19 Most Memorable Grammy Red Carpet Looks [Update]

From Michael Jackson to Rihanna, Blue Ivy, Tyler The Creator and more, these stars take us back to the most-talked-about Grammy fashions

Photo: Getty Images CBS Photo Archive / Contributor

The Grammy Awards red carpet is one of the most scrutinized parts of the night. Some stars push the envelope of creativity while others look simply elegant and timeless! Here are some of the best red carpet Black looks we can’t get out of our heads. Which one is your favorite?

Grace Jones 1983

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella / Contributor

Model, singer, and actress Grace Jones had a way of making the strangest pieces look expensive and exclusive! This helmet with a purple ponytail attached and a colorful ensemble was something that only Grace Jones could get away with. The umbrella hat, worn on the same night was a statement, to say the least!

Michael Jackson 1984

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella / Contributor

The King of Pop wore his iconic sparkly jacket and singular white glove combo at the 1984 Grammy Awards. This was the night that he won 8 awards including Album of the Year for Thriller.

Mary J. Blige 1996

Photo: Getty Images Steve Granitz / Contributor

Mary J. Blige looked cute, comfy, and unbothered at the 1996 Grammy Awards in this leopard print unitard and humongous black shades. Go Mary!

Jada Pinkett Smith 1998

Photo: Getty Images Steve Azzara / Contributor

Jada Pinkett Smith was pregnant with her son, Jaden Smith, at the 1998 Grammy Awards. She wore this mesh, slightly see-through gown, and black arm cover-up, showing off her cute baby bump!

Blue Ivy 2017

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur / Contributor

Blue Ivy was paying homage to the late Prince in this adorable pink Gucci pantsuit and white ruffle top. A style icon even as a child!

Gnarly Davidson 2017

Photo: Getty Images Dan MacMedan / Contributor

Gnarly Davidson, also known as Ceelo Green, arrived on the red carpet in the most shocking way, painted as a golden superhero—or maybe a villain. We still aren’t sure!

Solange Knowles 2017

Photo: Getty Images Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor

Singer Solange Knowles looked like a trophy in this golden pleated Gucci gown at the 2017 Grammy Awards. Her natural hair was put up in this fun updo to show off her mismatched earrings as well. Love it!

Rihanna 2017

Photo: Getty Images CBS Photo Archive / Contributor

Rihanna arrived tardy yet striking in this Armani orange crop top and black volumized skirt on the 2017 Grammy Award red carpet.

Andra Day 2018

Photo: Getty Images Presley Ann / Contributor

Singer and actress Andra Day was giving us retro chic in this purple and red blazer dress and red platforms for the Grammy Awards in 2018. The beehive updo and purple eyeshadow were the perfect details to wrap up the look.

Tyler the Creator 2018

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Music artist Tyler the Creator broke fashion rules by mixing up fashion brands (Louis Vuitton, Converse, GOLF, and Supreme) on the 2018 Grammy carpet, but he looked cool doing it! He also showed off a leopard print-dyed hairstyle.

SZA 2018

Photo: Getty Images Dan MacMedan / Contributor

SZA attended her first Grammy Awards ceremony in 2018 and this was the perfect dress for the moment! This white Versace gown with tulle sleeves and thigh-high slits was hands-down one of the best looks of the night. She also had a white rose in hand for the Time’s Up movement.

Ella Mai 2019

Photo: Getty Images Steve Granitz / Contributor

Singer Ella Mai won her first Grammy award at the 2019 show and debuted a blunt-cut bob on the same night. Her deep blue strapless gown is timeless and elegant. Bravo Ella!

Billy Porter 2020

Photo: Getty Images David Crotty / Contributor

Billy Porter is the definition of drama and creativity and the red carpet is always a show for him! This turquoise jumpsuit and jacket set, silver fringed boots, and motorized tassel hat made him the star of the carpet!

Megan Thee Stallion 2021

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur / Contributor

Megan Thee Stallion won her first Grammy at the 2021 Grammy Awards and wore the perfect shade of orange for her beautiful brown skin. The cut or the dress showing off her long legs was perfect for the IT girl of rap. Also, we need to see more updos from Megan!

Beyoncé 2021

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter / Staff

Beyoncé made a surprise appearance at the 2021 Grammy Awards and looked stunning! The brushed-out blonde hair, form-fitting leather mini dress, matching leather gloves, and chunky earrings were styled perfectly, per usual.

Giveon 2022

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman / Staff

Giveon is necessarily considered the most stylish musician, so I’m glad that we got some jewelry and a sparkly jacket this time around! Let’s keep it up Giveon, we need more and more creativity from the men!

Trevor Noah 2022

Photo: Getty Images Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor

Trevor Noah can never get caught slipping when it comes to a suit! For his hosting gig at the Grammy Awards in 2022, he wore this tailored-to-perfection pink suit jacket.

Lil Nas X 2022

Photo: Getty Images Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor

This look will go down in Grammy Awards red carpet history as one of the best looks of all time. Rapper Lil Nas X wore this white Balmain set with matching chunky boots. I want this outfit in my size!

Doja Cat 2022

Photo: Getty Images Johnny Nunez / Contributor

We can always depend on music artist and rising fashion icon, Doja Cat, to stir up conversation on the red carpet. This Versace off-the-shoulder gown in baby blue was made to perfection paired with this platinum blonde bang and bob hairdo to die for!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Musicians Who Were Targeted By The FBI and Other Law Enforcement

Black Musicians Who Were Targeted By The FBI and Other Law Enforcement

For decades, the FBI has kept a close eye on Black musicians and other artists they saw as a threat to the status quo ...
The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies on Prime Video

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies on Prime Video

From Viola Davis kicking butt in 'G20' to Kerry Washington getting even in 'Shadow Force':' If you're looking for something to watch this weekend, we got you! ...

You Know Of The Tuskegee Airmen, But  You Don't Know What 'The Harlem 'Hellfighters' Did to Win The War

You Know Of The Tuskegee Airmen, But You Don’t Know What ‘The Harlem ‘Hellfighters’ Did to Win The War

There are many Black people who served in the U.S. Army with honor. Let's give them their flowers ...
Sole Survivor Explains How He's Alive After Air India Crash

Sole Survivor Explains How He’s Alive After Air India Crash

An Air India flight crash that claimed over 240 lives had one remarkable sole survivor. Viswashkumar Ramesh, 40, was one of the 242 people on board the London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed in the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad about half a minute after takeoff on Thursday. While recovering ...
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

The Very Short List of Black Celebs Speaking Out Against Trump’s ICE Raids

Although the list is short, folks like Doechii, Vic Mensa and Ava DuVernay are not happy with Trump's handling of anti-ICE protests ...
White George Floyd Advocate and Husband 'Target of Political Assasination' but It Gets Worse

White George Floyd Advocate and Husband ‘Target of Political Assasination’ but It Gets Worse

This is a sad day for America. But we all knew something like this coming ...
The Wild, Unbelievable Timeline of Kendrick Lamar's First Toronto Show Post-Drake Diss

The Wild, Unbelievable Timeline of Kendrick Lamar’s First Toronto Show Post-Drake Diss

Lamar touched down in Drake's hometown for his Grand National Tour and let's just say things went off-script in the most hilarious way ...
Expert: Brace Yourself For Anti-Ice Protests, But That's Not The Scary Part

Expert: Brace Yourself For Anti-Ice Protests, But That’s Not The Scary Part

Father’s Day weekend might be met with a side of anti-fascist chaos… across the country ...
Fans Get Too Close to Rumi Carter at the 'Cowboy Carter Tour' Until They See ...Jay-Z

Fans Get Too Close to Rumi Carter at the ‘Cowboy Carter Tour’ Until They See …Jay-Z

“Beyoncé’s youngest daughter was among the crowd during the latest ‘Cowboy Carter’ show in London.” ...
Embattled Shannon Sharpe Claps back At Nicki Minaj! Here's What We Know?

Embattled Shannon Sharpe Claps back At Nicki Minaj! Here’s What We Know?

Minaj took aim at Sharpe in a new song and now that he's gotten wind of it, he's a got a whole lot to say! ...
Former NBA Star Grabs His Privates and Pays a <i>Huge</i> Price For What He Does to a Fan

Former NBA Star Grabs His Privates and Pays a Huge Price For What He Does to a Fan

DeMarcus Cousins catches a steep penalty from his basketball team for very unsportsmanlike conduct caught on camera ...
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Behind Florida’s Sheriff’s ‘We Will Kill You’ to Anti-Trump Protesters

With Sheriff Ivey basically giving the green light for violence against Americans using their First Amendment right, Black folks took it all in ...
What Black Men Secretly Want For Father's Day

What Black Men Secretly Want For Father’s Day

It's not socks. Nor is it cologne. What Black men want for Father's Day is simple and free ...
How Trump is Now Involved in R. Kelly's Legal Mess, Explained

How Trump is Now Involved in R. Kelly’s Legal Mess, Explained

The once beloved R&B singer is pulling out all the stops to try to get out of prison and his latest attempt just might involve the president! ...
Detroit Mother Kicked Out Of Zoom Court For Making Daughter A PB&J

Detroit Mother Kicked Out Of Zoom Court For Making Daughter A PB&J

Turns out you can't make PB&Js during a court hearing, even if it's on Zoom ...
Kenny Lattimore and Faith Jenkins Go After Youtubers For Spreading Lies About Them

Kenny Lattimore and Faith Jenkins Go After Youtubers For Spreading Lies About Them

Lattimore, a popular singer, has remained out of the headlines as of late. But this new development has now changed that! ...
Black Internet Reacts To Nelly And Ashanti's New Reality Show Trailer

Black Internet Reacts To Nelly And Ashanti’s New Reality Show Trailer

If reality TV wasn't already starting to get juicy with the comeback of Love Island USA, it's definitely going to get interesting with a new show everyone is talking about. Spin the block couple, Nelly and Ashanti, are coming out with a reality TV show, "Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong ...
Wait...Who's Trying to Kill R. Kelly??

Wait…Who’s Trying to Kill R. Kelly??

Kelly, the disgraced R&B singer, has been trying to get out from under his 31 year prison sentence. But this latest attempt might be the wildest ...
Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

After a new Marvel comic introduces a white Black Panther, fans discuss whether Ryan Gosling should take on the role ...