Boyz II Men

Photo: Mike WIndle/WireImage

News

"Motown 60: A GRAMMY Celebration" To Air April 21 On CBS

Incredible all-star tribute lineup includes Motown legends Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder joined by Boyz II Men, Tori Kelly, John Legend, Ciara and many more

Nate Hertweck

GRAMMYs

Feb 6, 2019 - 8:00 am

The wait is over, as the linuep for "Motown 60: A GRAMMY Celebration" has been revealed! Hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and GRAMMY winner Smokey Robinson, the tribute to the iconic sound that changed America will feature Boyz II Men, Chloe X Halle, Ciara, Lamont Dozier, Fantasia, Brian & Eddie Holland, Thelma Houston, Tori Kelly, John Legend, Little Big Town, NE-YO, Pentatonix, Martha Reeves, Diana Ross, Valerie Simpson, Mickey Stevenson, Meghan Trainor, and Stevie Wonder.

Fantasia Describes The Emotional Power Of Motown

The live concert taping was held Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. PT at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, just two days after Music's Biggest Night, the 61st GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 10, 2019.

"If you're sitting in a house and a Motown song comes on, you have no other choice but to ... dance, you know what I mean? It just makes you feel good," Fantasia said backstage during the taping. "It's just feel good music. Berry Gordy, he just had it. He had the ear, he knew what was good for people and they did their thing."

The special will be broadcast on April 21, 2019, on CBS. Tickets are now on sale and available for purchase at AXS.com.

Smokey Robinson Reflects On Motown's Growth

Meghan Trainor Talks Covering "You Can't Hurry Love" | Motown 60: A GRAMMY Celebration

Aretha Franklin

Photo: ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images

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Patti LaBelle, John Legend, SZA, Alicia Keys, Common & More Celebrate Aretha Franklin

Artists across generations and genres convened to celebrate the beloved singer's life with moving performances and tributes at "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul"

Ana Monroy Yglesias

GRAMMYs

Mar 5, 2019 - 10:41 am

On Jan. 13, 2019, the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles was filled with cheers, laughter and some tears as dozens of stars took to the stage to pay tribute to the late GRAMMY-winning icon Aretha Franklin with a special concert called Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul.

Hosted by actor and comedian Tyler Perry, the talent-filled show featured performances from artists spanning generations, including Patti LaBelle, Alicia Keys, SZA, Janelle Monáe, John Legend, Yolanda Adams, Common, Alessia Cara, Brandi Carlile, Chloe x Halle, Celine Dion, Fantasia, H.E.R. and more.

Brandi Carlile, Jennifer Hudson, More Honor Aretha

Moving Musical Tributes

Every tribute had the packed auditorium either dancing or swaying in their seats; at times the crowd was even moved to standing ovations. As recent first-time GRAMMY winning R&B artist H.E.R. said during her backstage interview, "I don't know one singer that doesn't listen to Aretha Franklin."

H.E.R. brought out her guitar and silky vocals as she sang "I Say A Little Prayer For You." Meanwhile, Fantasia hit all the high notes with grace as fellow GRAMMY winner Rob Thomas joined her for a lively duet of "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," Aretha's 1986 song with GRAMMY winner George Michael.

H.E.R. Honors Aretha Franklin

GRAMMY winner Yolanda Adams also gave two stunning performances, one a rousing nod to Aretha's gospel choir beginnings with a moving medley with fellow GRAMMY-winning gospel singers Shirley Caesar and Bebe Winans.

Earlier in the evening, GRAMMY-winning rapper and social justice advocate Common joined her for a powerful performance of "Young, Gifted And Black," which brought the whole crowd into a booming standing ovation. The song was originally written and recorded by Nina Simone and covered a few years later by Aretha as the GRAMMY-winning title track for her 18th studio album.

Patti LaBelle: No One Can Channel Aretha Franklin

Performers also included GRAMMY-nominated R&B sister duo Chloe x Halle, who sang "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves" in coordinating sparkly fringe dresses. GRAMMY-winning Godmother Of Soul Patti LaBelle took it home as she wowed with "Call Me" in a shimmery black pantsuit number. She closing the song singing "We love you Aretha, we'll never forget you," to another standing ovation.

Alicia Keys and John Legend bookended the evening with their powerful voices and mesmerizing piano skills, Keys offering a medley with GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer SZA while Legend took on "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

More Aretha Accolades

In addition to performances from Aretha's admirers and peers, the show featured moving speeches and archival footage, which offered background to the songs and recounted milestones from Aretha's career, including videos of her singing at both Bill Clinton's and Barack Obama's Presidential inaugurations.

Fellow GRAMMY-winning, Detroit-raised music icon Smokey Robinson even took it way back as he shared the heartfelt story of meeting a six-year-old Aretha, whom he said would go on to become his "life-long friend" and the "Princess Of Soul." Another longtime friend and music industry icon, GRAMMY-winning producer and all around legend Clive Davis, also gave a powerful speech, asserting "there will never ever be another Aretha."

Stay tuned to GRAMMY.com to watch several full performances from the evening, to be released soon.

You can also sign up for our newly relaunched weekly newsletter and subscribe to our YouTube channel for keep up with all of our fresh GRAMMY video content and news.

Aretha Franklin's GRAMMY History: Remembering The Queen Of Soul

Travis Scott

Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

News

Everyone's A VIP At Clive Davis' Pre-GRAMMY Gala: From Travis Scott To Jimmy Jam To Brandi Carlile

Pass through the velvet rope at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles for an exclusive look at the star-studded 2019 Pre-GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons

Ana Monroy Yglesias

GRAMMYs

Feb 10, 2019 - 11:27 am

On Feb. 9, on the eve of Music's Biggest Night, the 61st GRAMMY Awards, artists from across genres and decades gathered at the glitzy Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. for the 2019 Pre-GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons.

Walk The 2019 Pre-GRAMMY Gala Red Carpet

Less than 24 hours before the big red carpet walk today, the likes of current GRAMMY nominees Ella Mai, Dua Lipa, Diplo, Shaggy, Alice Cooper and Weird Al Yankovich, and GRAMMY winners Melissa Etheridge and Quincy Jones, brought their vibrant energy and killer looks at the annual celebration hosted by the Recording Academy and Clive Davis. Onlookers tried to spy the glam looks on the red carpet as they peered into the hotel's glass—we'll let you past the velvet rope and walk it with us as at this exclusive music industry event.

Dua Lipa & Ellie Goulding | Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

This year's who's-who of music gala celebrated iconic industry veteran Clarence Avant, known as the Godfather Of Black Music, as the honoree of the evening. Like event host and fellow legend Davis, he helped launch the careers of many great artists, working with the likes of GRAMMY-winning greats Bill Withers, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis of The Time.

The video celebrating Avant had countless heroes such as Former President Barack Obama, Jones, Diddy and JAY-Z sharing how much they love Avant, the powerful impact he's made on their lives and music, and how he always knows the right thing to say. Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow introduced him with a fitting complement, and a huge one given the company they were in: "You're the ultimate music person." The Time properly brought the funk on stage to celebrate Avant with a performance of their '80s hits "The Bird" and "Jungle Love," dancing as if no time had passed.

Current GRAMMY nominee Travis Scott set the mood opening the evening's performances with "Goosebumps" and "Sicko Mode," while sisters and fellow nominees Chloe x Halle brought home a rousing cover of the late GRAMMY-winning Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin's "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves." Brandi Carlile, another current GRAMMY nominee, returned to the stage to join the duo, along with past nominee Valerie Simpson and Broadway star Keala Settle, ending the evening on quite the high note.

Chloe x Halle | Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

Other musical guests for the evening included current nominees Bebe Rexha, Florida Georgia Line and H.E.R., along with past nominees Jazmine Sullivan and Ledisi, plus GRAMMY winner Rob Thomas. Sullivan and Thomas offered a powerful duet, belting out Aretha and George Michael's "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)."

As the evening rolled on, Davis made sure to highlight all the countless legends in the room, as the crowd continuously burst into applause and often up on their feet to celebrate the likes of music greats Barbara Streisand, George Clinton and Dionne Warwick, along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Apple's Tim Cook and even former-L.A. Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Don't forget to tune in to the 2019 GRAMMYs live from Staples Center today. Start with the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at 12:30 p.m. PST/3:30 ET, then follow us to the red carpet at 2:00 p.m. PST/5:00 p.m. ET—both will be live streamed right here on right here on GRAMMY.com.

Then the moment you've all been waiting for, the 61st GRAMMY Awards, hosted by 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys, will air live at 5:00 p.m. PST/8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT on CBS.

GRAMMY Nominees In Their Own Words: Brandi Carlile, H.E.R., Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monaé & More

Smokey Robinson

Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

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Smokey Robinson Added To All-Star Lineup For “Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration…”

The GRAMMY winner is set to honor his childhood friend at “Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul”

Nate Hertweck

GRAMMYs

Jan 9, 2019 - 6:29 am

The special concert honoring late soul legend Aretha Franklin just got a whole lot more special. GRAMMY winner Smokey Robinson has been added to the all-star lineup and will pay tribute to his childhood friend at “Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul” on Jan 13.

Robinson will join previously announced performers Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Alessia Cara, Kelly Clarkson, Common, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle, and BeBe Winans. Additionally, several artists nominated for the 61st GRAMMY Awards — coming soon on Feb. 10, 2019 — will honor Franklin: Brandi Carlile, Chloe X Halle, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, and SZA.

"Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration" continues the tradition of previous Emmy-winning TV specials presented by the Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures, and CBS: "Sinatra 100—An All-Star GRAMMY Concert," "Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life—An All-Star GRAMMY Salute," and "The Beatles: The Night That Changed America—A GRAMMY Salute."

The special will broadcast Sunday, March 10, 2019 (9–11 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Tickets for this live concert at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium on Jan. 13 are on sale now via AXS.com.

Aretha Franklin's GRAMMY History: Remembering The Queen Of Soul

Elton John

Photo: Kevin Winger/Getty Images

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Kesha, Ed Sheeran, SZA & More To Honor Elton John In GRAMMY Salute

Tune in to CBS on April 10 to catch "Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute" featuring an all-star tribute plus special performance of a medley of hits from John himself

Nate Hertweck

GRAMMYs

Mar 13, 2018 - 7:00 am

How do you celebrate a career as illustrious as that of the great Elton John? With a star-studded concert, of course. "Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute" will air April 10 on CBS and features performances by some of music's biggest names, including Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Shawn Mendes, Maren Morris, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and SZA.

All-Stars Pay Tribute To Elton John

Musicians from multiple genres will perform classic songs from John's impressive catalog with longtime co-writer Bernie Taupin. Additionally, there will be special appearances by Jon Batiste, Neil Patrick Harris, Christopher Jackson, Anna Kendrick, Gayle King, Lucy Liu, Valerie Simpson, and Hailee Steinfeld.

The festivities will culminate with a medley of hits performed by John himself, culminating with the event's title song, "I'm Still Standing" from John's 1983 album, Too Low For Zero.

Here is the full list of performances:

"The Bitch Is Back" — Miley Cyrus
"Candle In The Wind" — Ed Sheeran
"Daniel" — Sam Smith
"I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" — Alessia Cara
"Your Song" — Lady Gaga
"Rocket Man" — Little Big Town
"Border Song" — Christopher Jackson & Valerie Simpson
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" — SZA & Shawn Mendes
"Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" — Maren Morris
"We All Fall In Love Sometimes" — Chris Martin
"My Father's Gun" — Miranda Lambert
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" — Kesha
"Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" — John Legend
"Bennie And The Jets" — Elton John
"Philadelphia Freedom" — Elton John
"I'm Still Standing" — Elton John & Ensemble

"Elton John: I'm Still Standing–A GRAMMY Salute," continues the tradition of previous Emmy-winning TV specials presented by CBS, the Recording Academy, and AEG Ehrlich Ventures, including "Sinatra 100 — An All-Star GRAMMY Concert," "Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life — An All-Star GRAMMY Salute," "The Beatles: The Night That Changed America — A GRAMMY Salute" and "Stayin' Alive: A GRAMMY Salute To The Music Of The Bee Gees."