Elton John’s ‘Gershwin Prize’ Tribute Special to Showcase Brandi Carlile, Metallica, Garth Brooks, and Annie Lennox

The star-studded lineup for the upcoming tribute to Elton John’s Gershwin Prize was unveiled, revealing a diverse array of artists set to honour the iconic pop superstar. Among the expected cast members is Elton’s close musical confidante, Brandi Carlile, alongside some unexpected additions like the legendary band Metallica.

Garth Brooks, himself a recipient of the prestigious Gershwin Prize for songwriting from the Library of Congress four years ago, joins the ensemble, along with the incomparable Annie Lennox, country sensation Maren Morris, pop sensation Charlie Puth and Jacob Lusk from the group Gabriels. The multitalented Billy Porter will take on hosting duties as well as perform, while Elton John and his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin are slated to make special appearances.

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Metallica’s inclusion may come as a surprise to some, but their mutual admiration for Elton is well-documented. Elton previously covered their song ‘Nothing Else Matters’ on the ‘Metallica Blacklist’ tribute album, praising it as one of the finest songs ever written.

Several of the participating artists have previously paid tribute to Elton John through covers of his songs, offering a glimpse into what to expect during the telecast. Morris and Brooks have both performed renditions of Elton’s classics, while Carlile has made ‘Rocket Man’ a staple in her live shows and even shared the stage with Elton himself during his farewell concerts.

While the band Gabriels may be lesser-known in the U.S., their inclusion underscores Elton’s affinity for their music, having selected them to perform at his annual benefit Oscar viewing party in Los Angeles.

The highly anticipated tribute concert, formally known as ‘Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song’, is poised to make its grand debut on PBS stations across the nation. This illustrious event promises an unforgettable celebration of two musical titans whose indelible contributions have left an indelible mark on the fabric of popular music.

-Sushmita Sarkar