2013 has been shaping up to become the year with the best TV performances by musicians. With different award shows boasting appearances by some of the biggest names in the music industry, it's been incredibly difficult trying to keep my eyes away from my TV screen. The amount of mesmerizing acts that graced the stage this year are too large for one simple list. However, I will be forever grateful to the internet for allowing audiences everywhere to experience some of these top TV performances by musicians on instant replay.
As a whole, I feel that Katy Perry's performance at the 2013 Video Music Awards was one of the top TV performances by musicians. I felt like one of the luckiest fans in the world when I actually got the chance to go and see Katy Perry perform live right under the Brooklyn Bridge! Donning boxing gear and surrounded by two large gold-dusted Lion sculptures, I was mesmerized by her amazing vocal ability. She was the perfect closing act for the VMAs.
Conversely, I also applauded Lady Gaga (the opening act) for her inventive performance at the Video Music Awards. Watching her change into a multitude of costumes reminiscent of the different eras in her music career was highly gratifying. Audiences everywhere seemed to be stunned at the fact that Lady Gaga's performance was a bit more low-key than expected. In my opinion, this made her performance even more memorable!
This tribute featuring stars Bruno Mars, Sting, Rihanna, Ziggy Marley, and Damian Marley is surely one to remember. I loved their honest and energetic rendition of some of Bob Marley's greatest hits. This has to be one of my favorite TV performances of all time.
I was completely enthralled by this stunning performance put on by the wonderful cast of the hit Broadway musical “Once.” Currently lead by brilliant actors Arthur Darvill and Joanna Christie, it is no surprise that this musical is the winner of 8 Tony Awards. I have been a fan of Arthur Darvill for years so it was great to see that his vocal talent was put to use in this magnificent play!
Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys graced the stage at the Staples Center. Equipped with a soulful voice, Alicia's melodic performance featuring Maroon 5's Adam Levine was one of the best put on at the Grammy Awards. I loved their rendition of the hits “Girl on Fire” and “Daylight.” Honestly, I'll take any excuse to watch the beautiful Adam Levine!
I remember screaming after hearing that Jack White of the White Stripes would be performing at the Grammy Awards. Watching him center stage after disappearing from the limelight for a few years was really cathartic for me. While some critics don't agree, I felt that his performance was absolutely spot on!
As a fan of the French novel, play and movie of the same name by Victor Hugo, this was my absolute favorite performance at the 2013 Academy Awards. Accompanied by the brilliant cast, Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman stunned the audience with their melodious harmony. Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Aaron Tveit, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Helena Bonham Carter are definitely worth mentioning as their voices certainly enhanced the overall performance. “Suddenly,” “I Dreamed a Dream,” and “One Day More” are some of my favorite hits from this heart-wrenching musical.
2013 has definitely been a year of hit songs and performances! What are some of your favorite performances put on by musicians this year? Were you as moved by some of the artists listed above?