The 56th Annual Grammy Awards continued its tradition of putting the world’s favorite artists together onstage, and our favorite performance this year definitely belonged to Macklemore and Mary Lambert along with surprise performer Madonna. Their performance lit up the stage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Jan. 26. and was made all the more special with Queen Latifah joining them onstage in an interlude where she officiated 34 marriages, many same-sex!
Macklemore, Mary Lambert, And Madonna’s Haunting 2014 Grammys Performance Of ‘Same Love’
Madonna has been an icon for equality for decades, so it’s no surprise that the stunning 55-year-old teamed up with up-and-comer Macklemore and his producer Ryan Lewis for a haunting rendition of their gay rights anthem “Same Love,” along with Mary Lambert, who sings the absolutely gorgeous chorus.
Macklemore’s performance of “Same Love” began with him rapping, gesticulating wildly, emotionally, putting everything he had into the song. When it was Mary’s turn to sing the chorus, she could not have been more on-point. Her voice was clear and on-key, and she looked beautiful in a red-sequined dress with a bold red lip. She was joined shortly afterward by Trombone Shorty, who wore a coordinating red suit.
Macklemore grew increasingly passionate as his Grammys audience did, and when he sang “no freedom ’til we’re equal, damn right I support it” he received roaring applause. As the song neared its end, you could see that Macklemore was feeding off of the audience’s support and applause; he was smiling as the song neared its end — but maybe that was because he knew what was coming!
Queen Latifah Officiates 34 Marriages At The 56th Annual Grammy Awards
Queen Latifah came back onstage after introducing the performance to officiate 34 marriages — mostly for same-sex couples! It was incredibly emotional. Thirty-four smiling couples exchanged rings in front of the Staples Center audience — and the world — as Queen Latifah pronounced them married!
The surprises kept coming — just when we thought that Madonna would not show up after all, she appeared from backstage in an all-white outfit singing her 1986 hit single, “Open Your Heart.” Mary joined her, and then the two ended the performance with a mash-up of the “Same Love” chorus and “Open Your Heart.”
The end of the performance was received with a thundering, standing ovation.
What did you think of this incredible performance, FroshLifers? Was it your favorite performance of the night? Do you think that “Same Love” should have won for Song Of The Year? What did you think of Queen Latifah officiating 34 marriages on live TV? Were you moved? Tell us all your thoughts below!