Top 10 Grammy performances of all time

There have been countless memorable performances over the years at the Grammy Awards. In anticipation of the 55th Grammy Awards this year on February 10th, here is a look at ten of the top Grammy performances of all time.

10. Melissa Etheridge and Joss Stone- "Piece of My Heart" 2005
The 2005 Grammy Awards was Melissa Etheridge’s first public appearance since undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She stepped out on stage, bald from chemotherapy, and joined Joss Stone to pay homage to Janice Joplin by singing her hit, "Piece of My Heart." Etheridge and Stone’s voices blended well together, and they gave a noteworthy performance.

9. Christina Aguilera- "It’s a Man's Man's Man's World" 2007
In 2007, Christina Aguilera performed "It’s a Man's Man's Man's World," to honor the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Some were skeptical about Aguilera’s ability to do justice to the song, however, when she took the stage, she managed to embody the soulful presence of Brown. Aguilera’s performance received rave reviews, as she commanded the stage and proved once again her versatility, and that she is one of the best vocalists of all time.

8. Beyonce and Tina Turner- "Proud Mary" 2008
At the 2008 Grammy Awards, Beyonce teamed up with Tina Turner to sing "Proud Mary." Turner, 68 at the time, proved that she still can hold her own on stage. The powerhouse duo brought the audience to their feet as they gave an outstanding performance.

Tina Turner & Beyonce - Live [2008] - Proud Mary by Schutzengerl1205

7. Paul McCartney with Bruce Springsteen and Dave Grohl- "Abbey Road Medley" 2012
The 2012 Grammy’s ended with a memorable performance by Paul McCartney, who was later joined on stage by Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, and Joe Walsh to perform the Abbey Road medley. All of the guitarists performed solos, just as McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison did on the original track that was recorded in 1969. No elaborate staging was needed to make this performance great.

6. Janet Jackson- "What Have You Done For Me Lately" 1987
In 1987, Janet Jackson gave one of her most memorable performances when she sang "What Have You Done For Me Lately," at the Grammy Awards. Stepping out of her brother’s shadow, Janet demonstrated her own talent and abilities.

5. Mary J. Blige- "No More Drama" 2002
Mary J. Blige took things to a new level at the 2002 Grammys when she gave a powerful and emotional performance of her song "No More Drama." Blige was alone on stage with just her voice, deciding not to go with any elaborate theatrics.

4. Christina Aguilera, P!nk, Lil’ Kim, Mya, Patti Labelle, Missy Elliot. – "Lady Marmalade," 2002
Christina Aguilera, P!nk, Lil Kim, Mya, Patti Labelle, and Missy Elliot took the stage at the 44th Grammy Awards to perform their version of "Lady Marmalade" from the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack. Aguilera, P!nk, Lil’ Kim, and Mya, gave a powerhouse performance, and were then joined by producer Missy Elliot, and the legendary Patti Labelle, who originally recorded the song with her group. Full of energy and outstanding vocals, the performance was entertaining and memorable. The song won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

3. Eminem and Elton John- "Stan" 2001
Eminem is often criticized for homophobic lyrics in his songs, but at the 2001 Grammy Awards, he took the stage with Elton John, one of the most prominent gay activists. This bizarre pairing wasn’t received well by everyone, some feeling that Elton, should not take the stage with Eminem. Nevertheless, they put on an unforgettable performance of Eminem’s song, "Stan." Off the stage, the two remain good friends. Elton has mentored Eminem while he was fighting a substance abuse addiction.

2. P!nk- "Glitter In The Air" 2010
At the 2010 Grammys, P!nk gave a high flying performance of "Glitter In The Air," that left many in awe. The amazing acrobatic performance gracefully lifted P!nk high above the audience, where she delivered a show-stopping performance, making it clear that she is a strong, and at times underrated, performer and vocalist.

1. Michael Jackson- "The Way You Make Me Feel"/"Man In the Mirror" 1988
Michael Jackson started of his performance with "The Way You Make Me Feel" along with back-up dancers and his signature dance moves. The King of Pop then stripped things down and gave a moving performance of "Man In the Mirror." He started out on stage alone, and was then accompanied by a choir. This performance is rightfully remembered to be one of the best in Grammy history.