The 48th annual Grammy Awards will open with a bang, as international superstar Madonna will be paired with “virtual band” Gorillaz. The group will be present via 3D color animation in what the Recording Academy is calling a first for network television. It is unknown what songs will make up the collaboration.
Madonna is a five-time Grammy winner, but not nominated for any honors this year. Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” featuring De La Soul is vying for record of the year, best pop collaboration with vocals and best short form music video, and the group’s “Dirty Harry” featuring Bootie Brown is up for best urban/alternative performance.
As previously reported, pairings of U2 and Mary J. Blige, Faith Hill and Keith Urban, Christina Aguilera and Herbie Hancock and Jamie Foxx with Kanye West and Mariah Carey with Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir are also planned for the ceremony. Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay and Sugarland will also perform separately, while a tribute to legendary R&B act Sly & the Family Stone will feature Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, the Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am, Joss Stone, John Legend, Maroon 5, Robert Randolph and Devin Lima.
Newly announced presenters Michael Bubl
