SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON TO FEATURE NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN "THIS IS IT" TOUR FILM IN 3-D PLUS PERFORMANCES BY CELINE DION, JENNIFER HUDSON, SMOKEY ROBINSON, CARRIE UNDERWOOD AND USHER ON "THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY(R) AWARDS," JAN. 31 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
CBS and Target Partner To Provide Millions of Free "3-D GRAMMY� Glasses" so that Viewers May Enjoy Unique TV Experience from Home
Ken Ehrlich, GRAMMY Executive Producer and Longtime Jackson Associate, Available For Conference Call Today
GRAMMY� winners Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood and Usher will join together, along with the voice of Michael Jackson, in a moving tribute to Jackson at THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, broadcasting live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Sunday, Jan. 31 (8:00-11:30 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. This very special GRAMMY Moment will feature the never-before-seen 3-D mini-movie for "Earth Song" that was created by Jackson as the centerpiece of his much anticipated "This Is It" tour and will now premiere during the GRAMMY performance.
The 3-D film was created to support the performance of "Earth Song," an original composition and a No. 1 hit for Jackson. The song has a strong theme about the future of the planet, and Jackson saw it as a unique opportunity to deliver a message to millions of people who would have seen him on tour.
"It was one of the most important portions of the concert tour to Michael and when Michael saw the film for the first time at his last rehearsal, there were tears in his eyes," according to Ken Ehrlich, GRAMMY Executive Producer and longtime Jackson associate, who was also at the rehearsal that night.
"This very special GRAMMY Moment will feature some of our most beloved GRAMMY winners, all of whom have a great love for Michael," added Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "This segment promises to be an emotional highlight of this year's show, and is sure to join the unique list of amazing performances for which the GRAMMY Awards have become renowned."
Carrie Underwood has two nominations this year: Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Just A Dream," and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for "I Told You So" (with Randy Travis).
This special segment also represents another GRAMMY technical breakthrough in that it will be the first time a major awards show broadcasts in 3-D. The GRAMMY Awards were also the first award show to broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound.
CBS and Target have partnered to provide millions of free 3-D GRAMMY Glasses so that viewers can enjoy this unique 3-D TV experience at home. From Sunday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 31, Target stores nationwide will exclusively offer these 3-D GRAMMY Glasses so that fans have the opportunity to see the film that was very personal to Jackson. Additionally, the audience at STAPLES Center will be wearing the same glasses as those being worn by viewers at home.
Ken Ehrlich, GRAMMY Executive Producer and longtime Jackson associate, will be available for a conference call on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 at 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT to answer questions regarding this tribute. To RSVP, please email Kate Fisher at khfisher@cbs.com by 2:00 PM, ET today for call-in information.
As previously announced, all five Album Of The Year nominees are set to perform on Music's Biggest Night�: Beyonc�, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, the Dave Matthews Band and Taylor Swift. Other previously announced performers and nominees are Bon Jovi, Green Day, Lady Antebellum, Maxwell, P!nk and the Zac Brown Band. Presenters include actress Kristen Bell, pop/R&B singer Justin Bieber, actor Jeff Bridges, pop singer and actress Miley Cyrus, actor Josh Duhamel, pop sensation the Jonas Brothers, nine-time GRAMMY winner Norah Jones, pop singer/songwriter Ke$ha, two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J, GRAMMY winner and three-time Latin GRAMMY� winner Ricky Martin, 10-time GRAMMY and three-time Latin GRAMMY winner Carlos Santana, and nine-time GRAMMY winner Ringo Starr. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.
For more information on THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, please visit http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/.
THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS is produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy�. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Louis J. Horvitz is director.
About The Recording Academy
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is 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 Academy, please visit http://www.grammy.com/. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/thegrammys, a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/thegrammys and a YouTube channel subscriber at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.
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