- Joni Mitchell is a legendary American singer
- She will debut at the Grammys at 80 years old
- THIS is how the decision came to be
Nine years ago, the world held its breath as Joni Mitchell (80, legendary singer-songwriter) faced a harrowing health crisis. The Canadian folk icon, revered for her soul-stirring lyrics and haunting melodies, was silenced by an aneurysm that robbed her of speech. Fans feared the worst, but Joni, ever the fighter, had other plans.
A surprise that shook the music world
Fast forward to 2022, and the whispers turned to cheers when Mitchell made a surprise appearance at the Newport Folk Festival. It wasn't just a cameo; it was a full-blown performance that left the audience spellbound. And now, the buzz is back as Joni Mitchell gears up for her first-ever Grammy Awards performance.
The details are shrouded in mystery, but one thing's for sure: it's going to be epic!
Joni's no stranger to Grammy glory, with a lifetime achievement award in her pocket and nine competitive wins to her name. This year, she's in the running for best folk album with "Joni Mitchell at Newport." Joined by stars like Brandi Carlile, Wynonna Judd, and Marcus Mumford, Joni's set list was a nostalgic nod to her golden hits, including the timeless "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Both Sides Now."
The Newport set, masterminded by Carlile, wasn't just a one-off. It sparked Joni's first ticketed live performance in over two decades! Come June 2023, she'll headline Carlile’s Echoes Through the Canyon festival, promising a marathon show that's already being hailed as "a resurrection."
And now she is nominated in the Best Folk Album category for 'Joni Mitchell at Newport [Live]'. Mitchell received a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, having been described as "one of the most important female recording artists of the rock era” and "a powerful influence on all artists who embrace diversity, imagination and integrity."
A move to come back?
This looks like a play to reignite the Grammys which have lost quite a bit of viewership in recent times. The Grammys set a record low in 2021, 9.227 million, when much of the ceremony was virtual.
The only Grammy ceremonies on record to average fewer than 17 million viewers have come since 2021. Like nearly all forms of programming, viewership for awards shows has declined in recent years because of increased options available on streaming services, including the same programs as on traditional television.
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Viewership for the 2023 ceremonies was up 30.8% from the previous year, but still the third-lowest on record. And now, with nostalgic acts coming back, it could be a move to get their audience back as well.
Irish rock band U2 will also make history at this year’s ceremony, which is being hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, by delivering the award show’s first broadcast performance from the Sphere, Las Vegas’ futuristic entertainment venue, according to the Recording Academy.
