Music News

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Duet

By James Wray Feb 2, 2005, 15:10 GMT

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony will make their world debut performing together on the 47th Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards on Feb. 13 on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), it was announced by The Recording Academy(R). In addition, the telecast will feature a special fund-raising musical performance of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Across The Universe" on behalf of continued tsunami relief efforts. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Duet In keeping with the GRAMMY tradition of creating outstanding "GRAMMY moments," Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony will perform together for the first time in an exclusive GRAMMY segment. A GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY-winning artist, Anthony is currently nominated for Best Latin Pop Album ("Amar Sin Mentiras") and Best Salsa/Merengue Album ("Valio La Pena"). These superstar artists join previously announced performers Green Day, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw, and U2, along with special segments with Kanye West, featuring John Legend, Mavis Staples, and the Blind Boys Of Alabama; a tribute to Ray Charles featuring Bonnie Raitt and Billy Preston; and a salute to Southern Rock with Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dickie Betts, and Elvin Bishop. "Across The Universe" Viewers will be able to go directly to the iTunes Music Store to gain access to a download of the live performance of "Across The Universe" for $.99, and to CBS.com, which will offer exclusive video of the segment. All proceeds from downloads of the track will go to tsunami relief efforts benefiting survivors and their families. Special fund-raising musical segment participants will be donating their time and talents during the performance. Artists participating include Bono, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Velvet Revolver, Tim McGraw, and Brian Wilson. Additional names to be announced upon confirmation. "Our Academy represents thousands of music people who, by the very definition of their creativity, are individuals with heart and compassion," said Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy. "With a worldwide audience of hundreds of millions of viewers, the upcoming GRAMMY Awards telecast offers us a unique opportunity to combine the healing power of music with tangible as well as emotional assistance. Along with the dedication of our CBS and iTunes partners, we are committed to helping those affected by these tragic events in rebuilding their lives and future." "iTunes is honored to have an opportunity to extend our ongoing tsunami disaster relief efforts in collaboration with the GRAMMYs and CBS," said Eddy Cue, Apple's Vice President for Applications. "Proceeds from the sale of downloads from the live performance to be recorded during this year's GRAMMY Awards will go to support critical aid to the victims in Southeast Asia." "The night of the GRAMMY Awards is an amazing stage combining the power of music and television, giving us the perfect opportunity to remind our viewers that help for the tsunami survivors is still critical," said Jack Sussman, Sr. Vice President, Specials, CBS. "We're grateful to be able to showcase this special moment to raise awareness and much needed funds to benefit the victims of one of the worst natural disasters the world has ever known." Presenters Newly announced presenters include current two-time GRAMMY nominee (Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals and Best Rock Album) Hoobastank, two-time current nominee (Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals) Alison Krauss, supermodel Tyra Banks, and four-time GRAMMY-winning recording artist Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. These celebrities join a list of previously announced presenters that includes Ellen DeGeneres, Norah Jones, Ludacris, Mark McGrath, Christina Milian, Gary Sinise and John Travolta, for the music industry's premier event. The 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by Cossette Productions for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Walter C. Miller is producer/director, Tisha Fein is the coordinating producer, Tzvi Small is executive in charge of production, and Anthea Bhargava is associate producer.