Despite speculation from some fans that Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars would perform ‘Earth Song’ in support of the California wildfires, the Grammys still had some sparkly gloves…
At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 2, 2025, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, the music industry gathered to honor the late Quincy Jones, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91. The tribute featured a stellar lineup, including performances by Stevie Wonder, Cynthia Erivo, Herbie Hancock, Lainey Wilson, Jacob Collier, and Janelle Monáe.
Will Smith introduced the segment, sharing personal anecdotes about Jones’ profound impact on his career, notably through “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The musical homage commenced with Cynthia Erivo’s stirring rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon,” followed by Jacob Collier and Lainey Wilson’s spirited performance of “Let the Good Times Roll.” Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock then collaborated on “Blusette” and “We Are the World,” showcasing their musical prowess.
The tribute culminated with Janelle Monáe delivering a dynamic performance of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” a track produced by Jones. Monáe, known for her admiration of Jackson, channeled his energy and style, captivating the audience with her showmanship.
The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, with many rising to their feet during Monáe’s performance. Notably, Taylor Swift, seated near the stage, caught Monáe’s tuxedo jacket when it was playfully tossed into the crowd and donned it, adding a memorable moment to the evening.
This tribute not only celebrated Quincy Jones’ monumental contributions to music but also highlighted the enduring influence of his collaborations, particularly with Michael Jackson. Janelle Monáe’s performance stood out as a testament to her talent and deep respect for the legends who paved the way.
