The Grammy Awards has announced plans to pay tribute to music legends Prince and George Michael, who both sadly passed away in 2016.
The CEO of the Recording Academy Neil Portnow opened up about how the music awards show will pay homage to the two singers. "George Michael and Prince were pop icons who showcased rare musical genius and otherworld charisma," he said. "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."
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© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince received eight Grammys throughout his career
Both Prince and George were awarded Grammys, the former receiving eight Grammys throughout his career including the award for best rock performance by a duo or group, best album of original score written for a film or TV special, and best R&B song. He went on to win best male R&B performance with Future Baby Mama and best R&B performance for Kiss. George received several Grammy awards for hits including Wham's single Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me). He also received the album of the year award for Faith in 1988.
© Photo: Getty ImagesGeorge passed away on Christmas Day
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James Corden will be presenting the 59th Grammy Awards, and has already paid a touching tribute to George on his chat show, The Late Late Show. "I feel like I've loved George Michael as long as I've loved music, in a way, and I know so many of his fans feel the same," he said. "I can remember so many specific times in my life where I might have felt on my own, and George's music would feel like, you would listen to a song and he would reach his hand out and tell you that you weren't on your own and that these feelings were not particular to you… So we all have so much to thank him for, for the music that he's given that will last forever."
