The 2020 Grammys took place last night (Sunday, January 26) at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. In true Grammys fashion, the evening’s performances from nominated artists ran the gamut from jaw-dropping conceptual pieces to surprisingly reserved acoustic sets, with a cloud of grief hovering over the proceedings after the shocking death of Kobe Bryant earlier in the day. Check out all of the tributes, solo performances, group renditions, and more below.
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Lizzo
Lizzo, the most-nominated artist of the night, opened the ceremony with a medley of songs from her major-label debut, Cuz I Love You. She dedicated the performance to Bryant before launching into the title track and her smash hit “Truth Hurts,” complete with an obligatory flute breakdown.
Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men
“We never imagined in a million years we’d have to start the show like this,” host Alicia Keys said during her opening monologue, addressing Bryant’s untimely death. She spoke on the sense of anguish in the room before singing a tribute to the basketball star’s memory with a rendition of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by Boyz II Men, who joined her onstage for the heartfelt moment.
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton brought “Nobody But You,” their recently released duet single, to the Grammys stage. The real-life couple serenaded each other as Shelton strummed on an acoustic guitar.
Jonas Brothers
After an introduction from Billy Porter, Jonas Brothers played their new singles “Five More Minutes” and “What a Man Gotta Do.” Dressed in gold-accented suits, the trio performed alongside a troupe of swing dancers and in front of a giant, lit-up staircase.
Tyler, the Creator with Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men
Tyler, the Creator, who picked up his first Grammy win, took to the stage for fiery renditions of “EARFQUAKE” and “NEW MAGIC WAND,” from 2019’s IGOR. He was joined by Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men, as well as a troop of men sporting Tyler’s IGOR costume, who stormed the stage before it erupted in CGI flames.
Usher, Sheila E., and FKA twigs
To honor the Purple One, Usher and Sheila E. performed a medley of hits, including “Little Red Corvette,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Kiss.” In a perplexing move from the Grammys, FKA twigs was also on stage, though she did not sing. Instead, she did a dance routine both on a pole and alongside other dancers. “of course i wanted to sing at the grammys,” she tweeted later on in the night. “i wasn’t asked this time but hopefully in the future. none the less what an honour. congratulations to all winners x.”
Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello sang “First Man” from her most recent album Romance. Dedicated to her father, the song was accompanied by home footage of Cabello and her father on a backdrop before she stepped down from the stage to sing directly to him, sitting in the audience.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande, who famously refrained from performing at last year’s Grammys after a dispute with producers, reclaimed the stage this year with a medley of songs from thank u, next. Moving from “imagine” to ”7 rings” to the album’s title track, Grande brought the pretty-in-pink scenery from her “7 rings” video to life on the main stage.
Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile
Country titan Tanya Tucker, who won her first Grammys earlier in the evening, for Best Country Album and Best Country Song, performed a stripped-back version of her song “Bring My Flowers Now.” She was accompanied on piano by Brandi Carlile, making for a poignant showcase of two singer-songwriters in peak form.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish, who swept the four major Grammys categories, delivered a subdued performance of her ballad “when the party’s over.” Her brother and producer FINNEAS joined her on keys and backing vocals.
Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C.
Aerosmith, the recipients of the MusiCares Person of the Year award, performed a career-spanning medley, including “Livin’ on the Edge” and their crossover hit “Walk This Way” with Run-D.M.C., who joined them onstage for the occasion. Later in the performance, Run-D.M.C. held up Kobe Bryant’s Lakers jersey in homage.
Lil Nas X with BTS, Diplo, Mason Ramsey, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Nas
Lil Nas X’s breakthrough year came full circle with his Grammys performance of smash hit “Old Town Road,” in which he enlisted artists who appeared on the song’s various remixes for a show-stopping set. He was joined onstage by Diplo, every member of BTS, yodeler Mason Ramsey, and Billy Ray Cyrus. Plus, in a surprise appearance, Nas showed up for a remix of 7’s “Rodeo.”
Demi Lovato
In her first major live performance since being hospitalized in 2018 for a drug overdose, Demi Lovato returned to the stage with gut-wrenching aplomb. She was introduced by Great Gerwig, and performed a powerful new ballad, “Anyone,” which was reportedly written and recorded four days before the overdose.
Nipsey Hussle Tribute with YG, Meek Mill, John Legend, DJ Khaled, and Roddy Ricch
The shadow of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle also loomed large over the Grammys, especially after he posthumously won an award for Best Rap Performance earlier in the night. The tribute performance brought together DJ Khaled, YG, Meek Mill, John Legend, and Roddy Ricch to honor Nipsey’s legacy. During the performance, the artists also paid homage to Bryant, with both his and Nipsey’s images projected up on the Grammys stage.
Rosalía
The Spanish star Rosalía, who took home the award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album earlier in the night, brought her flamenco-pop hybrid to mainstream audiences with high-energy performances of new single “Juro Que” and “MALAMENTE (Cap.1: Augurio).” She was flanked by dancers and flamenco guitarists, providing an appetizing taste of her jaw-dropping live shows.
Alicia Keys and Brittany Howard
As the night began to wind down toward the final categories, Alicia Keys returned to the stage with none other than Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard. Howard, whose song “History Repeats” was nominated for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance, accompanied on guitar while Keys performed her new single “Underdog.”
H.E.R.
Burgeoning Grammys favorite H.E.R. performed for the second straight year, this time delivering a brand-new song, “Sometimes.” She played it on a grand piano, as well as an electric guitar, giving a tour-de-force showcase for her various musical talents.
Bonnie Raitt
Blues, country, and folk icon Bonnie Raitt played a tribute to John Prine, who sat in attandance. She performed his song “Angel From Montgomery,” which she turned into a hit upon recording it herself in 1974.
Gary Clark Jr. and the Roots
Gary Clark Jr. took home three Grammys in the Rock category last night, and capped the accomplishment off with a fiery performance of his anti-racism barn burner “This Land.” He was joined onstage by the Roots.
“I Sing the Body Electric” Tribute to Ken Ehrlich
For the evening’s final performance, a who’s-who of artists appeared onstage to honor Grammys producer Kenneth Ehrlich, whose tenure ended with this year’s program. Camila Cabello, Cyndi Lauper, Ben Platt, Misty Copeland, and more came together to sing and dance to “I Sing the Body Electric,” from the soundtrack for the 1980 film Fame.