Sunday night saw the 63rd GRAMMY awards ceremony. A very VERY different set up given the situation of a global pandemic BUT, that didn’t stop any of live performances last night.

Unfortunately the USA has not yet allowed the U.K. region access to the actual performance videos from this year’s awards ceremony. For now therefore, I will do a retrospective of the best live GRAMMY performances of the past decade (2011-2020).

Let’s give you a throwback… (I warn you, 2 of our choices are from the same artist.)

1. Tyler the Creator, Boyz II Men & Charlie Wilson – 2020

An iconic trio; Uncle Charlie, 90s boy band icons and Tyler the Creator in a Theresa May wig screeching like a crow. What’s not to love?

2. Kendrick Lamar – 2016

This video always leaves me a bit teary at how raw, heartfelt and real his words are. The performance actually converted me to Kendrick Lamar’s music, and the freestyle at the end about Trayvon Martin, just unbelievable.

3. Kendrick Lamar – 2018

So, if you weren’t blown away by his performance in 2016, then this will definitely make you think and feel. The comment made by Dave Chappelle captures not only the mood Lamar tries to create, but a global concern which sadly, is still a problem today. Throw in some amazing percussion and I guarantee, you will at least appreciate Kendrick’s message, whether you like his music or not.

4. Daft Punk, Pharrell, Nile Rodgers and Stevie Wonder – 2014

Okay, if there is one thing I like about the GRAMMYS, it’s that my musical icon and hero Stevie Wonder usually gets a feature somewhere. This mashup of Get Lucky and Another Star is just my musical dream come true onstage. Oh and of course, Pharrell Williams fangirling between two musical icons, and Nile Rodgers just looking forever grateful to be alive. What a dream combo.

5. Lady Gaga – 2011

Keep it short and sweet – 10 years ago, Lady Gaga arrived at the awards ceremony in an egg. She then emerged out of said egg and told us that regardless of our sexuality, image and everything that worries us, we were born this way and it’s okay.

So there you have it – my top 5 Grammy Performances of the past decade (well, ones I could find visuals for).

There are so many more that come to mind, but these 5 made one hell of an impact on my music appreciation (and are available to watch still). To this day, the 2016 Kendrick Lamar performance as it is as powerful now as it was 5 years ago.

Let us know your favourites from the past and who gave your favourite performances this year @pieradiouk