By Jessica Wedemeyer
2:00pm PST, Feb 17, 2024
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Tracy Chapman's first time on a stage in years. Billy Joel's first public performance of his first new single in nearly two decades. Joni Mitchell's debut as a Grammy Awards performer. Dueling tributes to Tina Turner. The 2024 Grammys on Feb. 4 had it all! While some performances were instantly iconic, not all of them hit the mark.
We're looking back at all 15 numbers that rocked the Grammys this year, from the worst to the best.
Keep clicking to count down to the top spot…
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No. 14: U2 — "Atomic City"
U2's prerecorded rendition of "Atomic City" from the Sphere in Las Vegas — where they're currently in the midst of a months-long residency — felt more like an advertisement for the new theater than a proper Grammy performance. Quick cuts and flashy wide shots ultimately distracted from the music — it certainly got us excited to check out the new venue, though!
MORE: The best and worst looks from the 2024 Grammys
No. 13: Stevie Wonder — "For Once in My Life" and "The Best Is Yet to Come" (In Memoriam)
It pains us to say it, but Stevie Wonder sounded a little pitchy while dueting with a recording of Tony Bennett during a portion of the "In Memoriam" segment honoring the late singer, who died at 96 in July 2023.
No. 12: Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs — "Fast Car"
Luke Combs scored a Grammy nomination for his cover of Tracy Chapman's 1988 hit "Fast Car," so it was nice to see him give the singer-songwriter — who's become somewhat reclusive in recent years — her flowers by sharing the stage with her on music's biggest night… even if their duet was ultimately forgettable. (Tracy, by the way, has only performed in public a handful of times since she concluded her last tour in 2009.)
No. 11: Olivia Rodrigo — "Vampire"
If the adage is "go big or go home," Olivia Rodrigo probably should've grabbed her car keys after performing such a tame rendition of her latest hit, "Vampire," during the 2024 Grammys. At one point early in the ultimately disappointing number, fake blood began trailing down the former Disney star's arm. She then smeared the red liquid across her chest and jawline, leaving behind red smudges that blended into the shadows. It wasn't the dramatic effect the singer-actress — who sounded great, at least — was probably expecting. Too bad she didn't go full Carrie!
No. 10: Billie Eilish and Finneas — "What Was I Made For?"
No surprises here! Billie Eilish whisper-sang her way through a flawless if rote rendition of "What Was I Made For?" — her hit single from the "Barbie" soundtrack — while accompanied by her brother and collaborator Finneas on piano during the 2024 Grammys. They sounded great, but there wasn't much to distinguish this performance from the "What Was I Made For?" music video — aside from Billie's ensemble: a replica of the limited edition 1965 Poodle Parade Barbie.
No. 9: Burna Boy, Brandy and 21 Savage — "On Form," "City Boys" and "Sittin' On Top of the World"
Burna Boy made history when he became the first Afro-fusion artist to perform at the Grammy Awards — and the Nigerian artist certainly did his genre proud! His medley of three of his latest tracks had it all: flawless choreography, beautiful costumes that honored his roots and perfect assists from collaborators Brandy and 21 Savage.
No. 8: Jon Batiste — "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean On Me" (In Memoriam)
Jon Batiste brought an unexpected and welcome boost of energy to the "In Memoriam" segment when he shifted from a cover of "Ain't No Sunshine" to a rendition of "Lean On Me" while backed by a choir filled with truly spectacular voices. "Stand up for the ones we lost — this is a celebration of life," he joyfully declared, bringing everyone in the audience to their feet.
No. 7: Billy Joel — "Turn the Lights Back On"
The Piano Man is back, baby! Just a few days after his first song in nearly two decades debuted online, Billy Joel took the stage at the Grammys to perform it live in public for the very first time. It was a special — if not flawless — moment. (The chart-topper also gets bonus points for performing again during the end credits: He played his 1980 hit "You May Be Right" as the Grammy Awards telecast came to a close.)
No. 6: Annie Lennox — "Nothing Compares 2 U" (In Memoriam)
There wasn't a dry eye in the house when Annie Lennox honored the late Sinead O'Connor — who died at 56 in July 2023 — with a stirring rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U" during the "In Memoriam" segment.
No. 5: Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile and more — "Both Sides, Now"
A legend finally made her big debut: Joni Mitchell performed at the Grammys for the very first time just a few months after celebrating her 80th birthday in November 2023. She recreated her iconic "Joni Jam" live show with friends including Brandi Carlile, SistaStrings, Blake Mills, Lucius, Allison Russell and Jacob Collie.
No. 4: Fantasia Barrino — "Proud Mary" (In Memoriam)
The voice! The choreography! The costume! Fantasia Barrino truly embodied Tina Turner while performing "Proud Mary" during a portion of the "In Memoriam" segment honoring the late Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, who died at 83 in May 2023. (It was a strong reminder that the "American Idol" alum is one of the most underrated artists in the business.) But there was another tribute to Tina that had everyone talking…
No. 3: Miley Cyrus — "Flowers"
Miley Cyrus absolutely crushed her choreography-heavy performance of her hit single "Flowers" — which served as a tribute to the late Tina Turner — without a single backup dancer. Instead, the former child star commanded the stage solo as she shimmied in a vintage Bob Mackie mini while maintaining her flawless gravely vocals.
No. 2: Dua Lipa — "Training Season" and "Houdini"
Cirque du Soleil would be proud! Dua Lipa elicited excited gasps from the audience when she climbed halfway up a giant cube that her backup dancers lifted and spun throughout her performance of "Training Season." But that was just the beginning of the uber-physical performance, which also saw Dua dancing up and down a rotating platform as she sang "Houdini" … all without missing a single note or step!
No. 1: SZA — "Snooze" and "Kill Bill"
There was a literal dumpster fire on stage as SZA kicked off her performance of "Snooze" while channeling Carmen Sandiego in a black leather trench coat and a wide-brim fedora. But then she kicked things up a notch, delivering an action-packed rendition of "Kill Bill" that featured samurai sword-wielding backup dancers and culminated in a martial arts showdown that saw her lifting a male swordsman by the neck and hurling him up into the air. It was the type of unforgettable number the Grammys are all about!
