The Recording Academy has announced plans to honor 2x Grammy Award winner George Michael and 7x Grammy Award winner Prince with two “unforgettable tribute” segments at the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
While specific details for the tribute performances, including who will participate in each, remain under wraps, previously announced performers include Adele, The Weeknd, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Chance The Rapper, Anderson .Paak, Gary Clark Jr., Daft Punk, Andra Day, Tori Kelly, Little Big Town, Demi Lovato, A Tribe Called Quest, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and more.
“George Michael and Prince were pop icons who showcased rare musical genius and otherworldly charisma,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “While each possessed a distinct style and sound, they were both adored by audiences worldwide. The passings of two such creative innovators were a huge loss for the creative community; The Recording Academy is humbled to pay homage to their tremendous legacies on the GRAMMY stage.”
“While the primary focus of the GRAMMY Awards is to celebrate and honor the year’s best in music, we consider it our responsibility to tell music’s broader story by honoring its legends lost—that’s what we strive to achieve with our annual tributes,” said Ken Ehrlich, Executive Producer of the GRAMMY Awards. “While it’s nearly impossible to convey the full depth of an artist’s cultural impact in a single performance, it’s that very challenge that has led us to some of our most memorable GRAMMY moments.”
Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live on CBS, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Award-winning television personality and performer James Corden will serve as host for the first time.
