Storyline

TRIBUTES SET FOR MUSICAL SUPERSTARS GEORGE MICHAEL AND PRINCE, ON “THE 59TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®,” FEB. 12 ON CBS

Music’s Biggest Night® Will Be Hosted by

Award-Winning Host and Performer James Corden

CBS and The Recording Academy have announced plans to honor two-time GRAMMY winner George Michael and seven-time GRAMMY winner Prince at THE 59TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS® with two unforgettable tribute segments. Details of the performances, including who will participate in each, will be revealed during the show. This year’s previously announced GRAMMY performers include Adele, Kelsea Ballerini, William Bell, Chance The Rapper, Gary Clark Jr., Andra Day, Cynthia Erivo, Tori Kelly, Lady Gaga, Barry Gibb, Lukas Graham, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Little Big Town, Demi Lovato, Metallica, Bruno Mars, Maren Morris, Anderson .Paak, Daft Punk, Sturgill Simpson, A Tribe Called Quest, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and The Weeknd.

THE 59TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS® will be broadcast live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Sunday, Feb. 12 (8:00-11:30 PM, live ET/5:00-8:30 PM, live PT; 6:00-9:30 PM, live MT) on the CBS Television Network. Award-winning host and performer James Corden is set to host Music’s Biggest Night® for the first time.

“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.”

“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,” 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.”

THE 59TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS® is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.

About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Recording Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, “like” Recording Academy/GRAMMYs on Facebook, and join The Recording Academy’s social communities on Google+, Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube.

Cheat Tweet: .@RecordingAcad will pay tribute to #GeorgeMichael & #Prince at the #GRAMMYs on #CBS Feb. 12 http://bit.ly/2kSd7pg

* * *

CBS Press Contacts:

Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i

818-655-1587

tiffany.smith@cbs.com

Kate Fisher

212-975-3818

khfisher@cbs.com

CBS Photo Contact:

Gaye Ann Bruno

818-655-1542

gayeann.bruno@cbs.com

Kathleen Holloway

212-975-8533

khollyway@cbs.com

For The Recording Academy:        

Neda Azarfar

310-392-3777

neda.azarfar@grammy.com

For Rogers and Cowan:

Maureen O’Connor

310-854-8116

moconnor@rogersandcowan.com

    Show Contacts