George Michael’s Manager Originally Wanted Beyoncé And Rihanna To Join Adele’s Grammys Tribute

The original plan changed when it became clear “how passionate Adele was” about the performance.

February 14, 2017
George Michael’s Manager Originally Wanted Beyoncé And Rihanna To Join Adele’s Grammys Tribute Christopher Polk/Getty

One of the most talked about moments at the 2017 Grammys was Adele's tribute to her late friend, George Michael. She sang a slowed down version of "Fastlove" which she started over on live T.V. in order to get it just right.

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter as part of a report on the tribute, Grammy executive producer Ken Ehrlich has revealed that an early idea for the performance involved Beyoncé and Rihanna joining Adele on stage. According to Ehrlich, George Michael's manager Michael Lippman wanted the three artists, plus host James Corden, to perform a mashup of Michael's hits including “Freedom” and “One More Try.”

However, the decision to focus solely on Adele was made when it was established "how passionate Adele was," Ehrlich says, "and that she had a vision for what she wanted to do with it."

ADVERTISEMENT

In the end Hans Zimmer was recruited as the arranger and conductor for the performance, with Grammys production team reportedly receiving the finished version just three days before the ceremony.

ADVERTISEMENT
George Michael’s Manager Originally Wanted Beyoncé And Rihanna To Join Adele’s Grammys Tribute