2018 has been an incredible year for music and that included some of the epic performances we saw on various stages. We saw everything from rain storms to fire infernos. There were moments of vocal delight and of course a couple of vocal fails. From Ke$ha’s powerful performance of “Praying” at the Grammy’s to Jack and Jack’s areal performance at the MTV EMAs 2018 had its fair share of memorable live moments. Here’s a look back at my top 10 live performances of 2018

 

10. Jack & Jack “Nobody Compares To You / Rise” MTV EMA 2018

Im a big fan of a literal interpretation of lyrics. Jack & Jack taking “Rise” to it’s literal meaning above the MTV EMA stage in Bilbao.

 

9. Ciara & Missy Elliott – “Level Up & Dose”  American Music Awards

Ciara’s dance moves have always been on another level and she proved that she’s still got it at the 2018 AMAs. Her reunion with Missy Elliot was one of the best nostalgic moments of the year.

8. Shawn Mendes “In My Blood” 2018 MTV Video Music Awards

Shawn Mendes brought a literal storm on stage with him and rocked Radio City Music Hall, and let’s not forget that white singlet and al the memes that came with it.

7. Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin “I Like It” American Music Awards

Most people wouldn’t have known who Cardi B was two years ago. To think what she has managed to achieve in the past couple of years is a testament to her work ethic, sass and creativity. This year she turned the American Music Awards Stage into a tropical garden.

6. Taylor Swift “I Did Something Bad” American Music Awards

Taylor stepped it up a notch and didn’t miss a beat with her performance of IDSB. The performance was theatrical, dramatic and provided the perfect amount of hair tossing.

5. Christina Aguilera & Demi Lovato “Fall In Line” Billboard Music Awards.

Christina Made her comeback performance at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards and it was definitely worth the wait. It’s been a difficult year for Demi Lovato but I think it’s important we remember the art that she has created. These divas brought the vocals and set the scene for the “Fall In Line” music video.

4. Halsey “Without Me” MTV EMA

Turns out Shawn Medes wasn’t the only one to bring a full on rain storm to the live stage this year. Halsey brought her own rain storm in the most incredible live performance of “Without Me.” She spent the entire performance restrained which might have been for safety reasons but I can’t help but wonder if it symbolised being held back by a relationship.

3. BTS “Fake Love” Billboard Music Awards

What a performance. The first ever K Pop group to perform an American awards show. Not only was this an epic performance it also made history.

2. Ariana Grande “God Is A Woman” MTV VMAs

Ariana Grande brought Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper to life at the 2018 MTV VMAs. While I could talk all day about the incredible vocals can we take a moment to appreciate the family cameos from her mum and nona. The real moment we have to appreciate are all the overarching moments of female empowerment and her decision to portray Jesus as a black woman.

1. Ke$ha “Praying” Grammy Awards

In my opinion the most powerful performance to feature on a stage in 2018 was Kesha’s moment of triumph and power at the 2018 Grammy Awards. She was joined on stage by an epic lineup of female vocalists including Cyndi Lauper, Bebe Rexha and Camila Cabello.