craigmelvin) February 5, 2024
Jay-Z speaks the truth
Legendary rapper Jay-Z accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award on Sunday night, and he took a moment to talk about an incomprehensible fact: his wife Beyoncé has never won an Album of the Year despite massive recognition in other categories. In fact, the last Black woman to take home a win in the prestigious category was Lauryn Hill in 1999.
