Joni Mitchell, 80, marked her Grammys performance debut with a captivating rendition of her 1966 hit, “Both Sides Now.” Collaborating with Brandi Carlile, Blake Mills, Allison Russell, Lucius, Jacob Collier, and Sista Strings, Mitchell, despite her 18 nominations and 10 wins, had never before performed at the prestigious awards.
In 2015, Mitchell faced a setback when a brain aneurysm led her to step away from public life. Surviving the ordeal, she had to relearn fundamental skills, sharing, “It’s amazing what an aneurysm knocks out – how to get out of a chair!… You have to relearn everything.”
Sunday night marked Mitchell’s 10th Grammy win, securing the best folk album. A pivotal part of her recovery was support from fellow musicians like Brandi Carlile. Reflecting on Mitchell’s return to the stage in 2023, Carlile expressed witnessing a miraculous comeback, stating, “[I’ve] watched one of the most miraculous things I’ve seen in my life.”
Carlile had been instrumental in helping Mitchell reclaim her prime. The Grammy performance showcased Mitchell’s enduring talent, a significant milestone as her first headlining ticketed performance in two decades.