Grammys 2024 In Memoriam Tribute Moves Fans as the Academy Honors Sinéad O'Connor, Tina Turner, and More
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Tina Turner appears onscreen during the In Memoriam at the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The audience readied themselves for tears when the 2024 Grammys approached the in-memoriam segment that paid tribute to those who passed in the last year, including songwriter Cynthia Weil, singer and actor Harry Belafonte and David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash, along with many more.
The Grammys spotlighted a few artists for special tributes during the in memoriam segment, with Fantasia Barrino taking the stage to honor the late Tina Turner with a little help from Oprah Winfrey. Stevie Wonder celebrated the impactful work of Tony Bennett, while Annie Lennox led a poignant tribute to Sinéad O’Connor alongside Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman.
Clarence Avant, known as the "Godfather of Black music," was also celebrated with a memorable performance featuring Jon Batiste and Lenny Kravitz, while the names and images of other musical figures who died in the last year passed by on screen.
Jon Batiste singing his rendition of “Ain’t no Sunshine.” This entire in memoriam has been beautiful #Grammys pic.twitter.com/AKZXMEhRiz
— Juan RC ???? (@elclass_king) February 5, 2024
As the audience took in the performance in person, fans watching the Grammys at home shared their responses to both the stage and the people showcased in the in memoriam who've passed, with one declaring that the "entire in memoriam has been beautiful."
"Don’t turn away from this In Memoriam tribute. Trust me," wrote another viewer.
Someone else even questioned, "Best in memoriam on an awards show ever?"
Ahead of the show, Grammys executive producer Ben Winston promised that the in memoriam section was "going to be outstanding," going on to discuss with Variety how the segment allows them to explore past music in new ways and noting that it would be "16 minutes of music."
The final product delivered an emotional moment with talented musicians honoring the many late artists, whether they were singers, composers, producers, instrumentalists or any other important role in music.
The 2024 Grammys, hosted by Trevor Noah, featured stars like Taylor Swift, SZA, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo and more vying for the big awards, with presenters that included Christina Aguilera, Kacey Musgraves and Meryl Streep.
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