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Grammys’ Defining Flashpoints: From Stage Intrusions to a Dress That Changed the Internet

Roundups published today revisit moments that reshaped the show’s reputation ahead of the 2026 broadcast.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets released retrospective lists on February 1 highlighting shocking Grammy moments ahead of tonight’s ceremony on CBS and Paramount+.
  • Killer Mike was detained at the 2024 show and charged with misdemeanor battery, and the Los Angeles City Attorney later dropped the case after he completed a hearing process that included community service.
  • Jennifer Lopez’s 2000 green Versace gown triggered an online image search frenzy that led to Google Images, according to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
  • The Weeknd publicly called the Grammys “corrupt” in 2021 after receiving no nominations, and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said voting had closed before his Super Bowl announcement.
  • Recurring flashpoints include onstage disruptions and protests, notably Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s 1998 stage crash, Frank Sinatra’s cut-off speech and Billy Joel’s protest in 1994, and Kanye West’s near-interruption of Beck in 2015.