billy joel

Billy Joel Performs His New Single ‘Turn The Lights Back On’ At 2024 Grammys

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Stepping onto the illustrious stage of the 2024 Grammy Awards, the legendary 74-year-old Billy Joel graced the audience with a remarkable performance of his latest pop creation, “Turn the Lights Back On.” This marked a significant foray for Joel into the realm of new pop music, a departure from his established classics that have resonated through the decades.

Before his much-anticipated performance, Joel, accompanied by his wife Alexis Roderick and their two young daughters, Della Rose (8) and Remy Anne (6), made a memorable entrance on the red carpet at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The familial presence added a heartwarming touch to the evening, showcasing a side of Joel often kept private.

The 66th annual Grammy Awards boasted an impressive lineup of performances, featuring music icons like Joni Mitchell, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott, Fantasia, Luke Combs, and Tracy Chapman. Joel, with a storied career encompassing five Grammy wins and 23 nominations, returned to the Grammy stage after more than two decades, his last appearance dating back to 2002 alongside Tony Bennett for their duet, “New York State of Mind.”

The spotlight on Joel’s musical journey also highlighted his 1988 Grammy performance as part of a special New York musical presentation. In 2002, he received the prestigious MusiCares Person of the Year Award from the Recording Academy, underscoring his enduring impact on the industry.

The unveiling of “Turn the Lights Back On” took the audience by surprise, as Joel had hinted at something special during his December 19 show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Despite initially downplaying the possibility of new material, Joel revealed a creation that signifies a meaningful return to the world of songwriting, showcasing his enduring talents and a newfound appreciation for his craft.

This release marks Joel’s first original composition since “All My Life” on Valentine’s Day 2007, a love song dedicated to his then-wife, Katie Lee. According to The Post’s Chuck Arnold, the new single serves as a poignant testament to Joel’s continued artistic evolution.

While Joel may have taken a step back from prolific songwriting in recent years, he remained a captivating live performer, maintaining his decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden, set to conclude on July 25. Additionally, fans can anticipate an extraordinary collaboration as Joel shares the stage with fellow music legends Sting and Stevie Nicks later this year, promising a continuation of his enduring musical legacy.

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