Two Unforgettable Cynthia Erivo Grammy Performances That Cemented Her EGOT Status

Cynthia Erivo has established herself as one of the most formidable vocal talents of her generation, and her appearances on the Grammy Awards stage are consistently among the ceremony's most talked-about moments. Far from a casual guest, Erivo’s performances are deeply intentional, often serving as a powerful tribute or a celebration of musical excellence.

The latest and most dazzling display of her talent occurred at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2025, where she anchored a star-studded tribute to a music legend. This follows her equally emotional, Grammy-winning debut performance in 2017, solidifying her reputation as a powerhouse vocalist who can master any genre, from Broadway to jazz standards. This article dives into the two most significant times Cynthia Erivo commanded the Recording Academy's biggest night.

Cynthia Erivo: A Profile in Excellence and EGOT Pursuit

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Cynthia Erivo is a globally celebrated actress, singer, and songwriter known for her incredible vocal range and intense stage presence. Her career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, placing her on the brink of the coveted EGOT status—an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasa Erivo
• Date of Birth: January 8, 1987
• Nationality: British
• Grammy Award Win: 2017 (Best Musical Theater Album for The Color Purple)
• Tony Award Win: 2016 (Best Actress in a Musical for The Color Purple)
• Daytime Emmy Award Win: 2017 (Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program)
• Academy Award Nominations: Two nominations, including Best Actress for Harriet (2019) and most recently for her role as Elphaba in Wicked: Part One (2024).
• Golden Globe Nominations: Nominee for Harriet.
• Current High-Profile Role: Elphaba in the two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked, set for release in 2024 and 2025.
• EGOT Status: She is one Academy Award win away from achieving EGOT status.

The 67th Grammys (2025): A Jazz Standard for a Music Titan

The most recent and perhaps most critically acclaimed Grammy performance by Cynthia Erivo took place at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in 2025. The performance was a centerpiece of the night, dedicated to honoring the monumental legacy of legendary producer, composer, and conductor Quincy Jones, who had passed away the previous year.

The Performance: "Fly Me to the Moon" with Herbie Hancock

Erivo’s segment focused on Jones's unparalleled contribution to jazz and popular music. She took the stage to deliver a breathtaking rendition of the classic standard, "Fly Me to the Moon." This song is deeply tied to the Quincy Jones catalog, notably through its iconic arrangement for Frank Sinatra on the 1964 album It Might as Well Be Swing.

The performance was a masterclass in vocal control and emotional depth. Erivo was joined by jazz piano icon Herbie Hancock, who provided a soulful and intricate accompaniment, creating a dynamic musical conversation between the two virtuosos. The arrangement was stripped back yet powerful, allowing Erivo’s voice to soar and capture the sophisticated spirit of Jones’s work.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

A Star-Studded Tribute

The tribute to Quincy Jones was a multi-faceted event that showcased his impact across various genres. Erivo and Hancock’s performance was part of a larger, unforgettable segment that featured several other music titans. The full tribute included:

• Will Smith, who served as a narrator, guiding the audience through the highlights of Jones's career.
• Music legend Stevie Wonder, who performed a medley of hits Jones had influenced.
• Janelle Monáe, who delivered a stunning, high-energy segment channeling Jones’s work with Michael Jackson on the iconic albums Off the Wall and Thriller.
• Country star Lainey Wilson, highlighting the producer’s versatility across the American musical landscape.

Erivo’s performance was universally praised, with many critics highlighting her ability to transition seamlessly from the bombast of Broadway to the nuanced, intimate delivery required of a jazz standard. The emotional power of the performance was even noted by fellow superstars, with Erivo later revealing in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that Beyoncé had shared a heartfelt reaction to her tribute.

The 59th Grammys (2017): An Emotional In Memoriam Duet

Cynthia Erivo’s first major Grammy stage appearance came at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2017, a year that marked her transition from Broadway sensation to mainstream musical star. This performance was significant as it coincided with her Grammy win for Best Musical Theater Album for the revival cast recording of The Color Purple, where she played the role of Celie.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The Performance: "God Only Knows" with John Legend

Erivo was selected to join the EGOT-winning artist John Legend for the traditional In Memoriam segment, a powerful tribute to the influential musicians who had passed away in the preceding year. The duo performed a moving cover of The Beach Boys' classic, "God Only Knows."

The choice of song, known for its complex harmonies and deeply emotional lyrics about enduring love and loss, provided the perfect soundtrack for the tribute montage. Legend began the performance at the piano, his smooth vocals setting a somber tone, before Erivo joined in with her soaring, powerful voice.

Their duet honored a diverse group of lost icons, including Prince, George Michael, Leonard Cohen, and country legend Merle Haggard. Erivo’s vocal prowess was on full display, with her ability to blend seamlessly with Legend while still injecting her signature, soulful power into the performance. The segment was lauded for its sensitivity and the undeniable chemistry between the two Grammy winners.

The Legacy of Cynthia Erivo’s Grammy Moments

Cynthia Erivo's two major Grammy performances, eight years apart, tell the story of her evolving career. The 2017 performance was the confirmation of her arrival—a Grammy winner performing an emotional duet with an established star, showcasing the talent that won her a Tony Award. The 2025 performance, however, marked her status as a leading figure in the industry. Headlining a tribute to a figure as monumental as Quincy Jones, alongside legends like Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock, demonstrated the Recording Academy's recognition of her as a modern music icon.

Whether she is channeling the anguish of Celie in The Color Purple, the determination of Harriet Tubman, or the gravity-defying ambitions of Elphaba in Wicked, Erivo’s performances are always about more than just singing. They are vocal events that command attention and respect. Her Grammy appearances serve as a powerful testament to her versatility, cementing her place not just in music history, but as a genuine EGOT contender whose every stage appearance is eagerly anticipated.