Iconic Joni Mitchell to Make Grammy Performance Debut at 80
Joni Mitchell, the iconic singer behind classics like “Both Sides Now” and “Big Yellow Taxi,” is set to grace the Grammy Awards stage for the first time at the age of 80 on February 4.
Renowned for her remarkable contributions to music, Mitchell is nominated for the Best Folk Album category. Despite already boasting nine Grammy wins and a lifetime achievement award in 2002, this marks her debut live performance at the prestigious awards ceremony.
Mitchell's return to the stage comes after a challenging period. In 2015, she faced a near-fatal brain aneurysm, and it took years of effort for her to re-learn essential skills such as walking, talking, and playing the guitar.
The recent “Joni Jam” was a triumphant comeback, where she treated the audience to nearly three hours of music. The star-studded event featured appearances by notable admirers like Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford, and Brandi Carlile.
Back in 2002, during the Grammy Awards, Mitchell received a lifetime achievement award and was lauded as “one of the most important female recording artists of the rock era.” She was recognized as a “powerful influence on all artists who embrace diversity, imagination, and integrity.”
Despite her numerous accolades, Mitchell expressed in 2022 that she felt her music wasn't duly recognized in the 1970s due to industry sexism. In an interview with Sir Elton John, she shared how her music, perceived as “too intimate,” unsettled some male singer-songwriters of that era.
The upcoming Grammy Awards, the 66th edition, will feature performances by other musical luminaries such as Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Travis Scott, and Olivia Rodrigo. Leading the nominations is SZA with nine, followed by Victoria Monét with seven, and Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift each receiving six nominations.
Notably, Taylor Swift made history with her nomination for Song of the Year, becoming the first songwriter to secure seven nominations in this category—surpassing legends like Sir Paul McCartney and Lionel Richie, who both have six each.
In a unique twist, all the nominees in the top three categories are female, except for Jon Batiste. The star-studded event is set to take place in Los Angeles and will be hosted by the talented comedian Trevor Noah.
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