The 8 Most Controversial Moments in Grammy History
Since it began in 1959, the Grammy Awards has made headlines for its controversy, both on and off the stage. From outfits that broke the Internet to artists angering the Catholic Church, music's biggest night has never been short of show-stopping.
The 2023 Grammys are nearly here, finally airing tonight at 8 p.m. EST, and if the past Grammys have taught us anything, it's that anything can happen. To prepare for the event, L'OFFICIEL rounds up some of the wildest moments in Grammy history.
When Milli Vanilli had to return their Grammy
The musical duo were a sensation in the '80s and '90s – until everyone found out they didn’t sing any of the vocals on their album. Due to the controversy, they were forced to return their 1990 Grammy Award for Best New Artist, which is the only time a Grammy has been revoked.
When Bob Dylan’s 1998 performance had a crasher
Bob Dylan’s Grammys performance in 1998 was interrupted by a shirtless man with “Soy Bomb” penned on his chest, who had to be removed from the stage. Later, the man was identified as New York-based artist Michael Portnoy.
When Jennifer Lopez’s Versace dress invented Google Image Search
Before breaking the Internet was a thing, J.Lo did it. Her sheer, low-cut Versace gown for the 2000 Grammys was so widely searched on Google that Google had to create their Image Search function.
When Kanye West took the mic from Taylor Swift
Kanye West’s infamous interruption of Taylor Swift’s VMA win in 2009 sparked controversy that reached the White House. Swift was awarded Best Video by a Female Artist, winning over Beyoncé, and Kanye made his protest of the verdict known, taking the microphone from Swift during her acceptance speech, saying, "Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’mma let you finish. But Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time! One of the best videos of all time!” While Kanye is known for his antics, this stunt would launch a celebrity fued that lasted for a decade, including plenty of controversial lyrics from both Swift and West, pointed towards each other.
When Chris Brown was arrested for assaulting Rihanna
Before the 2009 Grammys, Chris Brown violently attacked then girlfriend Rihanna, a very public altercation that made headlines and sparked decades of controversy. The couple, who were supposed to perform at the show, cancelled. Only three years after, the Grammys warmly invited Brown back to center stage as a performer, nominee, and winner—an invitation that drew lots of criticism from viewers.
When Lady Gaga showed up in an egg
If you thought Lady Gaga’s meat dress was her most controversial awards show look, think again. In 2011, the singer turned heads as she was carried into to the Grammys in an egg, which she didn’t emerge from until her performance of "Born This Way."
When Nicki Minaj performed an exorcism
In Nicki Minaj’s 2012 Grammys performance, she did more than just perform her hit song “Roman Holiday”—she also performed an exorcism (on herself) onstage. Unsurprisingly, this move angered the Catholic Church.
When Queen Latifah officiated 34 same-sex marriages on stage
Madonna, Macklemore, and Queen Latifah turned the 2014 Grammys into a mass wedding. Queen Latifah emerged to officiate 34 same-sex couples on stage while Macklemore performed his song of the year “Same Love” and Madonna joined to sing her 1986 single “Open Your Heart.”
