He’s given the world so much — including such memorable classics as “Living for the City” and “Higher Ground” — but last Tuesday it was the music industry who returned the love when they gathered at the Nokia Theatre in L.A. to give a tribute to Detroit legend Stevie Wonder for An All-Star Grammy Salute, which aired last night on CBS.
A superstar cast of 19 artists saluted Wonder on February 10 with songs from his catalog before a sold out audience. The lineup of performers included Babyface, the Band Perry, Tony Bennett, Beyoncé, Andrea Bocelli, Gary Clark Jr., Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, India.Arie, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Annie Lennox, Janelle Monáe, Aisha Morris, Ne-Yo, Jill Scott, Ed Sheeran, Ryan Tedder, and Pharrell Williams. Two-time Grammy winner LL Cool J hosted the special tribute, with appearances by Jason Derulo, Jamie Foxx, Tyler Perry, Craig Robinson, and Maya Rudolph.
A 25-time Grammy winner, Wonder is the only artist to have received Album of the Year honors in three out of four consecutive years with Innervisions (1973), Fulfillingness’ First Finale (1974), and Songs in the Key of Life (1976). A surprise final performance from Stevie Wonder himself capped the two-hour special — including favorites like “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “Superstition” — which drew multiple standing ovations from the packed theatre.
“We must, without question, let the world know that love is king and queen,” said Wonder, thanking his fellow artists and fans from the stage before beginning a medley of his classics. “I encourage all of us as artists to write songs about love. Love is the key, and you’ve given me love, and I thank you for it.”
Watch Beyoncé perform a medley of Stevie Wonder’s songs from last night’s special below: