Some of the best and memorable performances during the Grammys happen when some of our favorite artists pair up with one another to provide a stirring rendition of a single song or a mash-up. Here are some of the best artist pairings the Grammys had to offer.
Lady GaGa and Metallica
This pairing was definitely a head banger, but also a head scratcher when unlikely duo Lady GaGa and heavy metal band Metallica took the Grammy stage together in 2017. The two performed Metallica’s “Moth Into Flame” with some impressive pyrotechnics going off behind them. At one point, GaGa even stage dived into the crowd below.
Jay-Z, Linkin Park and Paul McCartney
In 2006, the Grammys had Jay-Z, Linkin Park and Paul McCartney collaborate on a mash-up of their songs. This performance started out with Jay-Z and Linkin Park performing the song “Numb/Encore,” which was a hit track from their collaborative album, Collision Course. The performance then transitioned to feature McCartney’s “Yesterday” over the same exact beat proving to everyone that McCartney can still keep up with younger emerging artists. After the three ended their collaborative performance, they received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons
In 2014, a lot of people were amazed when rapper Kendrick Lamar teamed up with Imagine Dragons on the Grammy stage. The two performed a mash-up of Imagine Dragon’s “Radioactive” and Lamar’s “M.A.A.D City.” When Lamar took the stage, the audience could definitely feel the amped up energy when Imagine Dragons jumped on the drums.
Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo and Smokey Robinson
Last year, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo and Smokey Robinson hit the stage to celebrate the music of Motown. Some of the songs that were performed that night were “Dancing in the Street” and “Please Mr. Postman.” The performance, which pulled out all the stops in terms of choreography and costumes, drew some controversy. Some people were upset that Lopez was chosen to perform for the Motown tribute because she didn’t seem like the right fit. However, Robinson came to her defense after the performance saying, “I don’t think anyone who is intelligent is upset. I think everybody who is upset is stupid.”
Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliot and Patti LaBelle
What do you get when you put six top performers on stage together during the Grammys? One hell of a performance, that’s what. In 2002, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliot and Patti LaBelle performed “Lady Marmalade,” which was originated by LaBelle in the mid-’70s. The performance definitely didn’t disappoint those who were fans of the song, which is famous for its sexually suggestive chorus of “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi (ce soir)?”, which translates into English as “Do you want to sleep with me (tonight)?” “Lady Marmalade” was revamped in the early 2000s for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack.
Miley Cyrus and Elton John
No twerking was seen during this performance when Miley Cyrus and five-time Grammy winner Elton John joined forces on stage. The two performed John’s song “Tiny Dancer,” which appeared on John’s fourth album, Madman Across the Water. The Grammy performance had John play the piano while Cyrus lovingly leaned over it. The performance was pretty tame compared to what Cyrus has normally done on stage. Not a single foam finger was in sight either. Bravo.
Joss Stone and Melissa Etheridge
In 2005, Joss Stone and Melissa Etheridge teamed up for a Janis Joplin tribute. During that time, Stone was up for Best New Artist and definitely proved her worth on the stage when she gave a soulful and powerful performance of “Piece of My Heart,” alongside Etheridge. Joplin, who was known for her rock and bluesy-tones, passed away at the age of 27 in 1970.
