It’s time to face the truth: The Grammys seem to focus more on performances than on the awards these days.

In recent editions, only a handful of the more than 80 Grammy awards were presented during the 3½-hour CBS broadcast, with the majority being distributed at a pre-show event not aired on television. This year’s ceremony, the 94th, adds even more categories to the mix.

Instead, viewers eagerly await the live performances. The upcoming Sunday show on CBS and Paramount+ (8 EST/5 PST) boasts a lineup of renowned stars, including music legends like Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, and Shakira, along with new artist nominees Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan.

Last year’s event showcased memorable performances by Joni Mitchell and Billie Eilish. Here’s a look back at some of the unforgettable musical highlights from previous Grammys:

Tina Turner, ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ (1985)

With just a spotlight, a dazzling red dress, and a microphone, Turner showcased her incredible charisma in this heartfelt performance of her 1984 hit from the “Private Dancer” album. As she gracefully ascended a staircase at the song’s conclusion, the audience erupted in applause. – Patrick Ryan

Michael Jackson, ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ / ‘Man in the Mirror’ (1988)

Even though his 1987 album “Bad” lost to U2’s “The Joshua Tree,” Jackson claimed the night with an epic 10-minute medley. Center stage and captivating the crowd with just a microphone, MJ proved he only needs his moonwalk to enthrall his audience. – Ryan

Eric Clapton, ‘Tears in Heaven’ (1993)

Just two years after the tragic loss of his son Conor, Clapton delivered an emotional tribute at the 1993 Grammys. “I want to thank my son for the love he gave me and the song he gave me,” he said, as “Tears” won both record and song of the year. – Ryan

Whitney Houston, ‘I Will Always Love You’ (1994)

Houston opened the 1994 event with a stunning and passionate rendition of her iconic anthem from “The Bodyguard,” which earned her the record of the year award. Jennifer Hudson later performed this touching song at the 2012 Grammys, honoring the late Houston only a day after her passing. – Ryan

Aretha Franklin, ‘Nessun Dorma’ (1998)

This is one of the most remarkable stories in Grammy history. Stepping in on short notice for an unwell Luciano Pavarotti, Franklin patiently awaited her turn, then took the microphone to deliver a stunning performance of the Italian aria. We already knew her talents in soul and gospel, but her operatic rendition was nothing short of legendary. – Melissa Ruggieri

Ricky Martin, ‘La Copa de la Vida’ (1999)

Although he was already a global sensation, Martin properly introduced himself to U.S. audiences with an electrifying performance that featured lively brass, a marching band down the aisles, and his infectious smile. With his instinctual showmanship and energetic moves, Martin sparked a significant crossover into Latin pop. – Ruggieri

U2, ‘Beautiful Day’ (2001)

With his signature tinted glasses, Bono stood up from his crouched position as the song reached a triumphant chorus, lit up by a backdrop of bright lights. It was during Edge’s smooth guitar solo that Bono ventured through the audience, drawing attention to the song’s magnetic energy. – Ruggieri

Madonna, ‘Hung Up’ (2006)

It’s hard not to smile while watching this exciting medley featuring Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” and Madonna’s hit “Hung Up.” It stands as one of her most lively and joyful performances in years. – Ryan

Amy Winehouse, ‘You Know I’m No Good’ / ‘Rehab’ (2008)

While undergoing treatment for substance abuse, Winehouse delivered a captivating satellite performance from London, designed to resemble an upscale jazz club. The unique artist, who tragically passed from alcohol poisoning in 2011 at 27, earned five Grammys that night, including best new artist. – Ryan

Beyoncé, ‘If I Were a Boy’ (2010)

This list could be dominated by Queen B’s incredible performances, from her electrifying 2004 duet with Prince to her breathtaking 2017 spectacle. However, her show-stopping rendition of “If I Were a Boy” at the 2010 Grammys, seamlessly blended with Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know,” deserves a special mention. – Ryan

Pink, ‘Glitter in the Air’ (2010)

This remains one of the most astonishing performances we’ve ever witnessed at an awards show, showcasing Pink’s superhuman abilities. Suspended from the ceiling, she sang her vulnerable ballad “Glitter in the Air,” spinning and performing upside down while completely soaked. – Ryan

Lady Gaga, ‘Born This Way’ (2011)

True to her avant-garde style, Gaga made her entrance at the 2011 Grammys in a giant egg-shaped pod, claiming she had spent 72 hours inside it. After being carried onto the stage, she “hatched” for a dance-infused performance of her LGBTQ anthem “Born This Way,” clad in a vibrant yellow latex outfit. – Ryan

Daft Punk, ‘Get Lucky’ (2014)

You can’t witness Daft Punk, Stevie Wonder, Nile Rodgers, and Pharrell Williams sharing a stage anywhere else! Together, they performed a funky, vibrant mashup of “Get Lucky,” “Another Star,” and “Le Freak,” getting the entire audience on their feet. Don’t miss the crowd reactions of Yoko Ono and Paul McCartney dancing, and it’s bittersweet to remember our beloved French robot DJs have parted ways. – Ryan

Adele, ‘Fastlove’ (2017)

Demonstrating raw emotion, Adele paused her imperfect ballad for a heartfelt tribute to the late George Michael, saying, “I’m sorry, I can’t mess this up for him.” After a restart, she soared alongside the string section, while video footage of Michael played behind her. – Ruggieri

Kendrick Lamar, ‘XXX’ / ‘DNA’ / ‘New Freezer’ / ‘King’s Dead’ (2018)

With help from Bono and The Edge, along with comedic interludes from Dave Chappelle, Lamar opened the Grammys with a powerful medley addressing racism in America, culminating in a striking visual of red-hooded dancers collapsing onstage amid gunfire sounds. – Ryan

St. Vincent and Dua Lipa, ‘Masseduction / One Kiss’ (2019)

Could this be the hottest televised moment ever? The collaboration between Dua Lipa and alt-rock artist Annie Clark (St. Vincent) might have seemed unexpected at first, but their chemistry and Clark’s incredible guitar work made it a brilliant match. – Ryan

Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler, In Memoriam (2022)

A trio of Tony Award winners, along with “West Side Story” breakout Zegler, harmonized beautifully in an emotional medley of songs by the late Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, who passed in 2021. By the time they performed the poignant “Somewhere” from “West Side,” we could hardly see the screen through our tears. – Ryan

BTS, ‘Butter’ (2022)

After an intro reminiscent of “Mission Impossible” and James Bond, the K-pop sensations, dressed in sleek black suits and headsets, moved across the stage with precision. Their vocals flowed smoothly, and the mid-song break where they leaped through lasers was a masterclass in showmanship. – Ruggieri

Miley Cyrus, ‘Flowers’ (2024)

With hair styled and confidence radiating, Cyrus attacked the song with a blend of humor and boldness, engaging with the audience, and even declaring mid-performance, “I just won my first Grammy!” When Miley enjoys herself, the entire audience does too. – Ruggieri