Top 10 Award Show Performances That Gave Us Chills

From her then-new album “Denim & Rhinestones,” Underwood treated CMT audiences to a magnetic performance of “Ghost Story,” an emotive song about haunting an old flame. Underwood is well-known for her versatile vocal range, which is on full display here, but it’s the intense emotion that she pours into every lyric that has our hairs standing on end. Just as we think this performance can’t get any better, enter the aerial artists. They elevate the fantastical, dreamlike vibe of the number without stealing attention from the singer. Underwood then takes us by surprise by quite literally taking her performance to another level. Few artists can hang out midair and still take their performances to new heights.

The Grammy stage often hosts poignant performances. In 2018, Kesha, alongside an ensemble of vocal powerhouses, moved us deeply with her song “Praying,” a powerful reflection on her personal Me Too experience. Then, in 2020, Demi Lovato made a valiant return with “Anyone,” a song she candidly reflected on as “a cry for help.” This marked her comeback to the live scene, and seeing Lovato pour her heart and soul into the number after all she’d been through made it even more impactful. Though Lovato briefly faltered at the beginning, she composed herself and delivered a heartfelt performance. As for the rest of us, the emotional impact hit so deep that we couldn’t hold back our tears throughout the entire song.

We gotta give props to Neil Patrick Harris’ 2013 Tony Awards opening! Our chills skyrocketed as the performance ramped up, leaving us awe-struck by the end. Yet, no one quite masters the art of giving us spine-tingles like the “Dreamgirls” cast, led by the incomparable Jennifer Holliday as Effie White. The cast starts with a touching rendition of “It’s All Over,” but Holliday steals the spotlight when she takes the stage solo for the powerhouse “And I Am Telling You.” Her vocals, fused with raw emotion from the core of her being, leave us breathless in sheer amazement and intensity. Watching her and another memorable Effie, Jennifer Hudson, come together at the 2007 BET Awards is also pure magic.

When it comes to music icons, Céline Dion takes the cake. Indeed, in 2016, Billboard also recognized that, bestowing upon her their “Icon Award.” Her rendition of Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” during that ceremony is absolutely extraordinary. The lyrics hit even harder, given she’d recently lost both her husband and brother. You can sense her deep connection to the lyrics and practically feel every emotion she pours into it. We also can’t overlook her show-stopping performance the following year, breathing new life into “My Heart Will Go On” for its 20th anniversary. It didn’t just bring the house down; it left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who watched it.

Few artists bring it at award shows quite like Beyoncé. Her “Run the World” performance at the 2011 BBMAs will go down in music history. Meanwhile, her pregnancy reveal at the VMAs that same year went viral in a flash. Just as we thought she couldn’t top either of those, she hit us with this powerful visual and musical spectacle. Pregnant with her twins at the time, the whole performance celebrates motherhood, womanhood, and identity. She redefined our expectations of award show showcases, creating a cinematic experience where her voice shines as brightly as the whole performance. Beyoncé runs in her own league. It’s hard to imagine anyone ever topping her innovative artistry on stage.

Prince, the ultimate legend, truly stands out in this performance that cements his timeless legacy. His voice has this incredible mix of soulful warmth, falsetto finesse, and rock-powered might, reaching celestial heights and delivering deep emotions with impressive control. Hearing him playing that guitar and hitting those flawless high notes is mesmerizing — every note holds you captive. Prince connects with the audience like no other, showing his genuine passion and unwavering authenticity. You can’t help but get chills as the extraordinary passion and commitment he puts into his craft radiates through every second. If you think watching it online gives you chills, imagine being in the room and witnessing it live— your chills have chills now, don’t they?

Pink never fails to bring her A-game to award shows, but at the 2010 Grammys, she took it to a whole new level. It’s not just a performance; it’s a masterpiece. Starting off in a stunning floor-length gown, she lets her vocals take the spotlight. However, the moment she reveals that bodysuit underneath, we know something spectacular is about to happen. Who else can seamlessly take flight, execute spinning circles, perform aerial tricks, and maintain absolute vocal mastery? It’s like she’s defying gravity with both her moves and her voice. Pink’s display of grace, artistry, and unparalleled talent during this showcase stands in a class of its own. Even thinking about it gives us goosebumps.

Lamar owned the 2016 Grammys with a performance that opened up about racial inequality and social issues. The visuals, loaded with symbols, amp up his passionate delivery and create a deep-seated performance that sends tingles throughout our bodies. It’s a raw, powerful experience that has stuck with us ever since and continues to stir feelings deep within us. His performance of “Freedom” alongside Beyoncé at the BET Awards carries a similar impact— like Lamar, Bey understands the power of her platform. Lamar has a natural talent for using something as unifying as music to spark much-needed conversations. Where better to spotlight such important issues than the wide-reaching Grammys stage?

When you sound like Whitney Houston, you really don’t need any glitz or theatrics – after all, “The Voice” would overshadow it all anyway. Whitney showcases her phenomenal range and unparalleled talent by simply singing her heart out into a microphone. Her sound is something else! So smooth yet hits so hard, it leaves us breathless. That distinct voice effortlessly captivates and astonishes, pulling us in and blowing our minds. We could play it a thousand times, and our goosebumps would give her a standing ovation every time. While Whitney has nothing to prove, her 1994 Grammy Awards performance is another testament to why she earned the nickname “The Voice” and why we will always love her.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Adele, “When We Were Young,” “36th BRIT Awards” (2016)
Adele Never Misses When It Comes to Moving Her Audience

Taylor Swift, “You Need to Calm Down” / “Lover,” “36th MTV Video Music Awards” (2019)
We Definitely Couldn’t Calm down after This Performance

“Hamilton” Cast, “History Has Its Eyes on You”/ “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)” “70th Tony Awards” (2016)
Made All the More Poignant by the Cast Choosing to Forgo Their Props in Light of the Orlando Nightclub Tragedy

Christina Aguilera, “Beautiful,” “46th Annual Grammy Awards” (2004)
Xtina’s Performance Is Beautifully Stirring

Mariah Carey, “I Still Believe,” “9th Billboard Music Awards” (1998)
We Still Believe This Performance Is Breathtaking

In the realm of showmanship, few can match the enchantment of Michael Jackson. Still, talent runs deep in the Jackson family genes. In 2009, Janet Jackson dazzled audiences at the AMAs with a mesmerizing medley of her greatest hits. Also, who could forget Michael's legendary 1995 VMAs performance? Yet, it's his soul-stirring rendition of “Man in the Mirror” at the 1988 Grammys that's etched in our minds. Jackson couldn't have an easier time captivating audiences with his one-of-a-kind voice and unique stage presence. His iconic moves and that backup choir make this a performance for the ages. The lingering chills from watching such unmatched artistry will stay with us forever.

Which award show performance left you with chills? Let us know in the comments.