For the very first time in her illustrious career, the legendary Joni Mitchell graced the stage at the Grammys on Sunday evening. At the age of 80, she delivered a breathtaking performance of her 1966 hit song “Both Sides Now” alongside a talented lineup including Brandi Carlile, Blake Mills, Allison Russell, Lucius, Jacob Collier, and Sista Strings.
Although Mitchell has been an impressive 18-time Grammy nominee, taking home 10 wins throughout the years, this marked her first-ever performance at the prestigious award ceremony. Her latest win on Sunday night was for the Best Folk Album category.
In 2015, Mitchell faced a challenging period in her life after experiencing a brain aneurysm. This event led her to withdraw from public life as she had to relearn basic skills and rebuild her strength. Remarkably, she fought her way back and made a triumphant return to the stage.
“I’m learning,” Mitchell shared. “I’m watching videos online to see how I used to play. It’s incredible how much an aneurysm can affect you – even simple things like getting out of a chair! You have to start from scratch and relearn everything.”
Brandi Carlile played a significant role in helping Mitchell regain her musical prowess. In 2023, she witnessed Mitchell’s extraordinary journey firsthand, saying, “[I’ve] witnessed one of the most miraculous things I’ve ever seen in my life, and now you get to witness it too.”
This monumental performance by Mitchell marked her first solo ticketed show in two decades. Her emotional rendition of “Both Sides Now” captivated the audience and left a lasting impression.
Watch the incredible performance by Joni Mitchell at the 2024 Grammy Awards below:
