‘Elton John: I’m Still Standing’ Grammy Special Details: Top Artists Pay Tribute to Elton John

Elton John Grammy Special
Elton John Grammy Special (Photo Provided by CBS and The Recording Academy)

CBS and The Recording Academy announced details about the Elton John: I’m Still Standing – A GRAMMY Salute honoring the life and career of Sir Elton John which is taking place on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Madison Square Garden. The special, which will air in 2018, pays tribute to the five-time Grammy Award winner and 2000 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree.

The live concert at The Theater at Madison Square Garden will include performances by Grammy nominee Miley Cyrus, Grammy nominee Kesha, two-time Grammy winner Miranda Lambert, 10-time Grammy winner John Legend, two-time Grammy winners Little Big Town, seven-time Grammy winner Chris Martin, Grammy winner Maren Morris, four-time Grammy winner Sam Smith, and four-time Grammy winner Keith Urban. Elton John is also scheduled to perform a selection of his hits.

“Sir Elton John is an international music legend who has captivated audiences across generations for more than five decades,” stated Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “His creativity, dynamic presence, and melodic virtuosity have positioned him as a cultural icon, and the Recording Academy is pleased to honor his immeasurable contributions to the music community.”

“Elton John is an undeniable force within the music industry, and I can’t think of a better musician to honor at this special GRAMMY Salute,” added Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of AEG Ehrlich Ventures. “We’re proud to pay tribute to his artistry and can’t wait to see what the participating musicians have in store for this momentous celebration of Elton’s work.”

The Elton John: I’m Still Standing – A GRAMMY Salute is produced by Ron Basile and executive produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures and Rac Clark. Tickets will go on sale via ticketmaster beginning on December 18, 2017 at 12pm ET.

A Brief Look at Elton John’s Career, Courtesy of CBS: “The monumental career of international singer, songwriter and performer Elton John has spanned more than three decades. Since launching his first tour in 1970, Elton has had over 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 35 gold and 25 platinum albums and more than 300 million records sold worldwide.

The Recording Academy has bestowed Elton multiple GRAMMY Awards, as well as the GRAMMY Legend Award and MusiCares Person of the Year honor in 2000. Three of his recordings have also been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame®. In the early 1990s, Elton collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice on the soundtrack for The Lion King, earning him an Academy Award. The album produced two top-selling, award-winning singles: “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” The Tony Award®-winning Broadway production of Aida earned Elton a GRAMMY Award for Best Musical Show Album. Billy Elliot was nominated for a record-tying 15 Tony Awards and won 10, including Best Musical.

In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is one of the leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. In 1998 the Queen of England knighted him Sir Elton John, CBE. In 2004 Elton received the Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to American culture and excellence through the performing arts. In 2013 Elton was honored as the first recipient of the prestigious BRITs Icon Award.”