The inevitable Michael Jackson tribute at the 2010 Grammy Awards is even more star-studded than previously imagined. Today the Grammys announced the tribute to Jackson will feature Celine Dion, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson, as well as a 3D video clip for Jackson's "Earth Song."
The 3D video clip for "Earth Song" appeared in Jackson's movie This Is It. The Grammy Awards are making free 3D glasses available in Target stores nationwide beginning on January 24 so that viewers at home can experience the performance as intended.
Jackson will also be the recipient of a Special Merit Award at the ceremony.
"Earth Song" would appear to be a poor choice for a tribute. The track is perhaps the most bombastic song in Jackson's catalog, and it's caused awards show trouble before. Remember that in 1996, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker rushed the stage during Jackson's "Earth Song" performance at the Brit Awards because Cocker believed the performance revealed Jackson's Messiah complex. Surely, replaying Jackson's most over-the-top song is not the best way to honor his body of work.
"Earth Song," from Jackson's 1995 HIStory album, was never released as a commercial single in the U.S. and earned very little radio airplay in this country.
We'll see how it plays out when the Grammy Awards air on CBS on January 31.
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Comments
Well, over-the-top is generally what the Grammys strives for, for better or worse.
I agree that Earth song is a poor choice for a tribute.
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hope it's good!
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