17 of the Most Memorable Grammy Moments

Talk about a fashion statement! Comedian and actor Steve Martin wore a completely unforgettable ensemble that, well, didn't involve pants. While presenting the award for the Best Pop Vocal Performance during the 21st Annual Grammy Awards, Martin was handed his dry-cleaned trousers on stage—setting the trend for bottomless appearances. Fortunately for him, his fashion statement is still trending. Earlier in 2017, Grammy-winning duo Twenty One Pilots accepted their award for Best Pop Duo/Group pantsless, keeping the weird—but very much humorous—fad alive.

After releasing Thriller in 1982, Michael Jackson set the record in 1984 for the most Grammy Awards earned, after winning 8 Grammys in one night. Jacko single-handedly moon-walked his way into Grammy history, while also giving us the performance of a lifetime a few years later in 1988, when he performed “The Way You Make Me Feel” and "Man In The Mirror"  live at the Grammys. Not only did the King of Pop give us a heartwarming performance, but he welcomed a choir to the stage to aid him in his efforts. No—we're not crying, you are.

Trust us—we didn't forget either. LeAnn Rhimes surprised us all in 1997 when she became the youngest star—with an unbelievable amount of grace, talent, and personality—to win not one, but TWO Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance. This moment in Grammy history was definitely one for the books. You go LeAnn!

We can always count on Jennifer Lopez to give us a show! The singer sashayed onto the red carpet of the 42nd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles with the most unforgettable dress in Grammy history. The infamous green silk-chiffon Versace number not only turned heads, but set the bar for J.Lo—giving herself, and her date (then known as Puff Daddy), a special place in red carpet history.

After a series of allegations were made surrounding Eminem and his stand on homosexuality, the rapper took to the Grammy stage hand-in-hand with Elton John (who wore a hell of an outfit, might we say) during his performance of his hit song, "Stan," in 2001. Eminem and Elton John have since gone on to become good friends, with Eminem buying Elton a diamond-encrusted sex toy to congratulate him on his marriage to David Furnish.

Who could forget the historic #sisterhood moment, when Pink, Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, and Mya performed their rendition of Lady Marmalade live at the Grammys in 2002? The Moulin Rouge-themed set, the fab ensembles they rocked—we loved every moment. To make this evening even more unforgettable, this crew took home the Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals. Did we forget to mention music legend Patti Labelle joined them on stage to finish off the performance? Gitchi Gitchi ya ya to you too, ladies!

As if watching the actual moment when Justin Timberlake accidentally tore Janet Jackson's top during their duet of "Rock Your Body" at the Super Bowl XXXVIII half-time show wasn't awkward enough, JT apologized publicity (again) during the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, making it extremely hard for anybody to forget about it. Although this was a bit painful to watch, it sure was memorable!

Late singer Amy Winehouse gave us one of the most memorable Grammy performances ever, especially given that it wasn't in person. The troubled songstress, although set to perform live weeks in advance, was unable to obtain a work visa due to her ongoing treatment for drug addiction. She ended up broadcasting her performance live from Great Britain, and won 5 awards during the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. The singer died in 2011 from alcohol intoxication, but her angelic voice and unparalleled talent will never be forgotten.

Although this is a memory we'd all like to forget—it might just be impossible. As most of us can recall, our favorite superstar couple at the time, Rihanna and Chris Brown, failed to attend the 51st Annual Grammy Awards after it was reported that the two were involved in a domestic violence incident following Clive Davis' annual Pre-Grammy party. Their absence at the show sparked many speculations, but the scandal came to a head the next day after full details of Ri's hospitalization due to extensive injuries were released. Yes—it's been years, but our hearts are still hurting.

While due to give birth the day of the Grammys, British rapper and songwriter M.I.A. and her baby still gave us a stellar performance, alongside the King of the South, T.I., Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, for their song "Swagger Like Us." According to M.I.A., the show must always go on.

In 2012, Nicki Minaj's alter ego, Roman, took the red carpet by surprise at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, wearing a rather questionable red hooded cloak, as well being accompanied by a man that looked shockingly—um, well—just like the Pope. Minaj's wardrobe has always been known to start conversations, but this one may have been a bit over the top. Her outfit may have been a miss for many of us, but it's safe to say it's one we'll never forget!

The year is 2014, and the disco duo Daft Punk is strangely dressed in futuristic helmets, complemented by Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane suits. They take home not one, but four Grammy Awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, as well as Best Dance/Electronica Album. These guys weren't to be reckoned with then, and they aren't to be reckoned with now!

We may have let this moment go, but Kanye surely hasn't! Kanye jokingly recited his "Imma Let You Finish" speech while Beck accepted his Grammy for Album of the Year at the 57th Grammy Awards. Just to refresh your memories, this is the same speech that sparked controversy between the rapper and singer Taylor Swift during the MTV VMAs in 2009. Maybe—just maybe—Kanye should leave this speech in the past for good.

An unforgettable performance indeed! Broadway crossed over to the Grammys in 2016, when the cast of the hit musical Hamilton gave us a historic (no pun intended!) show, and also gave thousands of viewers a taste of what it's really like to see the musical live on Broadway. Haven't seen Hamilton yet? Visit the official Broadway website for show times and ticket sales.

It's no secret that Lady Gaga is known for her outrageously interesting yet vaguely weird fashion sense (remember when she wore a dress made out of meat to the VMAs in 2010?). As a tribute to the late musician and fashion icon David Bowie, who is also known for his colorful and dramatic style, Gaga walked the red carpet dressed as the legend, and also performed a medley of Bowie's songs, such as "Space Oddity" and "Changes," to commemorate his death earlier in 2016. She sure nailed this one.

The news of Prince's untimely death earlier in 2017 was definitely shocking, and hard for us to accept. The legendary performer rocked the world with his voice, infectious dance moves, and flamboyant style, leaving a rich legacy behind. 32-year old singer Bruno Mars paid a beautiful tribute to the icon at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, reminding us all that Prince was truly one of a kind. Our hearts are still aching.

Our tear ducts couldn't get a break during the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. The highlight of the evening occurred when Adele and Queen Bey shared a moment as Adele accepted her award for Album of the Year, amidst accepting 4 other major awards that evening. The British singer dedicated her album, 25, to Beyoncé for her work on her personal album, Lemonade. As the tears rolled down Adele's face (and ours too!) Beyoncé in return mouthed "I love you," as she began to cry as well.