We’re still deeply saddened by David Bowie’s passing in January, but it looks like the music industry is now ready to say its final goodbyes to the late Starman.
Although numerous singers have volunteered to pay a tribute to David at the upcoming Grammy Awards, the show’s organisers ultimately settled on one of his biggest fans: Lady Gaga.
Grammys executive producer Ken Ehrlich told the New York Times that Lady Gaga was already booked to perform at the award show before Bowie’s death. But when news of the late rocker’s death broke 2 days after the release of his new album, “Blackstar”, Ehrlich began discussing a potential tribute with Gaga and her manager.
Ehrlich added that he reached out to Nile Rodgers as well. “Before long, we were on our way to creating what we believe will not only make a great Grammy moment, but one befitting of David,” he said.
Bowie’s longtime collaborator Nile Rodgers (who produced Bowie’s albums “Let’s Dance” and “Black Tie, White Noise”) will serve as music director for Gaga’s tribute.
Gaga’s performance will not be the opening number for the Grammys but will “probably last 6 or 7 minutes and cover at least 3 or 4 of Bowie’s songs”. Ehrlich also added that fans can expect the tribute to “be a true homage to who David was, particularly musically, but not ignoring his influence on fashion and pop culture in a broader way”.
Gaga has always been an admirer of Bowie, crediting the musician for inspiring her sound and aesthetic. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter prior to his death, Gaga shared, “When I fell in love with David Bowie, I was living on the Lower East Side. I always felt that his glamor was something he was using to express a message to people that was very healing for their souls.”
She added, “He is a true, true artist and I don’t know if I ever went, ‘Oh, I’m going to be that way like this,’ or if I arrived upon it slowly, realizing it was my calling and that’s what drew me to him.”
Given that Gaga and Bowie have such similar artistry, the “Til It Happens To You” singer is more than a fitting choice to be the one to honour the legendary icon.
Bowie will also be receiving a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony.
The Grammy Awards will air live on Star World/ Star World HD (Astro Ch 711 / 722), on 16th February 2016 at 9am (with a same night primetime encore at 10pm).
Sources: E! Online, The Guardian, The New York Times.
