The recording academy has announced another group of performers who will take the stage during the Grammy telecast on Sunday night, January 28: Kendrick Lamar, Sam Smith, U2, and a special collaboration between the legendary Elton John and Miley Cyrus.
Lamar is the only one of those artists nominated for awards this year, though all of them have been Grammy contenders or winners in the past. This year Lamar is the second most recognized artist with seven nominations (behind Jay-Z with eight). He’s up for Record of the Year for the first time for “Humble,” and he’s nominated for the third time for Album of the Year for “Damn.” To date he has won seven Grammys, though never in the general field.
Sam Smith was eligible for nominations this year for “Too Good at Goodbyes,” the lead single from his recently released second album “The Thrill of It All.” “Goodbyes” didn’t earn any nominations, but the album is eligible to compete at next year’s awards. He’s a four-time Grammy winner, including Record and Song of the Year for his breakthrough hit “Stay with Me” in 2015.
U2 are among the biggest winners in Grammy history with 22 prizes, including Album of the Year victories for “The Joshua Tree” (1988) and “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” (2006). They’re tied with Chick Corea and Beyonce for eighth place on the list of the most honored artists in history. They released their 14th studio album, “Songs of Experience,” in December, so it will be eligible for awards at next year’s Grammys.
Elton John is just as legendary, and two days after the Grammys telecast he and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin will receive the Recording Academy President’s Merit Award during the tribute concert “Elton John: I’m Still Standing — A Grammy Salute.” But John has only won five competitive awards in his career. His performing partner on Grammy night, Miley Cyrus, has just one previous Grammy nom, Best Pop Album for “Bangerz” in 2015, but there’s plenty of time for the 25-year-old singer.
These artists join previously announced performers Alessia Cara, Cardi B, Childish Gambino, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Kesha, Khalid, Lady Gaga, Little Big Town, Logic, Patti LuPone, Bruno Mars, Pink, Ben Platt, and SZA. Who are you most excited to see perform at the Grammy telecast?
Be sure to make your Grammy predictions so that Hollywood record executives and top name stars can see how their songs and albums are faring in our Grammy odds. Don’t be afraid to jump in now since you can keep changing your predictions until just before winners are announced on January 28. And join in the fierce debate over the 2018 Grammys taking place right now with Hollywood insiders in our music forums. Read more Gold Derby entertainment news.
