In a groundbreaking moment, music icon Joni Mitchell graced the stage at the 66th Grammy Awards, delivering her inaugural performance on the prestigious telecast with the timeless rendition of ‘Both Sides Now.’ Mitchell’s choice of the classic song held significant resonance as it marked her return to the Grammys stage 55 years after her first win in 1969 for the ‘Clouds’ album, featuring the same iconic track, as reported by Variety.
Mitchell’s performance unfolded in her signature “Joni Jam” style, seated on a throne with her trademark cane, joined by a stellar lineup of fellow musicians, including Brandi Carlile, Allison Russell, Jacob Collier, Lucius, Sista Strings, and Blake Mills. This format, adopted by Mitchell since her recovery from a 2015 brain aneurysm, showcased a rare yet powerful presence on stage.
Variety noted an emotional highlight at the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony, where Mitchell secured yet another Grammy for the Best Folk Album category with ‘Joni Mitchell at Newport (Live).’ Carlile, the recording’s producer, stood by Mitchell’s side during the win, marking the legendary artist’s 10th career Grammy.
Introducing Mitchell during the telecast, Carlile acknowledged her influence on the singer-songwriter genre, stating, “Whether we know it or not, any one of us out here who ever dreamed of becoming a truly self-revealing singer-songwriter did it standing on the shoulders of one Joni Mitchell.” Carlile praised Mitchell’s impact on the art of songwriting, emphasizing her role in redefining the purpose of a song to reflect the depth of one’s soul.
Reflecting on Mitchell’s legacy, Carlile likened her to a trailblazer, noting, “Before she took this leap, the popular song was observational… But the exhilarating risk that we all now take by turning ourselves inside out for all the world to see, started, as far as I can tell, with Joni Mitchell doing it first.” Drawing a vivid metaphor, Carlile described Mitchell as the “first person to strip down at a skinny dipping party” and praised her for taking that “awkward, terrifying leap” that paved the way for others.
The 65th annual Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrated the best recordings, compositions, and artists in the music industry.
