Reaction To Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides' Grammy Debut

Graeme O'Neil takes a look at the celebrity reaction to Joni Mitchell' debut performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, including Beyonce, Meryl Streep, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Karol G, Lainey Wilson, and Brandi Carlile.

[@MeMeDaVinci]

Love the room full of singer songwriters that will never be as good as Joni Mitchell combined. JM is a talent for all ages and eras.

[@parkyourcarcass]

I have listened to Joni Mitchell for 50 years. Her songs are the soundtrack of my life. When you "Get" her and it clicks for you, you'll never be the same. I'm so glad I got it! Thank you, Joni Mitchell, for all the music and for getting through many dark cafes.

[@allypad64]

No truer words were spoken!! I have loved her my whole life. My daughter (who is 36) looked at me about 5 years ago and said - I don’t get it (regarding my love for her music). It made me so sad!! My daughter loves most of the music I played as she grew up but for some reason, she doesn’t get Joni and it breaks my heart for her because she is missing out on so much honest emotion.

[@DW-op7ly]

The 20 year old Mitchell wrote it for the 80 year old Mitchell Like fine wine even better with age

[@jonnascalora6700]

Her performance was the best I’ve ever seen on the Grammys with her, just sitting and singing she didn’t need any flash. She is pure perfection.

[@mildredhighcock7333]

Nope it was awful - amazing song, amazing singer - but no

[@georgegallucci9958]

@@mildredhighcock7333You haven't got a clue. Sad.

[@sickofyou470]

Tracy Chapman took it this time

[@goodgirl9484]

@@mildredhighcock7333 just respect OP's opinion

[@jdd0815]

I’ve heard this song a million times but this live rendition reduced me to a puddle. It was so beautiful.

[@MichaelFletcher-nz9wj]

Same

[@ameliabedelia7018]

Joni Mitchell never lies.

[@valve6642]

...never lied..(you don't know what you've got til it's gone)

[@misterscruffle]

It’s a full circle song, written about time and experience. About the thought of who you will be and then looking back at who you became. Such a beautiful moment to see she had lived it.

[@27ajfarrow]

There will never be another 🩶🎶🎶🎶🕊 We love you Joni….. and Thank you with all our hearts..

[@toninatoli]

Oh, yea. I was sloppy crying from go! I was so moved. It was gratitude for all the joy she's given me throughout my 62 yrs, her triumphant return, her...fragility, the awareness of her treasured place in the zeitgeist and how much longer we may have her voice. All of it.❤

[@David-jasp]

Anyone with a pulse... You are right sir. I agreed with everything you said Graeme. This was a legendary performance of a masterpiece song.

[@MichaelFletcher-nz9wj]

You are so right. It will never be another performance quite like it.

[@allypad64]

I absolutely adored your thoughts on Miss Mitchell’s performance. I was born in 1964 and my aunt listened to Court and Spark on repeat as I was growing up. I have grown up with Joni’s music. I am 59 years old now and I had tears streaming down my face listening to this iconic woman sing one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It was so lovely to see all the looks of admiration from ALL artists, both young and old! She really is an icon and I’m so privileged to have been able to grow up with her music in my life. I would love to see some up and coming artists take a page from her book and walk in her footsteps. We don’t have many modern “Joni’s” and we sure could use some ❤❤. Thank you for sharing - I felt your emotions right along with you :).

[@yo-yotension4613]

I was 12 in 1972 and I purchased all her albums that year catching up on the catalogue that were released. I still have them and purchased every album ever since. Her growth and changes musically opened my taste to include jazz before I was 16. What world she opened and did not stop and it went beyond with Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter combination of jazz and world music. She never stopped and continued to change with old and recent fans dislike, but I just kept playing them and it clicked, she is on her own journey and good she is, unlike many of her contemporary and future musicians. She is gem and a talent like no other!

[@theresakruse1655]

It was impactful and made us all weep because we know it's possibly her goodbye to us. We are all blessed to live at the same time she has graced this world.

[@buiewynn6975]

Wonderful commentary Graeme. I wasn't sure why, but I began choking up when she started singing. I can remember first hearing this song at nine years old when my Mom asked me to play it on the piano for her to sing. She placed the sheet music in front of me and I ran through it, then played her opening. My Mom sang it with such emotion, feelings distilled in her heart over her lifetime. Something similar when I heard Joni sing.

[@nancyabbate4419]

Well said!! Her performance was pure perfection! She has lived a life and her gift to us is her song.

[@carlasbrown8351]

Thank you for your insight into this iconic performance. I too, had a lump in my throat and tears as I listened. So grateful to have shared experiences; grateful to live in this time in history to enjoy the musicians of this era - from 1950’s to the Present. Bravo Ms. Joni!

[@mikeolson7557]

Now there is a true 💯Queen and everyone in that audience was blessed to to witness her.

[@DrSnowBrainHealth]

You nailed it…this is Joni michell singing this song as an 80 year old women….

[@eugenenovotney7003]

I have watched Joni's Grammy performance about ten times now, and every time, it moves me more and more. Her elegant phrasing and her tasteful delivery are exquisite, but it is the meaning behind the words that is just so undeniable in this rendition. What an honor it would have been to have experienced it in that room live, but as you said, the camera work was excellent and the few reactions that were shown were meaningful and respectful. This will definitely go down as one of the greatest performances in the history of the Grammy broadcasts, and thank you for your spot on and insightful review.

[@NicoCalvimontes]

Ive never heard that song ever, and I was totally speechless listening that performance in the Grammys . My favorite in the entire ceremony! In about 10 years!!!. New generation need to know theses artists!!! Omg!

[@kylekerwin4993]

Her performance filled my eyes with tears that filled my emotions that no other Grammy performance has ever done. I have always loved this song and I think everyone did too based on the look of their faces.

[@joshlouie]

the song itself that ms. joni wrote is a truly a storytelling and very touching to everyone! it's really a beautiful rendition as she aged very well! love to joni! 🥰

[@theresakruse1655]

She blazed a trail for other storytelling singer/songwriters. Without her, we might not have had Tracy Chapman, Carole King, Carly Simon, Brandi Carlyle, or Taylor Swift. Joni Mitchell is, and will always be, the Godmother Queen. Long may she reign. ❤

[@valve6642]

Iconic song. It's the same way I feel about James Taylor's 'Secret O Life'. How did they write those songs in their TWENTIES? Wow!

[@lynnemadden3627]

my favourite part of the Grammy’s, the reason I watched it, Joni, did not disappoint.I have followed this fellow Canadian’s story for decades, still , she NEVER disappoints, a true poet, a legend..thank you Joni❤️

[@kandicenguyen545]

I have watched this performance over and over…can’t get enough of the incredible beauty of every word. Just breathtaking.

[@cheri7054]

When she first wrote and sang she had this insight about life. She was right about life.( what do we know about life) Then at her age singing holds a different more impactful moment. It’s refreshing to see young artist tearing up. We need music that hits us emotionally. The artist of today don’t really give us that kind of music.

[@ValarieNZ]

so true ❤

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I would argue that some of them do but the times are different. Billie Eilish is giving us wonderful music, for instance. But she's in the current times which is very different from the 1960s.

[@joeyxc4]

This was my Mothers favorite song from that era, she was wonderful like Joni I lost her in 2012 and I’ve never been the same

[@betsgreer7045]

Yes, yes... a new rendition of the song, performed exquisitely and perfectly.

[@seasaltysam6944]

Such an amazing woman : musician, poet , artist and more. Gratitude always🙏💕

[@daviddentinger1803]

What a GREAT review!!! Your delivery is very “everyman” and casual-nice. And your points are insightful, innovative and well researched. I know so much about Joni; I devoured her albums starting back in the 60s. Your knowledge about her is deep and broad. I feel like I was having a beer with a #1 Joni expert! YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB!!!!!

[@cylaphillips9863]

The world is quickly changing. People are living through changes at a quicker rate than ever, no matter their age. This song is very comforting as I am living through many changes at once in my life.

[@genejohnson5530]

She has a huge catalogue of music for the time. This song is timeless. It is a classic that will be around when we have all gone. Enjoy the music that she has produced over many years.

[@Rainbowsun1]

I have the 2000 album, I would play that song every morning while driving my kids to school. My 16 yr old sings it all the time now. I cry each time I hear it.

[@hyperiondragon]

My first time hearing it. It’s quite beautiful ❤.

[@robertdunn7021]

nothing but the greatest song video etc i have ever seen or heard god bless her

[@rachelmontoya2314]

😊 OMG IN LATE 60'S&70 When When they're coming up Joni Mitchell, The eagles Joan Collins, The cream Eric Burdon and war the concerns This was so great Times

[@gzucc]

I cry and you cry and a lot of people cry because Joni pulls inspiration from humanity's shared experiences and the emotions that accompany them. Also, she can rock a tam-o-shanter like nobody's business.

[@ceciliacrijnen9254]

Tears because it touch the soul. Not many can accomplish that. She's magical not because she's 80, she's always been magical.

[@heidih2887]

Indeed, SUCH an impactful song, from a legendary songwriter, and as you'd come to realize, still adding new creativity and stylistic changes to suit her feelings and intentions, always the true MUSICIAN, not just a "human jukebox"! 🥰 Nice reaction video sir! 🥰

[@deborahalban5730]

I have followed her through the years and went to 3 of her concerts. As I have aged and listen to this song, its meaning to has also changed

[@sumacmusac]

such an amazing moment, and such a legendary song

[@annesandstrommusic7538]

I bought Clouds when it first came out. The BSN CD was the soundtrack to my cancer treatment in 2000. So this performance meant so much to me. Joni really has no peers. Thank you for this commentary.

[@DrSnowBrainHealth]

Like your show…new subscriber!..Joni Mitchell at the Grammys had me weeping…………

[@mar123har123]

Like all great singers, she sings from inspiration & intention. No note was accidental. As always, her timing, her sense of time is impeccable & deadly accurate. This version is even more reduced than Newport, really pared to the bones. of the melody. Finishing on the open chord was genius. This has become her swan song. I love you Joni.

[@catherineandrews6386]

Exquisite. 😭 (I purchased the 2000 CD. Still have it/play it. A stunningly beautiful album.

[@Groovynailboss]

I cried it was so beautiful ❤

[@debilynnphillips]

Love, Love, Love Joni! What an incredible artist!

[@cpolite5374]

I was never a fan of hers, but she made me cry on the Grammys. She was before my time. She pulled @ my heart strings.

[@WoodlandT]

I had the absolute honor to see her play the gorge last year. It was life changing

[@paulcontursi5982]

I regret that I only managed to see her in concert once. It was during the Shadows and Light tour at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens back in the late 70s.

[@renepena3024]

Such a different piece in 2024. Beautifully sung by a woman who, at a young age had the talent to write it, then lived it's lyrics and, now, performs it with a wise and deep understanding.

[@DrEdelMusic]

Nice commentary, especially touching at the end. So true and moving was her situation and current rendition. ❤

[@andygrenn680]

Both Sides a song of imagination plus insight wrapped in accomplishment and disappointment summed up by Life’s engaging mystery. Well done Joni!

[@heyfarmer123]

I have loved this beautiful woman since I was fifteen years old. I am now sixty three years old. Joni touched my heart and has been my inspiration and my best heartfelt friend for all those years. She has helped me through this sometimes difficult thing called life. Thank you Joni I love you ❤️

[@billbartok7324]

tremendous performance and a wonderful grammy show

[@leahsmith4310]

How has she never performed at the Grammys before? She's a damn icon!!!

[@bluegrasshack3810]

2/10/24 Right! So very right!

[@tiffanicain6058]

I cried because this song is reflective of who you are, who you thought you were, and on where you are in life. So powerful 😭❤️❤️

[@missdonnie2u]

Beautiful performance!

[@PhilChandlerArts]

I don't want to make a comparison... but my reaction to the first time hearing this was similar to when I first heard Johnny Cash sing "Hurt" ... It was incredibly moving for me on a very personal level and felt every word deeply. I find myself singing this to myself sometimes now.

[@samuelguler]

I grew up on Joni Mitchell cause she was my moms favorite artist. I was inspired by her writing style on my own EP

[@Winners24-x8n]

JONI THE GOAT!!!!!! ❤

[@cdnbearguy]

it was beyond unbelievable.....that's all i can say....she IS a legend....

[@ashmcdaniel5503]

Beautiful review, Graeme. You got it perfectly.

[@TheGuitargirl82]

Delighting in this moment ❤

[@andreaallen3206]

This song is addictive! I’ve been listening to it almost nonstop. It is absolutely mesmerizing…🥹❤️

[@allyngoldstein5849]

To call her a legend is an understatement thank God she's healthy and able to perform the world is better w joni in it i love this woman 😢

[@TerryYelmene]

...from the many greats... there are tiers... but... to say... 'greatest'... there are only two - one from Hibbing and this marvel from Saskatoon... I think the greats assembled here appreciated and were humbled by this... 'greatness'!

[@underthetornado]

A timeless classic hit!❤😊 You go Joni!

[@LAURIEGELTMANmusic]

Hi, I appreciated this. I know you only had the cameraman's clips to work with, but it's worth noting, as they were only of women, that, like you, she touches both men & women deeply. That she was Prince's favorite songwriter is one example and if you look for the footage of a young teenage Prince in the audience of a Joni show-this wide-eyed boy enraptured-it makes you wish the camera panned to the gentlemen in the audience as well. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, David Byrne were all blown away by her. I'm one of those Joni fans that deeply absorbed many of her albums, almost studiously, but also emotionally so I enjoyed you trying to articulate what you were feeling while trying to assess the miracle of Joni.

[@mwanaishaemily2671]

I am in my twenties yet I totally resonate with the song

[@myleemae7858]

I absolutely loved her performance! Fantastic! ❤❤❤

[@akgypsy54]

Just Joni…recreating her song ♥️🥰😭

[@Gagalover1569]

She was 21 when she wrote that song. Not 25, 26 or 27. She said it more than once. Sorry but it makes a difference.

[@valb9963]

How old is this man,and where did they find him?

[@Gagalover1569]

@@valb9963I had to look him up. He is a Canadian broadcaster. He was on City Line and Entertainment Tonight Canada. He’s just doing KZbin now. No idea how old.

[@paulcontursi5982]

Joni Mitchell has always been a titanic creative talent who can move between genres (folk, pop and jazz) effortlessly. I think of her work as an important part of the soundtrack of my life. Nobody like her.

[@leobewley375]

Love your take!

[@kanjacat]

Both Sides Now really is the best song ever written.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Joni wirting the song when she wrote it makes sense. IF one goes back and look at the songs song and written by people in the 1960s they explored the types of topics and imagery and introspection that Joni wrote here. The song is very much a 1960s song. I don't know where this notion of it being before it time comes from but it really is very representative of the 1960s. That said, Joni just knew at an early age about such things and just wrote in a way that distinguished her as exceptional, from the melody to the lyrics to the chords and harmonies. Joni will change song in the moment based on how she's feeling, much like a jazz singer might.. The performance is currently (Feb 7, 2024) removed from youtube and I hope to see it back soon. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@and2rew]

I like her voice at this stage of her life … reminds me of Shirley Horne.

[@DianeLee999]

Wonderful 💜👏👏👏

[@waynegrimes2263]

Joni Mitchell smoked cigarettes, but she still had the voice of an angel 🎉.❤

[@TheOhiowolf]

So, Grammys had a viewership ship surge? Really? Joni Mitchel fans for sure. And now the number of hits will be millions more! Forever

[@mariadealva9059]

Jon Batiste also looks really moved. I think it is what you say, a song that reflects aging, life, success, loss. And the recognize it. With Tracy Chapman it was similar, except that it was also political because she and Luke come from two really opposite spaces and yet unite

[@eddiet3026]

Legendary> classic

[@user-df8iz3iq9o]

It just shows you how others have no respect for the artists that came before them and made way for others and female artists to have what they have today in music. Those who show or say anything negative about her Grammy Performance are just people who are very jealous and have no respect for anyone even themselves

[@athenstar10]

Emma Thompson should be there,lol

[@paulschetelick2006]

She has become the song....the composer and the composition are one and the same

[@valb9963]

She was 21, not 25. 26

[@dalelerette206]

You've been coming through in waves since 1969, Joni. And your waves get stronger in faith as time goes by. Soon we will see it from all sevens sides at the same time. The Lord rebuke our pride. The Lord bless our humility. The Lord rebuke our greed. The Lord bless our charity. The Lord rebuke our wrath. The Lord bless our kindness. The Lord rebuke our envy. The Lord bless our patience. The Lord rebuke our lust. The Lord bless our chastity. The Lord rebuke our gluttony. The Lord bless our temperance. The Lord rebuke our sloth. The Lord bless our diligence. This multi-faceted perception of God should not literally be conflated with God. This is our human perception of our experiences of God’s interaction with us. But as James 1:17 yet states, every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. As 1 John 1:5 states, this then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.

[@sue-ellenberry2666]

Who n what is this commentators cred.

[@philnovo1832]

She should have been smoking a cigarette while she was singing

[@tbam73]

Taylor look annoyed. Just admit it

[@allyt2017]

Maybe because at that moment she realizes she will never, ever be the legend that is Joni Mitchell!

[@bluegrasshack3810]

2/10/24. Nor will TS be around at 80+, I’m guessing. Joni Mitchell endures!

[@nomoniker7917]

Understand something people, taylor swift isnt talented enough to eat JONI MITCHELL'S toenail clippings.

[@elizabethwitt2621]

I don't get the whole Taylor Swift thing, either. Not a fan, at all.

[@nomoniker7917]

She's nothing more than a corporate package, just like beyonce. Theyre for only what sells the most...The actual musicianship, the bare bones talent is secondary with these people. Nobody will care a half century from now about any taylor swift composition, similar to JONI MITCHELL'S Both Sides Now.

[@This_da_life]

@@elizabethwitt2621because your jealous, what an ugly emotion .

[@danises1544]

Dude no one wants to hear you we want Joni only. Nor do we care how ppl reacted were looking for the 6 minute performance by her, stop using her for your channel. Thx

[@allypad64]

Seriously?? Go away. I , for one, thoroughly enjoyed listening to his thoughts. You don’t want to hear them?, there are plenty other places to go. Hell might me one…

[@mildredhighcock7333]

Joni mitchell is incredible, but this was not a great performance, and half of the audience looked like they were SUPPOSED to look thrilled and weren't actually thrilled. Half of them had probably heard a track or two of hers at the most. And Joni's plastic surgery. This is everything that's wrong with Americans and Award shows. The standing applause just because everyone else is doing it. Joni's music stands alone, on record, but I choose to remember her at her finest and not like this. Oddly I feel like I am almost writing the kind of things too many people say about Madonna these days ( telling her to "stop grandma" which I disagree with )

[@gerhardlegeland4523]

Why not talk much faster than you do? I reckon you never learnt a foreign language

[@christophet249]

One of the saddest things I've ever seen in a live performance. The exploitation of a nearly 80 year old woman who suffered a stroke and putting her on stage in front of millions of people is criminal. Aside from the sentimentality of it all, hers is not unlike dozens of other performers who should have hung it up a long time ago. Enjoy what you've accomplished, and leave it at that. You can't go home again.

[@slimydick23]

5:18 since you're mentioning everyone please don't forget Robert Kraft looking lost as hell about what's going on... he really doesn't know life... at all

[@kanjacat]

Both Sides Now really is the best song ever written.