Stevie Wonder, Fantasia, Jon Batiste Honor Late Artists At 2024 Grammys
Stevie Wonder, Fantasia, Jon Batiste, and more honored late entertainers during the 2024 Grammys’ In Memoriam segment.
On Sunday (Feb. 4), Wonder took the stage seated at his piano. The icon remembered his “dear friend” Tony Bennett and his love for peace, “civil rights,” and the passion of music. He then delivered a joint performance of “Once In My Life” alongside a recording of the late jazz singer. Wonder then launched into a performance of Bennett’s “The Best Is Yet To Come,” paying homage to Tony and several other entertainers.
Annie Lennox then hit the stage to pay homage to Sinead O’Connor, who passed away in July 2023. Lennox performed a rendition of O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” creating a riveting atmosphere with her delivery and tone. The United Kingdom-based artist began to cry and stumble a bit as she attempted to get through the song. She then ended the song calling for a ceasefire in Gaza—exactly what O’Connor, famous social activist, would have wanted.
Lenny Kravitz then hit the stage to give a monologue about Clarence Avant, the “Black Godfather.” Avant is best remembered as a powerful music executive responsible for managing icons such as Jimmy Smith and Little Willie John. Jon Batiste then performed a melody of hits, including bits of Sounds of Blackness’ “Optimistic,” alongside Jerry Jam, Terry Lewis, Ann Nesby, and a decked out choir.
After being introduced by Oprah Winfrey at the end of her tribute to her late friend, Tina Turner, Fantasia followed suit. Tasia, clad in a golden, shimmery frill costume, turned the Grammys upside down with unrelenting joy and energy—in the spirit of Tina, of course.
The 2024 Grammys In Memoriam segment honored fallen entertainers from every corner of the music business. Late figures such as Rita Lee, Jaquelyne Ledent-Vilain, Gary Wright, Melinda Wilson, Burt Bacharach, and more were shown off during the segment.
Watch the tribute above.
(WATCH) Annie Lennox calls for “ceasefire” during In Memoriam performance #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/AvnXQO1Rus
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 5, 2024
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