Joni Mitchell Stuns Crowd With Her First Grammys Performance With ‘Both Sides Now”

Joni Mitchell, the music legend with almost 60 years of Grammy wins, finally hit the Grammy stage for the first time on Sunday.

The singer treated the audience to a rendition of her classic “Both Sides, Now,” backed by a cool crew including Brandi Carlile, Lucius, and Allison Russell. This gig marked her debut at the awards, where she’s already scooped up 10 Grammy trophies, including this year’s Best Folk Album for Joni Mitchell at Newport.

Before the performance, Brandi Carlile praised Mitchell, calling her “the matriarch of imagination” who changed the game for songwriting. Mitchell’s win this year adds another shiny trophy to her collection, but her road back to the Grammys has been quite a ride.

In 2015, Mitchell faced a tough time with a brain aneurysm, affecting her walk and talk. With pals like Brandi Carlile, she slowly got back into making music, hosting laid-back sessions known as “Joni Jams” at her place.

Fast forward to 2022, and Mitchell surprised everyone by showing up at the Newport Folk Festival and sharing the stage with Carlile. A year later, she headlined a real concert at the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington, her first big solo show since 2002. It was a big deal, with pals like Annie Lennox, Wendy Melvoin, and Sarah McLachlan joining the party.

The Grammys gig was sweet, showcasing Mitchell’s resilience and musical chops. Seated on a throne with her trademark cane, she rocked the “Joni Jam” style, surrounded by friends like Brandi Carlile, Allison Russell, and others.

Brandi Carlile, giving props to Mitchell, kept it real, saying Joni was the reason why many folks became singer-songwriters. She pointed out how Mitchell changed the game, turning songs into deep dives into the soul. And Mitchell, at 80, proved she’s still got it. This Grammy win is just another cool chapter in Joni’s story, proving she’s a music icon here to stay.