Perhaps the most confusing moment in recent Grammy history occurred in 1998, when a man with the words “soy bomb” written across his bare chest ran onto the stage and danced wildly during what was supposed to be Bob Dylan’s comeback performance. Security must also have been in shock, because the soy bomb man danced behind Dylan for an awkwardly long period of time before being removed from the stage. Although the moment certainly spoiled the somber mood of Dylan’s song, “Lovesick,” no one was quite sure what a soy bomb was. But in the end, it didn’t matter – so thanks, soy bomb man (performance artist Michael Portnoy), for making the Grammys even more entertaining.
2. Aretha Franklin covers for Pavarotti
After legendary opera singer Pavarotti announced twenty-two minutes before his scheduled performance that due to laryngitis he would be unable to sing, Franklin agreed to cover for him. Aretha sang Pavarotti’s intended performance piece, the famous aria “Nessun Dorma.” Her rendition earned a standing ovation and became one of the most talked-about moments in Grammy history.
3. Jon Stewart's striptease
While opening the 2002 Grammys, Stewart goes through "airport security" and (almost) strips down to his birthday suit after setting off the metal detector one too many times.
4. 50 Cent--the poor sport
Upon losing to Evanescence for Best New Artist of 2004, 50 Cent decided to show his good sportsmanship by walking onto (and proceeding to walk off) the stage as the band's lead singer began making her acceptance speech.
Naomi Sharp, Walter Payton, and Emma Cullen, Walter Payton
