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Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, and more pay tribute at Grammys

Olivia Rodrigo performs on NBC's "Today" show at Rockefeller Plaza on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in New York. Rodrigo received six Grammy nominations on Friday.

The 2024 Grammys was a night filled with heartfelt tributes to some of the music industry's greatest legends. Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Fantasia Barrino, and Jon Batiste took the stage to honor the late Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor, and Clarence Avant.

The tribute began with Stevie Wonder paying homage to Tony Bennett. Wonder kicked off the performance with a stunning mash-up of Bennett's classics 'For Once In My Life' and 'The Best Is Yet To Come.' His soulful rendition set the tone for an evening of beautiful musical commemorations.

Next up was Annie Lennox, who delivered a heartfelt tribute to Sinead O'Connor. Lennox, accompanied by Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, members of Prince's band The Revolution, performed a moving rendition of O'Connor's iconic hit, 'Nothing Compares 2 U.' At the end of her performance, Lennox called for a ceasefire and peace in the world, reminding us of the power of music to inspire change.

Jon Batiste took the stage to honor music executive Clarence Avant. Introduced by Lenny Kravitz, Batiste wowed the audience with a medley of Avant's favorite songs. From 'Ain't No Sunshine' to 'Lean On Me' and 'Optimistic,' Batiste's performance, featuring the talented Ann Nesby, showcased Avant's incredible impact on the industry.

The tribute concluded with Fantasia Barrino paying homage to the incomparable Tina Turner. Barrino's energetic performance of 'Proud Mary' sparkled with charisma and showcased her incredible vocal range. She even took the performance into the audience, dancing with fellow artists like Dua Lipa and Beyoncé, creating a memorable moment of connection and celebration.

Beyond the touching tributes, the 2024 Grammys saw a remarkable showcasing of female talent. Female acts dominated the top three categories, with SZA leading the pack with nine nominations. Victoria Monét and Phoebe Bridgers also received well-deserved recognition, each earning seven nominations. In addition, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo all earned six nominations, further highlighting the incredible talent and diversity within the music industry.

The night was not just about the tributes. Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and Olivia Rodrigo were among the phenomenal artists who graced the stage with their captivating performances. Each artist brought their unique style and musical prowess, entertaining the audience and further adding to the grandeur of the evening.

Hosted by Trevor Noah, the 2024 Grammys aired live from Los Angeles on CBS and Paramount+ with Showtime. The red carpet was adorned with stunning and extravagant looks, showcasing the artists' personal style and creativity, further enhancing the glamour and excitement of the event.

The 2024 Grammys will be remembered as a night of remarkable tributes, incredible performances, and a celebration of the exceptional talent within the music industry. It highlighted the timeless influence of legends like Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor, and Clarence Avant, while also showcasing the incredible achievements and strides made by the current generation of artists. The power of music to inspire, unite, and provoke change shone brightly throughout the night, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.

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