iTunes
34. By The Grace of God
Gaga
Not in Top 100
Billboard Perfomances Ranking:
7. Katy Perry
When she brought "By the Grace of God" to the Grammys, she turned the focus from personal heartbreak to survivors of domestic violence nationwide. She took the stage after an introduction from President Obama (urging people to go to ItsOnUs.org) and a domestic violence survivor, who delivered an empowering speech that was easily the Grammys' most heartbreaking moment. Musically, Perry's vocals were 100 percent on point -- it's nice to remember there's an incredible vocal talent behind her candy-coated image.
15. Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
The Irving Berlin-penned "Cheek to Cheek" is the title track to their duets album, which won the Grammy for best traditional pop vocal album this year. It's been a while since a straight-up jazz performance hit the Grammys, and it was a welcome change of pace.
EW :
Katy Perry, “By the Grace of God”
Katy Perry appeared, a vision in a caped white gown, after some heavy domestic violence PSAs and a surprise message from President Obama. Refreshingly, her performance was the polar opposite of last week’s Super Bowl show (though more than a few Tweeters prayed for the return of Left Shark)—as Perry sang, some independent shadows (a la Peter Pan) danced on the stark white backdrop behind her, swaying and multiplying with swooning emotion. Given the gravity of Obama’s call-to-action, it was an appropriate follow-up.
B+
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, “Cheek to Cheek”
There’s still something a little odd about this pairing, but on balance, Bennett’s cool stillness and Gaga’s hyperactive theater kid-stylings average out to something that felt competent and professional, if somewhat unremarkable. Sure, Gaga sounded good and Bennett still charms at 88 years old, but in a show that is gloriously overstuffed, this probably could have been skipped in the running order with nobody noticing.
B-
