10 Of The Most Unforgettable Moments From Black Stars At The Grammys

Black Grammy history!

With Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna among the list of highly anticipated performances, we’re expecting this year’s 58th Annual Grammy Awards to be nothing short of a very memorable event.

In celebration of the Grammy's, which will air on Monday, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite moments from black stars at the legendary award show.

Will Smith's Grammy Boycott
Before opting out of this year’s annual Academy Awards, Will Smith famously boycotted the 1989 Grammy Awards. Despite earning the first ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance, Smith and partner DJ Jazzy Jeff skipped the event when they learned the category wouldn’t be televised.
Lauryn Hill Making Grammy History
Lauryn Hill’s debut solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is often herald as a classic among music enthusiasts. In 1999, Hill became the first woman to receive the most nominations and awards in one night. After receiving her fifth and final award of the evening for Album of the Year, Hill told MTV News backstage the event was “a beautiful thing, I can’t even tell you. It’s like I’m still dreaming.”
Kanye West and Jamie Foxx's Performance Of "Gold Digger"
Kanye West and Jamie Foxx made it very clear that “she ain’t messin wit no broke…” during their 2006 performance of “Gold Digger,” which featured Florida A & M University's Marching 100 band. The pair’s memorable performance concluded with West transitioning into a performance of his hit single “Touch The Sky.”
Patti LaBelle Joins Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink and Lil' Kim for “Lady Marmalade”
Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink and Lil' Kim’s revamped version of “Lady Marmalade” received a classic touch during the 2002 award show when Patti LaBelle joined the ladies on stage. The legendary soul singer capped off the special performance by adding her vocals to her timeless hit, which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003.
Mary J. Blige's Amazing Performance Of "No More Drama"
Mary J. Blige is no stranger to giving fans their money’s worth when it comes to her live shows. Nothing short of those expectations, Blige delivered an amazing performance of “No More Drama” in 2002.
Jennifer Hudson's Riveting Whitney Houston Tribute
Whitney Houston’s untimely death in 2012 just hours before the 54th annual Grammy Awards prompted show producers to make last minute revisions. To honor Houston’s Legacy, Jennifer Hudson closed the show with an emotional rendition of "I Will Always Love You." After her performance, Hudson released a statement to Radar Online, “It was the greatest honor of my life to be able to be the one to pay tribute to Whitney’s memory. It was from my heart. I haven’t stopped crying since she passed. Her family is in my prayers.”
Usher And James Brown's Soulful Duet
Usher’s 2004 single “Caught Up” eventually led to the Atlanta-native catching up with his idol James Brown. The R&B heart throb had a chance to showcase some of his dance moves when Brown joined him on stage at the 2005 Grammy Awards for a performance of “Sex Machine.”
Aretha Franklin's Electrifying Performance Of "Respect"
The Queen of Soul commanded the attention -- and respect -- of Grammy viewers when she graced the stage in 1991 for her performance of “Respect,” in commemoration of Franklin’s prestigious Grammy Living Legend award.
Michael Jackson Won Eight Grammys In 1984
The legendary King of Pop became the king of the Grammys in 1984 when he received eight awards. Though M.J.’s record was matched in 2000 by Santana, Jackson still holds the record for most Grammy nominations in a single year with 12.
Beyoncé And Tina Turner 's Epic Duet
Following her memorable duet with Prince in 2004, Bey found herself “rolling” into an unforgettable performance with Tina Turner. The pair took the stage together to perform Turner’s classic hit, “Proud Mary.”

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot