The Grammy Awards: 7 Jaw-Dropping Moments To Remember

Before you watch the 2021 Grammy Awards on Monday, reminisce seven of the most shocking Grammy Awards moments of all time

The music industry is filled with talented artists, be it legends or rising performers. And every year, we get to acknowledge some of the most prominent acts with the help of music critics at annual events like the Grammy Awards. But apart from the Grammys being a place of recognition, it can also be a place of many unforgettable moments that remain iconic to this day.

1. Jennifer Hudson's Tribute Hours After Whitney Houston's Passing

Paying tribute to the late Whitney Houston, a legend in the music industry who passed just hours before the 2012 Grammy Awards, is a challenging thing to do. But the Grammys spared no effort in reconstructing the whole show and inviting Jennifer Hudson to perform a tribute for Houston. There, she sang a moving rendition of "I Will Always Love You", giving the song a whole new meaning for all the artists. Hudson even adlibbed the last line that left everyone teary-eyed.

2. Kanye West Interrupting Speeches

Above View of the crowd as Beck walks up on-stage and Kanye West attempting to interrupt his moment.

Apparently, it's impossible for people not to start a debate after the Grammys. But Kanye West couldn't wait until after the show to express his opinion. When American musician Beck won the Album of the Year in 2015 and beat Beyoncé, Kanye was quick to walk up on stage. But just as the rapper approached the microphone, he swiftly changed his mind and made his exit. He got a mix of reaction from the crowd including a wide-eyed Jay-Z.

Years before this moment, Kanye West had also interrupted a 19-year-old Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech at the MTV VMAs.

3. Michelle Obama, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, JLo, and Jada Pinkett Smith In One Frame

Above Alicia Keys asks her "sisters" Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, JLo, and Jada Pinkett Smith to join the stage at the Grammys.

In 2019, joining 15-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys onstage were dazzling women of power and passion including former first lady Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, JLo, and Jada Pinkett Smith. These ladies shared how music changed their life as a loud and exultant crowd cheered them on.

4. Frank Sinatra Got Cut Off And Billy Joel Had The Perfect Response

Above Photo: YouTube

Frank Sinatra received the Grammy Legend Award at the 36th Grammy Awards as the audience gave him a long round of applause. Of course, this award required an iconic speech from the singer. However, Sinatra's speech got cut off for CBS to squeeze in a paid commercial break. Much later during Billy Joel's performance of his hit song "The River of Dreams", the pianist took the opportunity to call out the Grammys during one of several built-in pauses of his song. Before the final chorus, Joel took a long pause while looking at his watch.

5. Pink Performed Acrobatics While Singing

At the 2014 Grammy Awards, Pink gracefully twirled without a harness above the crowd while singing "Try". Afterwards, descends to the stage to continue her cirque du soleil, right before she shared the stage with F.U.N.'s Nate Reuss to belt out powerful vocals for "Just Give Me A Reason".

6. BTS Becomes First Kpop Group To Grace The Grammys

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: BTS arrives at the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)

Above LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - 10 FEBRUARY: BTS arrives at the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on 10 February 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Steve Granitz / Getty Images)

History was made once more when BTS was nominated for the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2019. This makes them the first Kpop group to grace the Grammys and join the stage with Lil Nas X to perform "Old Town Road".

7. Twenty-One Pilots Accepted Their Award In Their Underwear

When Twenty-One Pilots won the Best Pop Duo/Group Award at the 59th Grammy Awards, the duo stepped to the aisle and removed their pants. Seemingly distasteful, this act turned out to have a sentimental and moving backstory. While watching the Grammy Awards in their underwear, long before they entered the music industry, Josh turned to Tyler and said, "If we ever win a Grammy, we should receive it just like this". Inspiring other artists to never stop dreaming, Tyler and Josh humbly received the award while the crowd applauded.

Tatler Asia