2018 Grammy Awards Tribute: Country Music Artists To Honor Las Vegas Massacre Victims
Every year, the Grammy Awards is known to feature tributes. This 2018, three country artists will perform a meaningful tribute to last year's Las Vegas massacre victims.
Revisiting Route 91
The purpose of this upcoming Grammy performance is to pay homage to the more than 50 people who were murdered in cold blood by 64-year-old gunman Stephen Paddock. On Oct. 1, 2017, Paddock, who carried out the horrific attack alone, shot at Route 91 Harvest Festival concertgoers from the 32nd floor of his hotel room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Paddock's bullets ricocheted across countless people, interrupting country music sensation Jason Aldean. The gunshots sent attendees all across the Vegas Strip for cover and forced Aldean off stage. By the time Paddock stopped firing, more than 200 people were injured.
The Healing Process
In addition to honoring both the Route 91 Harvest Festival victims and survivors, the Recording Academy also noted that they would group the 22 victims during Ariana Grande's May 2017 Manchester, England concert in the tribute.
"We believe it's incredibly important to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in these senseless tragedies and to remind musicians and music lovers alike that live music will continue to be a powerful force that unites us all," said Neil Portnow, the Recording Academy's President and CEO.
The Recording Academy selected country music artists Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, and Maren Morris to perform the tribute. All three artists were in Las Vegas when the tragedy occurred.
"In all honesty, there is not a day that goes by since that day that I have not thought of it and thought of the people and the victims," said Eric Church.
While the song has not been revealed, show organizers have stated that it is a Grammy-winning track that will mean something to the audience.
Other Grammy Performances
In addition to the Las Vegas Massacre tribute, the 60th Grammy Awards has a packed line-up.
The Recording Academy acknowledged that Sir Elton John and Miley Cyrus are expected to perform a medley of John's classic songs. The award ceremony organizers added that Bruno Mars and Cardi B would debut their remix "Finesse" at the ceremony, while Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee are scheduled to perform "Despacito."
The Grammys might also pay homage to their Lifetime Achievement Award winners which include Neil Diamond, Queen, and Tina Turner.
Other performers that have been announced include Kendrick Lamar, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Little Big Town, P!nk, and SZA.
The Late Late Show host James Corden will return to host the 60th Grammy Awards on Sunday, Jan. 28, from New York City's Madison Square Garden.
