The Grammys are quickly approaching this weekend, and once again, we’re looking forward to seeing some of our favorite artists sing their hits and collaborate on beloved classics. We’re especially looking forward to performances from queer artists.
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.
This year, Lil Nas X, The Brothers Osborne, and Brandi Carlile are performing. Will one of them be the next legendary gay performance at the Grammys? Tune in this Sunday, April 3 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on CBS to find out.
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You can’t beat the originals. Little Richard showed why he’s one of the greatest legends of rock n 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.
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. When she sings the entire room is enraptured. Whitney had multiple iconic Grammy performances, but this one takes the cake.
Long before he came out, Latin superstar Ricky Martin wowed the audience with this fiery and fun performance of “Cup of Life” that helped introduce Latin music to a mainstream audience.
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.
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.
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.
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 and Ryan Lewis performed their Ally Anthem “Same Love” with queer singer Mary Lambert while Queen Latifah officiated 33 gay marriages. 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’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.
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 Monae made all of us feel in this futuristic and 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!!!
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.
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.
