Get ready for the Grammys with these great performances!
One of the best reasons to tune into the Grammys every year is to watch what amazing performances and surprising musical team-ups the show has to offer.
Whether it's Grammy nominees performing their hit songs, two wildly different artists coming together for a creative collaboration, or an artist paying tribute to a great, the Grammys are known for explosive performances you can't see anywhere else.
Throughout the Grammys history, the show has had legendary performances by LGBTQ+ artists. After all, you can't have music without queers. Some of the most memorable Grammy performances of all time have come from gay, bisexual, and lesbian artists.
Check out these iconic performances from the Grammys throughout the years!
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Little Richard and Chuck Berry at the 16th Grammy Awards
You can't beat the originals. Little Richard showed why he's one of the greatest legends of rock and roll in this early Grammys performance from 1974. Not even a bad mic could stop Little Richard from killing some of his best songs along with fellow legend Chuck Berry.
Whitney Houston at the 36th Grammy Awards
Whitney Houston is the GOAT. Is there anything better in the world than seeing Whitney Houston sing "I Will Always Love You?" As always, she brought down the house on music's biggest night. When she sings, the entire room is enraptured. Whitney had multiple iconic Grammy performances, but this one takes the cake.
Ricky Martin at the 41st Grammy Awards
Long before he came out, Latin superstar Ricky Martin wowed the audience with this fiery, fun performance of "Cup of Life," which helped introduce Latin music to a mainstream audience.
Eminem and Elton John Perform at the 43rd Grammy Awards
Eminem helped end homophobia in 2001 when he performed his song "Stan" at the Grammys with iconic gay singer Elton John stepping in for the hook. Even though the song is technically about a deranged and obsessive fan with a gay crush on Eminem who murders his girlfriend, it was an overall positive for gay representation.
Green Day at the 47th Grammy Awards
Bisexual icon Billie Joe Armstrong sent a strong message with his band when they performed their protest song "American Idiot" in the middle of the Bush presidency.
Melissa Etheridge at the 47th Grammy Awards
Fresh off undergoing chemotherapy for a cancer diagnosis, Melissa Etheridge and Joss Stone gave this electric tribute to Janis Joplin. Looking truly great with her bald head, Etheridge showed everyone else in the building how to be a real rock star.
Lady Gaga at the 53rd Grammy Awards
Of course, we couldn't have this list without Lady Gaga. As if being carried onto stage in a giant egg wasn't enough, Gaga gave another one of her signature iconic performances, singing her anthem of self-love, "Born This Way" in 2011.
Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Mary Lambert, Queen Latifah, and Madonna at the 56th Grammy Awards
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performed their Ally Anthem "Same Love" with queer singer Mary Lambert while Queen Latifah officiated 33 marriages, including some gay ones. When Madonna joined the performance at the end, it made it even better. It wasn't just a good performance, but a strong message about marriage equality back in 2014.
Kesha at the 60th Grammy Awards
Kesha's big comeback was capped off when she performed her powerful song of redemption, "Praying," at the 2018 Grammys. Singing a song about surviving abuse from producer Dr. Luke, Kesha showed her strength and skill, slaying this performance.
Elton John and Miley Cyrus at the 60th Grammys
One gay icon to another, Miley Cyrus joined the original legend Elton John at the 60th Grammys in 2018 to sing the classic Elton hit "Tiny Dancer." When these two come together, it's pure magic, and we always want more.
Janelle Monáe at the 61st Grammys
Janelle Monáe made all of us feel with this futuristic, stunning performance of her hit song "Make Me Feel" at the 61st Grammys. Now this is a celebration of sapphic love and joy. Janelle knows how to work that stage!
Brandi Carlile at the 61st Grammy Awards
Carlile performed her beautiful ballad "The Joke" at the 2019 Grammys, using her powerful voice to remind viewers why she's one of the best singers around today. It's a simple performance, but one that leaves a lasting impression.
St. Vincent and Dua Lipa at the 61st Grammys
The sexual tension was palpable between these two women when they performed "Masseduction/One Kiss" together at the 2019 Grammys. Dua Lipa slowly walked up behind St. Vincent, before resting a hand on her shoulder and singing close. We're okay with a little queerbaiting (as far as we know, Dua isn't queer) as long as it looks this good.
Tyler, the Creator at the 62nd Grammys
Rapper Tyler, the Creator brought out Boyz II Men and Charlie Wilson to help him perform the songs "Earfquake" and "New Magic Wand" off his album Igor, which picked up the award for Best Rap Album that night.
Miley Cyrus at the 66th Grammys
Fresh off winning her first-ever Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance for "Flowers," Cyrus sang the song at the Grammys, famously improvising a line about winning her first Grammy. The song also won Record of the Year that night.
Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs at the 66th Grammys
In 2023, Luke Combs had a megahit with his country cover of Tracy Chapman's classic song "Fast Car," and at the 66th Grammys in February 2024, the pair teamed up for a beautiful duet.
Chappell Roan at the 67th Grammys
Best New Artist winner Chappell Roan performed her tribute to West Hollywood's iconic gay bar The Abbey as part of her "love letter to L.A." following the devastating wildfires at the beginning of 2025. She was surrounded by queer rodeo clowns and brought the house down.
Doechii at the 67th Grammys
After becoming just the third woman to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album (after Lauryn Hill and Cardi B) for her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, queer rapper Doechii electrified the stage by performing her songs "Catfish" and "Denial is a River" while wearing a jock strap.
