Who was responsible for the most memorable performances of the 2016 Grammys?

Last night (February 15) was the biggest night in music, as we honored the most impressive feats of 2015 at the Grammys. Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar, and many others received awards for their excellent contributions to the world of music, but more importantly hoards of talented musicians took to the stage for performances. This year’s Grammys was filled with powerful duets, touching tributes, and general musical excellence! Check out the ten best moments below!

Honorable Mention: “Love Yourself” and “Where Are U Now” – Justin Bieber, Diplo, Skrillex

Although a little pitchy in spots, Justin Bieber and Jack U’s performances on “Love Yourself” and “Where Are U Now” deserve mention, as the music helped reshape the music world upon its release in 2015. The trio delivered a memorable performance that will live on.

10. “The Thrill Is Gone” – Chris Stapleton, Gary Clark Jr., Bonnie Raitt

Rising country talent Chris Stapleton teamed up with the iconic Gary Clark Jr. and Bonnie Raitt for an impressive tribute to B.B. King. The threesome wielded guitars and performed with the backing of a full band. Bonnie Raitt’s vocals were particularly powerful, especially after she opened the performance with an impassioned tribute to the legendary blues performer. Without any of the bells and whistles of a modern pop performance, Raitt, Stapleton, and Clark delivered one of the most memorable performances of the 2016 Grammys!

9. “Out Of The Woods” – Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Out Of The Woods (Grammys 2016) by angelto_23

Dressed to impress in a bedazzled bodysuit and a less fortunate Anna Wintour-inspired bob, Taylor Swift opened the 2016 Grammys with a rousing performance of current single “Out Of The Woods.” The anthemic track showcased Swift’s pristine pop sensibilities, and the 1989 songstress put on a whimsical performance strutting across a stage of glittering trees. Vocally the performance left a little to be desired, but Taylor Swift has managed to deliver a compelling performance nonetheless.

8. “Take Your Time” and “Heartbeat” – Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt

The 2016 Grammys was an evening of collaborative performers, and Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt took the stage for the first of the evening. Sam Hunt’s vocals were particularly powerful, and he was totally at ease next to the country superstar. It was also nice to see the perpetually glamorous Carrie Underwood a little stripped back in her frothy white dress next to Hunt’s white tee. Performing an innovative medley of their hits, Hunt and Underwood were easily one of the best pairings to rise from the evening. While we’re singing their praises, can we request that the twosome record a studio version of this performance? “Heartbeat” and “Take Your Time” blend exceptionally well, and we’d listen to this on repeat!

7. “Don’t Wanna Fight” – Alabama Shakes

2016 was a solid year for the Alabama Shakes at the Grammys! Not only did the group take home three of four awards that they were nominated for, but they also served one of the best performances. Performing their Grammy Award Wining single “Don’t Wanna Fight,” lead singer Brittany Howard’s vocals were exceptional and filled with emotion as they growled across the soundscape.

6. “Rise Up” and “Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding and Andra Day

Andra Day & Ellie Goulding – Rise Up _ Love Me… by mousic501

Rising California born soul songstress Andra Day paired up with the ethereal UK siren Ellie Goulding for yet another memorable duet at the 2016 Grammys. Andra Day opened the performance with a powerful rendition of her single “Rise Up” before welcoming her new friend to the stage. Goulding broke into a stripped back production of her nominated single “Love Me Like You Do,” her wispy vocals rising triumphantly over the instrumental track. Day and Goulding’s vocals blended well, with Day’s soulful depth preferably complimenting Goulding’s lighter tones. The entire performance was simply triumphant and uplifting.

5. “Alexander Hamilton” – The Cast of Hamilton

The cast of Hamilton broadcast a performance of the opening number of their critically acclaimed musical during the 2016 Grammys, and it became rapidly evident why the show has been so well received. Performing from their home stage enabled the cast to deliver a truly impressive moment during the show complete with incredible staging, a horde of backup dancers, and amazing vocal performances from the leads.

4. “All I Ask” – Adele

Adele – All I Ask @ Live at The Grammys 2016 (HD) by laLigaBBVA

Nothing, not even a dropped piano microphone, could stop Adele from delivering one of the most solid performances of the 2016 Grammys. Following an introduction from Bruno Mars Adele took the stage to perform their co-written track “All I Ask.” Dressed in a stunning burgundy gown Adele’s performance was plagued with some sound issues, but her voice still soared triumphantly and pulled the performance through.

3. “Hollow” and “Let It Go” – Tori Kelly and James Bay

Best New Artist nominees Tori Kelly and James Bay performed a medley of their current singles to great success. The twosome performed acoustically with the backing of their own guitars, and the result was hauntingly beautiful. Although the twosome failed to nab the Best New Artist nod, they managed to put on one of the most remarkable performances of the 2016 Grammys.

2. David Bowie Tribute – Lady Gaga

One of the most anticipated moments of the 2016 Grammys was Lady Gaga’s tribute to the late David Bowie, and Gaga more than lived up to expectations during her Intel-assisted tribute. The “Just Dance” songstress performed a medley of Bowie’s most enduring hits with the backing of a full band and backup dancers, and she put all of her energy into the impressive performance. Playing on a moving piano, incorporating some of Bowie’s fashion statements, and serving consistently incredible vocals Lady Gaga was a shining moment during last night’s Grammys. No other artist would have been able to convey David Bowie’s incredible accomplishments with as much power and passion, and we imagine that David Bowie was looking down on the tribute with a smile.

1. “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright” – Kendrick Lamar

After receiving the first televised award of the evening for his critically acclaimed To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar went on to absolutely steal the 2016 Grammys. The prolific rapper won six awards over the course of the ceremony, and his electrifying performance of “The Blacker The Berry” and “Alright” certified his status as the star of the evening. Transforming the stage into a jail, Lamar delivered an impassioned verse with the backing of a saxophone. Backup dancers ripped off their prison garb as the lights let off sparks, revealing bright costumes underneath, and Lamar transitioned into “Alright,” which he performed in front of a blazing fire. The performance was politically charged and hugely powerful. Kendrick Lamar stole the show, and he conveys all that should be valued on the biggest and best night in music!

Who was responsible for your favorite performance at the 2016 Grammys? Let us know below!