Real-time monitoring and control are crucial for ensuring the resilient, coordinated, and optimal operation of next-generation power systems, such as virtual power plants and microgrids. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have great potential for improving the effectiveness of monitoring, controlling, optimizing, and managing energy systems. As such, integrating AI into energy systems is seen as a promising path for developing intelligent grids, especially given the rise of distributed and renewable energy sources and the shift toward net-zero systems. This research explores the latest advancements across various areas of energy systems, revealing the current capabilities of intelligent monitoring and fault detection, control and optimization strategies, and energy management systems. The study delves into the key challenges, methods, findings, and research gaps in these areas. It further outlines a framework and the potential benefits of intelligent grid systems, offering multiple directions for future research to address these gaps. Ultimately, this comprehensive review aims to guide industry experts in the practical application of these innovations.