Joni Mitchell, at 80, debuts at the Grammys with a beautiful performance of ‘Both Sides Now’

Faith PandaFebruary 6, 2024

147 1 minute read

Joni Mitchell, the iconic singer-songwriter, made a memorable appearance at the Grammy Awards on Sunday.

At 80 years old, Mitchell performed her classic 1966 song “Both Sides Now,” joined by a stellar lineup of artists including Brandi Carlile, Blake Mills, Allison Russell, Lucius, Jacob Collier, and Sista Strings.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: Joni Mitchell performs onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Despite being a familiar face at the Grammys with 18 nominations and 10 wins to her name, this performance marked Mitchell’s first time performing at the prestigious ceremony. Her 10th Grammy win was also announced at the event for the Best Folk Album.

Mitchell’s journey back to the stage has been remarkable. In 2015, she suffered a brain aneurysm, which significantly impacted her life. The aftermath of this health scare forced her to retreat from the public eye and relearn basic skills, including playing guitar.

Joni Mitchell, at 80, debuts at the Grammys with a beautiful performance of 'Both Sides Now' — aa

Her return to performing began with a headlining show at the Gorge Amphitheater in Quincy, Washington in 2023, her first ticketed performance in 20 years. Brandi Carlile, a fellow musician and supporter, played a crucial role in helping Mitchell regain her musical prowess.

Mitchell’s performance at the Grammys was a moving testament to her resilience and enduring talent. Fans and music enthusiasts celebrated this milestone, recognizing Joni Mitchell as a unique and influential artist in the music world.