The best award show performances of the 21st century

There's a strong chance you've already heard a portion of Muni Long's mega-viral hit, "Made For Me," somewhere on the internet, whether that's TikTok, X, or Instagram. But have you listened to the entire track? The R&B singer turned heads when she performed it at the BET Soul Train Awards in 2023, wearing a glamorous white suit dress, long dark hair, and flashy diamonds. 

Miley Cyrus' 2023 single "Flowers" was a smash hit from the moment it was released on streaming services. In January 2023, it became the most-streamed song in a single week, and the track's popularity only grew, earning Cyrus tons of acclaim and a few Grammy awards, too. She performed the track in 2024 in a shimmery silver two-piece and rock star-style hair with a ton of energy, making this star-studded performance one of the very best the century has seen yet. 

We're telling Doechii "hoorah" because her 2025 Grammys performance of her track "Catfish" has been playing on a loop in our minds for some time now. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out. However, after watching, be prepared to add another rapper to your list of favorite hip-hop stars. 

In her first award show performance in several years, Beyoncé performed “Be Alive” from the movie King Richard at the 94th Oscars Academy Awards in 2022. In addition to its Oscar nomination, Knowles and her co-writer, DIXSON, received a Grammy nomination in the Best Song Written for Visual Media category in 2023.

Many of Taylor Swift's fans consider her 2014 performance of "Blank Space" to be one of her best. Her acting chops and the performance's stunning visuals were the perfect way to showcase her growing talent. As a result, the single won the American Music Award for Song of the Year in 2015. 

“Tennessee Whiskey” is a country song originally recorded by David Allan Coe in 1981. Eventually, Chris Stapleton recorded a different version of the track for his debut album in 2015. In November of the same year, Chris performed the song live with Justin Timberlake at the 49th annual Country Music Awards. Following this performance, the song reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold 14 million copies in the United States. 

There’s no way one could watch MTV in the early 2000s and not dance along to the tunes of Britney Spears. In 2001, she solidified herself as one of the greatest entertainers of all time when she gave fans a thrilling performance of “I’m A Slave 4 U” at the MTV Video Music Awards. Not only did she hit every dance move with precision and energy, but she also did it all with a 25-pound albino Burmese python on her neck. 

Beyoncé’s 2016 surprise album, Lemonade, was met with critical acclaim from all fronts. One of her only live award-show performances from the Lemonade era occurred at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. Knowles gave viewers an electrifying performance, receiving 11 nominations and winning eight. 

When “Lose Yourself,” the hit single from the movie 8 Mile, was released in 2002, Eminem knew he had a timeless track on his hands. The single hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and stayed there for 12 weeks. In 2003, when Eminem was nominated for an Oscar (and later won), he chose not to attend the event. However, he made up for it with his surprise performance in 2020 at the 92nd Academy Awards.  

“Stand Up,” the lead single from the 2019 film Harriet, was performed by Cynthia Erivo at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020. The track received nominations at the Golden Globes, Grammys, and the 51st NAACP Image Awards.

“Butter” is the second English-language single by the K-pop boy band BTS. The song received worldwide acclaim, topping charts in over eight countries and receiving nominations at the Billboard Music, Grammy, and MTV Video Music Awards. They performed the song live at the 64th annual Grammy Awards.

Ben Platt has been everywhere since his appearance in the Pitch Perfect films. Since then, he originated the role of Evan Hansen on Broadway in Dear Evan Hansen. In 2017, he performed “Waving Through A Window,” an emotional and challenging number from the show’s first act during that year’s Tony Awards. Ben would later win a Tony, a Grammy, and an Emmy for his role in the musical. 

Hamilton has been one of pop culture’s most talked-about productions for nearly the last decade. Created by Lin Manuel-Miranda, Hamilton is a sung-and-rap-through that experienced extreme success because of its hip-hop and R&B influence. In 2016, the cast performed via live stream at the Tony Awards, where they later won in 11 different categories.  

Lady Gaga is no novice to giving her fans an entertaining show, and her 2011 performance of “Born This Way” is no different. Her catchy lyrics and songs’ fun vibes have always made her a noteworthy artist, but this performance is what sets her apart. Not only does she showcase her expansive vocal range, but she does it live while also hitting several eight counts of intensive choreography. 

Although Céline Dion has performed “My Heart Will Go On” several times since 1997, her 2017 performance at the Billboard Music Awards puts it in a league of its own. With soaring vocals and a pleasing aesthetic, Dion reminded watchers why her skillset makes her one of the greatest singers alive.  

During Justin Timberlake’s 2013 MTV VMAs performance, he pulled the unthinkable by bringing out his former bandmates from the group NSYNC. The last time Justin, JC, Lance, Joey, and Chris performed at the VMAs was in 2001, so this reunion was notable for the group’s fans. Since then, there haven’t been any other surprise reunions; however, many of the band members have teased anything is possible. 

When folks think of Adele, her international smash hit, “Rolling In The Deep,” must come to mind. In 2012, she performed this soulful song live at the BRIT Awards, where she won awards for British Female Solo Artist and British Album of the Year.  

Jennifer Hudson’s emotional performance of the Whitney Houston classic “I Will Always Love You” at the 54th Grammy Awards will always be one of her best. The reason, perhaps, is that it was formulated just hours after Houston’s tragic death. Although many feel no one’s voice compares to Whitney, this tribute is a lovely honor even she would’ve been proud of.