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The 2023 Grammy Awards was already set to be one of many largest installments within the present’s 65-year historical past even earlier than the Feb. 5 present started – however then they added Stevie Surprise. If there was anybody who might compete with the deliberate performances by Lizzo, Mary J. Blige, Steve Lacy, and the “rapsody” that may be a celebration of fifty Years of Hip-Hop, it’s the “Superstition” singer himself. However, Stevie, 72, wasn’t alone. Throughout his medley of songs, Smokey Robinson, 82, and Chris Stapleton, 44, joined Stevie on stage, including their star energy and voices to Surprise’s epic efficiency. Smokey’s voice nonetheless shone, and Chris delivered a guitar solo that shall be ringing by way of the halls of rock till the tip of time.
Days earlier than the Feb. 5 occasion, the Document Academy introduced that the Grammys would ” broadcast a particular efficiency by the titanic singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. The group stated that R&B group WanMore would be a part of Surprise for the efficiency of “The Method You Do The Issues You Do,” that Smokey would sing “Tears of the Clown,” and Chris would take part for “Increased Floor.” A cause for this efficiency wasn’t given, however when you’ll be able to have Stevie Surprise carry out at your present, you get Stevie Surprise to carry out at your present.
Surprise is at present tied for seventh place for Most Grammys Received, having taken dwelling 25 awards from 74 nominations. His most up-to-date nomination got here in 2010 on the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, and he spoke with Billboard in 2021 about his historical past with the present. ” I do know the sensation of hoping that you just’ll win,” he stated. “I didn’t for ‘Uptight,’ or, “As soon as in My Life,’ or ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered.’ And at the very least three or 4 instances, I had the identical dream that I used to be at an awards present as a nominee, and when the presenter stated, “And the winner is…,” I’d get up — and find yourself dropping. My God, it was craziness. Then on the awards [in 1973], I hear my identify referred to as as [the] winner of Album of the Tear for Innervisions. I used to be so excited. I gave that Grammy to my mom.”
The icon additionally weighed in on the controversy and criticism surrounding the Grammy’s historical past by overlooking Black artists. ” When folks restrict rappers to the rap classes … I imply, these persons are storytellers, who’re referred to as griots in Africa. And these storytellers have grown [in number] from again within the day with teams like The Final Poets to what now we have proper right here proper now,” he stated. “They created a complete different artwork kind that has been occurring for years: utilizing turntables to inform their tales over music. Simply because they didn’t do it as conventional poetry doesn’t imply it’s not as important.”
“I used to be completely satisfied for Adele successful album of the yr [for 25 in 2017], however I used to be additionally very dissatisfied that Beyoncé didn’t win [for Lemonade],” stated Stevie. “And Adele stated, ‘Hey, thanks, however this particular person is extra deserving of this than me.’ And I feel an artist ought to be capable to say that in the event that they really feel that approach. It doesn’t take something away from them. I feel it makes an individual even higher after they’re capable of take a place.”
On Friday, Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy have been honored as the primary twin recipients of the MusiCares Particular person of the 12 months Honor, per USA Right now. Stevie Surprise and Lionel Richie made shock appearances through the present, including to the lineup that featured Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, The Temptations, the 4 Tops, Dionne Warwick, Molly Tuttle, Samara Pleasure, Valerie Simpson, Jimmie Allen, Rita Wilson, Sebastian Yatra and Mumford & Sons. Robinson took a second throughout his acceptance speech to thank his longtime pal and mentor, saying that after they first met, “it was the start of my dream come true.”
“I’m completely satisfied to be right here with my finest pal,” added Gordy. “I imply…rattling.”
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