“This needed Chris Brown” — Internet reacts as Janelle Monáe covers Michael Jackson in her Quincy Jones tribute

During the 2025 Grammy Awards, a star-studded tribute to Quincy Jones was given, including Janelle Monáe's performance of “Don't Stop Till You Get Enough." The internet went into a frenzy, and one user commented, “This needed Chris Brown."

The lineup for the Quincy Jones tribute featured a lineup of powerful artists which included music legends and contemporary stars. In his opening remarks, Will Smith discussed his relationship with Jones, who helped him start his career with the TV show, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. He said,

“You probably wouldn’t even know who Will Smith was without Quincy Jones.”

to a resounding response from the crowd.

After Smith's introduction, jazz legend Herbie Hancock played the piano while Cynthia Erivo sang a moving version of Fly Me to the Moon. Jacob Collier, on the piano, accompanied Lainey Wilson as she took over with a spirited performance of Let the Good Times Roll by B.B. King.

The energy surged when Hancock joined Stevie Wonder for an instrumental duet with Blusette, a song Jones had re-recorded in 1975. As the tribute came to a close, the emotional We Are the World, co-written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and co-produced by Jones, was performed.

Alongside the biggest stars in the music industry, a chorus of students sang, some of whom had lost their schools in the recent fires in Los Angeles.

When the tribute came to a close, Janelle Monáe appeared on stage wearing a tailored tuxedo, black loafers, and silver socks, evoking the Jackson Off the Wall era. Monáe's energetic choreography and her distinctive stage presence, which included a moonwalk, launched her performance.

Janelle Monáe paid tribute to Quincy Jones by tearing off her jacket halfway through the song to expose a tank top that read, "I ❤️ QJ."

Her performance was loved by the audience present there, but online criticism was swiftly unleashed. Many believed that Monáe's performance lacked the accuracy, energy, and signature moves that characterized the original, and so failed to convey Jackson's legendary stage presence.

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Backlash and Social Media Reactions to Janelle Monáe's Grammy Performance

This needed Chris Brown"

was one of the night was most viral comments. Many social media users agreed, stating that Brown, who is widely considered to be among the most talented contemporary artists who was influenced by Jackson, would have been a better option for the memorial.

Others quickly chimed in, one user expressed their disappointment by stating,

"With all due respect to, that part without a doubt should have been done by Chris Brown #GRAMMYs"

again suggesting that Brown would have been a better choice.

Another user also echoed the same, questioning the Grammy's decision to pick Janelle Monáe. The user added,

"Grammys went and got janelle monet for a michael jackson tribute, When Chris Brown is alive and healthy."

The backlash extended beyond Monáe's performance, as some fans wondered why other artists who were known for their dance abilities were excluded,

"That was a mess! Where was Chris Brown? Hell where was Usher?"-another user commented

While another user criticized Monáe's execution, the user commented,

"You know she was way to stiff to do MJ!!"

Janelle Monáe seemed 'thrilled' during her performance despite the criticism, saying,

"Thank you, Quincy Jones!"

as she ended her set- a moment to which the Grammy crowd responded enthusiastically.

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Quincy Jones' lasting impact

The entire tribute reaffirmed Quincy Jones' enduring influence on the music business, regardless of the controversy surrounding Janelle Monàe's performance.

Thriller, Bad, and Off the Wall are just a few of the albums that Jones produced throughout his decades-long career. In addition, he had a significant influence on the careers of other musicians like Lesley Gore and Micheal Jackson.

Jones continues to be one of the most honored individuals in the history of Recording Academy, having won 28 Grammys. At the age of 91, he passed away on November 3, 2024, leaving a legacy that still influences contemporary music.

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