The 2017 Grammys will honor two great artists who passed away in 2016: Prince and George Michael.
“George Michael and Prince were pop icons who showcased rare musical genius and otherworldly charisma,” Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy said in a statement. “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.”
“Although 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,” Ken Ehrlich, Executive Producer of the GRAMMY Awards, added. “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.”
The 2017 Grammys will air on Sunday (February 12) and will feature performances by Adele, Chance The Rapper, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Bruno Mars, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, The Weeknd, and many more.