An abundance of Stars Aligned for Epic #StevieWonderTribute this evening on CBS which was taped pre-Grammys as part of the “Grammy Salute” initiative. Beyond featuring the Queen Bey, immortal Pharrell and hot topic Ariana Grande singing “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” with Babyface, were the likes of John Legend, “As” sung by Janelle Monae, Jill Scott, India.Arie and more!!!
Beyonce took the stage with Ed Sheeran among other notable collaborations for a 3 song medley as the Stars Aligned for Epic #StevieWonderTribute. Paying homage to one of the GOATs in all of music HISTORY, who’s not only inspired from his long list of solo masterpieces and over 100 million in album sales (try Innervisions, Songs in the Key of Life, Hotter Than July) but to his musical backing, writing, vocals, and production for some of the biggest legends ever to grace a microphone or stage (see Aretha Franklin, Minnie Riperton, Donny Hathaway, Paul McCartney, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson!).
Many say the show that had Stars Aligned for Epic #StevieWonderTribute was more engaging, entertaining and fulfilling than the actual Grammys, with legendary musical director Greg Phillingaines also bringing together the O.G. Tony Bennett, Jennifer Hudson (taking it to church!), Lady GaGa singing “I Wish” and saying “you are truly the reason I’m here today,” Ne-Yo who sang “Isn’t She Lovely” with Stevie’s daughter Aisha (who he originally wrote the song for), Usher, Andrea Bocelli, The Band Perry, and Gary Clarke Jr. (playing the sh*t out of his guitar as usual) rounding out the Beyonce and Ed Sheeran duo.
And if there weren’t enough stars on the stage as Stars Align for Epic #StevieWonderTribute, they were chock-full in the audience! Droves of photos from the night show Big Sean and Ariana Grande, Jamie Foxx, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jay-Z and more. The Twitter-verse had this to say among nothing but positive reviews:
“A blind man with so much insight…#StevieWonderTribute” @Rickonia
“Why am I more into this than I was for the Grammy’s tho!? *shrugs* #StevieWonderTribute” @jOyFul_SiNgS
“Glad we’re honoring #StevieWonder but saddened that todays radio & public wouldn’t support a new artist like him today. #StevieWonderTribute” @LManiSViney
“The Stevie Wonder Tribute is brilliant! A reminder of his genius! He is truly a musical master… What a body of work! #StevieWonderTribute” @HUEMANBOOKS
The Stars Aligned for Epic #StevieWonderTribute and not only were people reminded of what music that moves you feels like–the love given back to the presence, legacy and catalog of this legend continues to remind us to LOVE. And love is still* in need of love today. Check the gallery for photos, tweets and IG action, and check the vids below for re-caps of the performances!!!
