There’s really only one thing the 2020 Grammy Awards were about—the performances. With only a small handful of awards actually handed out during the live telecast, the show was made up of performances for the bulk of the three-and-a-half-hour routine.

Featuring a last-minute tribute to reflect on the sudden passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, the jam-packed show also saw plenty of other numbers which played out on stage. With all the artists bringing something different, these few performances were the ones that stood out.

Alicia Keys ft. Boyz II Men- “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday”

Hands down, one of the best performances of the night was this a capella tribute to Kobe Bryant. While one of the shortest and most somber, this number was, as Keys said during her opening, one “never in a million years did we think we’d have to start the show off like this,” and did the departed NBA all-star as much justice as the show could following his sudden passing.

Tyler, The Creator feat. Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men- “Earfquake”/ “New Magic Wand”​

The world is a chaotic place right now with wildfires ravaging Australia, the sudden passing of legends and so much more, and nothing captured all of that chaos more than this stunningly visual performance. Blazing buildings, uncontrollable lights and camerawork and more than two dozen clones, with some soothing respite by Boyz II Men before a literal mike drop off the stage and into the chaos below—if anything was going to reflect on the state of the world as we know it, it was this performance.

Lizzo- “Cuz I Love You”/ “Truth Hurts”

The star started the show off as the opening act and definitely gave it her own signature touch. First shouting out Bryant and dedicating her performance and the show to him, she then launched into great renditions of her two songs, which, of course, also featured her rocking her flute skills as well.

Camila Cabello- “First Man”

Slowing things down, Cabello’s performance of this song, which was complete with a home video on the background and finished with her going into the audience to serenade her father was beautifully done, and considering the day’s earlier events with the deaths of Bryant and his daughter, it felt more poignant than ever to see the bond between another father and daughter.

Billie Eilish- “When The Party’s Over”

Eilish might be best known for her fiery performances, but she decided to strip things way down here, simply showcasing the real reason she’s a star—her voice. Performing her ballad and giving somewhat equal billing to her brother, Finneas O’Connell, as she simply sat on a stool and belted out the number while he accompanied on piano, she reminded everyone she’s here to stay.

Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, BTS, Diplo, Mason Ramsey and Nas- “Old Town Road”/ “Rodeo”

If there was ever a performance featuring a more eclectic group (that will likely not perform together ever again)--it’s one that is a long distant memory. This performance was not only equal parts fun, basically giving us a bunch of the different versions of this oft-covered song, but revolving stages giving us a nice dose of each performer. The night had a pretty somber tone most of the night that was more toned down than previous years, but this gave us a healthy reminder of how music can unite almost anyone—even people from very different walks of life.

Demi Lovato- “Anyone”

Lovato’s big return to the stage following an overdose that nearly killed her in 2018 brought all the emotion of the night. As the singer herself became overwhelmed and was forced to start over because she was getting choked up, it became clear how much pain she was in as she wrote the song, which happened four days before she nearly lost her life. The entire performance was sheer emotion and pure power, and she took everyone watching on quite the journey as she sang.

Nipsey Hussle Tribute featuring Kirk Franklin, DJ Khaled, John Legend, Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch and YG

Of all the tributes tonight, this one was the one that seemed to work best. Everyone performed their best in a number that truly honored the deceased rapper, complete with a choir in white robes performing as well and Nipsey Hussle himself on the screens. The number finished with a beautiful tribute to both him and Bryant.

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