Radiohead, Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake to perform at Grammy Awards [UPDATED]
Updated, 8:25 a.m.: Radiohead has been added to the performing line-up for the Feb. 8 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, joining the likes of Katy Perry, Lil Wayne, Carrie Underwood and fellow Brits Coldplay. Radiohead, nominated for album of the year for "In Rainbows," has been quite the Grammy booster in 2009, with singer Thom Yorke appearing in a television and print ad campaign to hype the Recording Academy-hosted gala.
Indie-focused website Pitchfork reported the news Sunday evening, and a Recording Academy statement confirmed it this morning. Paul McCartney was also added as a performer, and the former Beatle will be joined by Dave Grohl, as nary a Grammy event shall happen without the presence of a Foo Fighter. With Radiohead in, all but two of the album of the year candidates will be on board for the telecast.
It's rare that an artist up for the top prize would not make some sort of live music appearance on the Grammy telecast. However, that's precisely what's happened with Radiohead in the past. The act has been nominated for album of the year twice -- for "OK Computer" and "Kid A" -- but did not perform in either year.
Also added to the Grammy telecast are Justin Timberlake and T.I., who will perform together. Additionally, T.I. will also appear with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne for a rendition of "Swagga Like Us."
"In Rainbows" will compete for album of the year with Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III," Coldplay's "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends," Ne-Yo's "Year of the Gentleman" and "Raising Sand" from Robert Plant & Alison Krauss.
The face of Radiohead frontman Yorke can be seen in a Grammy television ad, in which the singer discusses some of his favorite songs -- many of them never nominated for a Grammy. Yorke's ad highlights such adventurous artists as Scott Walker, Bjork and Modeselektor, among others.
The print ad was earlier posted on this blog, although Idolator noted that some changes have been made to the ad since it was first revealed on Pop & Hiss. For instance, references to Walker and Autechre have been shrunk to make way for the Rolling Stones and David Bowie. A Grammy spokeswoman says the changes were made to reflect the artists Yorke discusses in the television spot, and no acts were removed from the original advertisement -- only made smaller.
-- Todd Martens
Photo credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times
www.drfunkenberry.com is confirming Sir Paul McCartney, Kanye West, T.I., Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake for the grammys.
Advised it is same source used for pitchfork.com
Seems to be extremely reliable information.
Posted by: accujack369 | January 26, 2009 at 03:51 AM
Radiohead the band that is famous for their campaign against corporate sellouts just did a Grammy T.V. spot for music biggest monopoly network: CBS. And now they will perform at the event????
I wonder why?
May be couse they are nominated for Best Album of the Year?
There's nothing wrong with playing the system, what is wrong is to trash other artist (Oasis, Prince) while doing the same thing.
alternative music + 90s = hipocrital.
Posted by: Mike | January 26, 2009 at 11:21 AM