Joni Mitchell Makes Grammys Debut At 80 With Powerful Performance
Joni Mitchell's first-ever Grammys performance was one of the most epic moments from Sunday's ceremony — and one of its most subdued.
The 80-year-old performer was introduced with an incredible speech from Brandi Carlile, who encouraged everyone to celebrate "the matriarch of imagination, a true renaissance woman," and to cherish the fact that we even live in the time of this icon. Seated on a throne befitting a musical queen, Mitchell delivered an incredibly moving performance.
Watch footage of Mitchell's Grammys debut below, which we'll replace with an official video if/when it becomes available:
Joni Mitchell performs at the 2024 #GrammyAwards pic.twitter.com/reHS0khwGg
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 5, 2024
Nominated for Best Folk Album at this year's ceremony, Mitchell has taken home 10 Grammys throughout her career, beginning with Best Folk Performance for Clouds in 1969. Notable wins also include Best Pop Album for Turbulent Indigo in 1995, Album of the Year for River: The Joni Letters in 2008 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.
When presenting that achievement award, the Recording Academy described Mitchell as "one of the most important female recording artists of the rock era" and "a powerful influence on all artists who embrace diversity, imagination and integrity."
And this was just one of the evening's highly anticipated performances. This year's list of Grammy performers also included Billie Eilish, Billy Joel, Burna Boy, 21 Savage, Brandy , Dua Lipa, Luke Combs, Tracy Chapman, Miley Cyrus, Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Wendy & Lisa, Fantasia, Jon Batiste, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA, Travis Scott and U2.
Hit PLAY on the video above to watch this epic Grammys team-up, then grade the performance in our poll below and drop a comment with your full review.