All of the 2022 Grammy Performances Ranked

With the Sunday (April 3) telecast of the sixty fourth annual Grammy Awards again to regular after two years of the worldwide pandemic, the performances took it up a notch in celebration of (in particular person) togetherness.

From Olivia Rodrigo‘s suburban ode to the tune that launched her into superstardom to BTS‘ James Bond-inspired “Butter” efficiency, the Grammys — held this 12 months on the MGM Grand Backyard Area in Las Vegas — didn’t disappoint. And whereas evaluating them was almost unimaginable, right here’s how we rank the 16 performances from the night, from worst to finest.

16. Justin Bieber, Giveon & Daniel Caesar, “Peaches”

Whereas “Peaches” was one of many largest songs of 2021 due to its undeniably catchy refrain, Bieber’s choice to open the tune as a piano ballad and ship lyrics reminiscent of “I took my chick as much as the North, yeah, bada– b—-” as a stripped again second felt extra foolish than emotional.

15. Carrie Underwood, “Ghost Story”

Whereas Underwood’s premiere efficiency of “Ghost Story” had all of the ambiance to be epic — from the beautiful purple robe and wind machine to the heartbreaking lyrics — the emotion felt a bit absent.

14. Silk Sonic, “777”

Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak kicked off the Grammys on a becoming observe with their fortunate ode to Las Vegas, “777.” And whereas the Elvis Presley-esque costumes and full horn band introduced the vitality, it was disappointing to not see the duo carry out “Depart the Door Open” earlier than it received tune of the 12 months — however they premiered the tune eventually 12 months’s Grammys, in March 2021, so that they had already been there, performed that.

13. Girl Gaga, “Love for Sale,” “Do I Love You”

Gaga’s previous Hollywood tribute to her musical collaborator Tony Bennett soared on account of her unquestionably flawless vocal skills, however Bennett’s presence was sorely missed.

12. Brothers Osborne, “Useless Man’s Curve”

Whereas Brothers Osborne’s passionate efficiency of “Useless Man’s Curve” was a enjoyable strategy to wrap up the Grammys, host Trevor Noah working up onstage after to wrap up the present took away from the duo’s massive Grammys second. Fortunately, Brothers Osborne walked residence with the Grammy for finest nation/duo group efficiency.

11. Ben Platt, Leslie Odom Jr., Cynthia Erivo & Rachel Zegler, In Memoriam Tribute

Broadway’s finest got here collectively to mourn these we misplaced over the previous 12 months, whereas additionally paying tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim, who died on the age of 91 final November. The highly effective quartet got here collectively to sing “Someplace” from West Aspect Story to wrap up the efficiency, showcasing their particular person abilities on a poignant stage.

10. Nas, “I Can,” “One Mic,” “Uncommon” and “Made You Look”

Nas’ medley of career-spanning hits kicked off with a teen portraying a youthful model of himself, including a heartwarming tone to an already inspiring efficiency.

9. J Balvin, “Qué Más Pues?” and “In Da Getto”

Speak about top-tier stage manufacturing. J Balvin’s flawlessly intimate “Qué Más Pues?” duet with Maria Becerra rapidly changed into a a futuristic Sin Metropolis nightclub, as Balvin joined rows of synchronized dancers for a visually interesting efficiency of “In Da Getto.”

8. Chris Stapleton, “Chilly”

Stapleton’s heartbreaking vocals backed by an orchestra for “Chilly,” full with a guitar solo, was greater than sufficient to present us chills.

7. Jon Batiste, “Freedom”

Batiste’s mind-blowing piano musings and vocal runs, blended with a fab, colourful stage filled with dancers dressed like fashionable Dr. Seuss characters felt like a futuristic dream sequence and trippy dance celebration in one of the simplest ways.

6. Olivia Rodrigo, “Drivers License”

Rodrigo made an ideal option to preserve her efficiency of “Drivers License” simple, beginning off, after all, within the driver’s seat of a automotive earlier than she belted the tune whereas sauntering round a stage reworked right into a suburban avenue. The efficiency’s simplicity allowed the tune’s relatable emotion to shine by means of, reminding viewers that the perfect new artist winner deserved all the popularity she bought.

5. Brandi Carlile, “Proper On Time”

We wanted nothing greater than Brandi Carlile in a mirrorball-decorated go well with, performing “Proper On Time” on a grand piano, to be impressed by her wildly highly effective vocals. She grabbed her guitar and joined her band to finish an general strong efficiency.

4. Billie Eilish, “Happier Than Ever”

Carrying a T-shirt honoring late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, Eilish delivered a few of her finest vocals but as she carried out her sophomore album’s title monitor alongside her brother Finneas, with each of them laughing and looking out like they have been having an absolute blast.

3. Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, “Useless Proper Now,” “Montero” & “Business Child” 

Depart it to Lil Nas X to deliver the choreography, creativity and sexiness to the Grammy stage. The medley of his Montero hits felt like futuristic journey by means of the star’s success, from making headlines along with his mischievous music movies to turning into a full blown “Business Child” with a “couple racks, couple Grammys on him.”

2. John Legend, “Free”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy launched the stirring efficiency by urging everybody watching to assist Ukraine nevertheless they will. “The warfare — what’s extra reverse to music? The silence of ruined cities and killed folks,” he mentioned in his impassioned speech. “We defend our freedom. To dwell. To like. To sound. On our land, we’re combating Russia, which brings horrible silence with its bombs — the useless silence. Fill the silence together with your music.”

Legend, who carried out “Free” on piano, was joined by quite a few Ukrainian artists together with Siuzanna Iglidan, Mika Newton and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk, who fled Ukraine “simply days in the past.” Whereas the efficiency known as consideration to the mindless struggling in Ukraine, it portrayed how unifying music may be.

1. BTS, “Butter”

Easy like butter, certainly. The Grammy-nominated septet took their “felony undercover” lyrics to a complete new stage with their 007-inspired efficiency of their Billboard Sizzling 100-topping monitor. Jin, Jimin, V, RM, J-Hope, Suga and Jungkook dodged neon-blue lasers throughout a glossy choreography sequence and reworked the entire Grammys stage right into a undercover agent headquarters, proving that their creativity is equally as spectacular as their musical expertise.

Additionally that flirty second with between V and Olivia Rodrigo? Let’s hope he whispered a proposal for a future duet in her ear.