The 2015 Grammys were very odd, filled with numerous duos, an overpowering number of ballads, and for the most part simple production. Out of the three hour event we numbered our favorite performances down to a mere seven. But we want to know what you thought as well! Tweet us (@highlightzine) or comment below with your favorites!
1. Ed Sheeran + John Mayer + ELO
We couldn’t just pick one of Ed Sheeran’s performances. He began his stint playing his current single “Thinking Out Loud” wearing his usual white button down, vest, and black tie. But the performance was made even better when John Mayer performed backup vocals and lead guitar which gave the song that edge Mayer is so well known for. But we also can’t forget to give credit to the amazing Questlove on drums and Herbie Hancock on keys for a brilliant performance all around.
But the Sheeran parade didn’t stop there. As ELO’s Jeff Lynne picked up after “Thinking Out Loud” with “Evil Woman” (and we loved Paul McCartney rocking out around 00:45) Sheeran came back in to join him for their song “Mr. Blue Sky”. According to Billboard, this performance was the most Shazamed moment of the night! It had stars like Taylor Swift, Nicole Kidman, and Beyonce out of their seats dancing, and us doing the same back at home as well. It was probably the most happy performance of the night.
2. Tony Bennett + Lady Gaga
When we got wind of a Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett album last year we were thrilled, and last night we got to see it come to life. Gaga hasn’t always been awarded for her talent and far-out crazy performances, but last night stripping it back to the basics with Bennett himself for their cover of “Cheek To Cheek”, they proved that true music still has a place in this world, and they work so well and look so elegant doing it together. We hope other artists fall into this trend.
3. Sam Smith + Mary J Blige
Sam Smith almost completely swept the Grammy’s last night, winning all but one award he was nominated for. When it was his time to perform his Grammy winning song “Stay With Me” ft Mary J Blige, we made sure we had the tissues ready. As if Smith didn’t have enough credit already, he secured it with the rest of the world who didn’t believe in him before. Plus, we love anything and everything Mary J Blige is apart of. These two were simply perfection and hope they keep making music together for years to come.
Sam Smith almost completely swept the Grammy’s last night, winning all but one award he was nominated for. When it was his time to perform his Grammy winning song “Stay With Me” ft Mary J Blige, we made sure we had the tissues ready. As if Smith didn’t have enough credit already, he secured it with the rest of the world who didn’t believe in him before. Plus, we love anything and everything Mary J Blige is apart of. These two were simply perfection and hope they keep making music together for years to come.
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4. Annie Lennox + Hozier
Hozier has become a fan favorite over the past 6 months with his powerful single “Take Me To Church” which despite the name, is not about Hozier wanting someone to take him to church. But last night at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards Annie Lennox and Hozier performed a stunning rendition of “Take Me To Church” fading right into a 1956 classic “I Put A Spell On You” (written by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins) which brought down the house and reminded the world that Lennox can f*cking sing!
5. Beyonce
After the upset of not being awarded Album of the Year (awarded to Beck), Beyonce took the stage to perform “Take My Hand Oh Precious Lord”. Like Perry, Beyonce’s production was simple which put all of the viewers focus on her talent and vocals, if you weren’t already paying attention to them. With this performance she showed everyone that she doesn’t need a mini statue to prove she has worked hard to where she’s gotten, it was evident in this performance that she knows she’s Queen Bey.
6. Paul McCartney + Rihanna + Kanye West
This performance was a hit or miss for some people, but we loved it! Rihanna took the stage with one of the fiercest looks we have ever seen her give, and she soaked up all of the power and focused it to her vocals which were crystal clear and jaw dropping. We also give props to Kanye for singing. It has to be nerve racking and hard to do if you’re solely known for being a rapper and honestly it could have been worse, but he did a great job. As we wish Paul McCartney’s mic was turned up louder, it’s so amazing to see that he is still fully rocking out and has the ability to continue to collaborate with other current pop culture icons.
7. Katy Perry
There’s a reason why Katy Perry played the Superbowl this year, and it wasn’t to give #leftshark the chance to become an instantly famous meme. Perry performed her song “By The Grace Of God” taken from her most recent album Prisim. Unlike what viewers may be used to in a Perry performance, the powerful ballad was accompanied by a very simple production with shadow dancers and light smoke, putting all of the focus on Perry’s amazing vocals.
Words: Jenn Stookey
