The 2020 Grammy Awards was bittersweet. Before the show even began, everyone was shocked by the news of Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant’s deaths. Hundreds of fans gathered outside the Staples Center, where the Grammys was being held, to mourn the death of the basketball player and his daughter.
Host Alicia Keys’ opening performance was a tribute to Bryant while two of his jerseys were displayed with a spotlight on them. “We’re literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built,” Keys said in her monologue.
"We love you Kobe." @aliciakeys and Boyz II Men sing in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his family at the opening of the #Grammys https://t.co/kk0nIau0ee pic.twitter.com/v3KpXSkvyW
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 27, 2020
On the bright side though, it was still a day filled with music and people who love music. Aside from the triumphant wins of the nominees, the 2020 Grammys gave us some memorable performances. We’re here to round up some of our favorites and talk about why we’re not over them.
“Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo
"Tonight's for Kobe!" Lizzo kicks off the #GRAMMYs with rendition of "Cause I Love You" https://t.co/k6dOKYyZEH pic.twitter.com/iaoJCxL934
— Variety (@Variety) January 27, 2020
Lizzo delivered a soulful performance of “Cuz I Love You,” which she dedicated to Bryant. After a ballet dance break, she changed from a black ball gown to a colorful corset piece to sing “Truth Hurts.” Just like her previous performances at awards shows, this one was also electrifying and featured Lizzo’s flute, aka Sasha Flute. Definitely a great way to kick off the 2020 Grammys.
Why we love it: Lizzo taking us to church and her outfit changes.
The Prince tribute
.@Usher and @FKAtwigs have got the moves. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/M7XVYEWuFk
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) January 27, 2020
Some fans didn’t love Usher’s performance of Prince’s hits, but they agreed on one thing: FKA Twigs slayed the stage. Twigs didn’t sing, but she did showcase her dancing and pole-dancing talent. We see you, queen (even though a lot of people didn’t seem to recognize you while you were doing pole stunts).
Why we love it: FKA Twigs didn’t train in pole-dancing for a year to not be recognized for her talent in it.
“Anyone” by Demi Lovato
Imagine admitting to the whole world about your addiction, then getting crucified for it just to comeback and belt out a song like this…
Demi Lovato, you’re a warrior. #GRAMMYs
— K (@onlyvocalists) January 27, 2020
Demi Lovato made her comeback on the stage by debuting a new song titled “Anyone.” She started singing with tears in her eyes—she was so choked up she had to restart the first few seconds of her song. It’s understandable since the song was written days before her drug overdose. But Lovato didn’t let her emotions get the best of her and still performed her heart out.
Why we love it: That vocal power!
“First Man” by Camila Cabello
How to cry in 51 seconds. Camila Cabello stole the show with this soft, raw, beautiful, performance. Sometimes simplicity really is key. A perfect demonstration that you don’t have to belt notes to make a statement. #Grammys https://t.co/XwGLiekc0X
— bryan (@selfishbryan) January 27, 2020
Camila Cabello wrote this song for her dad, who was her date to the Grammys. She performed this song with a montage of home videos playing behind her. Towards the end, she went down the stage to sing to her dad at the front row. We could imagine that everyone was in tears while watching Cabello’s performance.
Why we love it: The #feels. You are a robot if you didn’t feel anything watching that.
“When the Party’s Over” by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is accompanied by her brother and an entire choir for a haunting #GRAMMYs performance of "When the Party's Over" pic.twitter.com/PVBm6gPVFP
— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) January 27, 2020
From Lovato’s powerful vocals, we move on to Billie Eilish’s mellow vocals. Winning five awards wasn’t Eilish’s only milestone that night, she also performed at the Grammys for the first time. Her performance of “When the Party’s Over” brought chills to our spines because you could see the emotion on her face as she sang.
Why we love it: The stripped-down element featuring Eilish’s brother, Finneas, on the piano.
“Earfquake” and “New Magic Wand” by Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, The Creator performs NEW MAGIC WAND at the #Grammys https://t.co/ptUupXFWLK
— Odd Future Fans (@itsOddFuture) January 27, 2020
Tyler, the Creator’s performance started with a melodic intro to “Earfquake” by Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men. Then it transitioned to an electrifying performance of “New Magic Wand” that featured Tyler lookalikes who were wearing the same pink suit and blonde wig as the rapper. The performance ended with fire burning the neighborhood set and Tyler falling backwards to a pit. Not going to lie, we had a mini heart attack while watching the whole thing.
Why we love it: The production + Tyler’s wardrobe + he didn’t miss a beat while dancing and singing/rapping. Do we need to say more?
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Tell us: What were your favorite Grammy performances?
Art by Tricia Guevara
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