Grammys 2017: Emotional Adele botches George Michael tribute
The 59th annual Grammy Awards were full of sophisticated style and touching moments – with a few awkward bungles to boot.
But one moment may be remembered beyond all others – Adele’s emotional tribute to the late George Michael.
Singing the 53-year-old’s 1996 dance song Fastlove, Adele stopped the tribute midway through and swore live on the air – after her performance started off-key.
“I need to start again. I f**ked up. I can’t do it again like last year,” she said, referring to her imperfect and technical glitch-ridden 2016 Grammys performance.
“I’m sorry for swearing and sorry for starting again. Can we please start it again?”
#GRAMMYs: @Adele starts her George Michael tribute over, says “I can’t mess this up for him.” https://t.co/g0DflCvEzK pic.twitter.com/ByvdZO7722
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 13, 2017
“I’m sorry, I can’t mess this up for him. I’m sorry. I can’t. I’m sorry for swearing. I’m really sorry.”
To her credit, Adele steeled herself and performed a pitch-perfect homage the second time around, receiving a standing ovation from a misty-eyed audience.
Adele later apologised once more when accepting her Song of the Year award, one of her five awards for the night. (Click here for a full list of the winners.)
“I really do apologise for swearing. George Michael, I love him. He means a lot to me. So I’m really sorry if I offended anyone, anywhere.”
Meanwhile, the late David Bowie swept up four gongs for his Blackstar album, which was released two days before his death in January 2016.
A glowing Beyonce dominated onstage with an ode to motherhood that stole the show. Queen B picked up two awards including Best Music Video.
Australian DJ Flume led the local talent winning Best Dance/Electronic Album for Skin, as Sia, Keith Urban and Hillsong Young & Free missed out on awards.
The red carpet didn’t disappoint either, with a number of dresses, outfits, and overall bizarre behaviour that needs to be seen to be believed.
Check out the Grammys’ highlights below:
Beyonce is known as Queen B for a reason – showing off her baby bump during her performance. Photo: Getty
Rock meet Pop: Lady Gaga with legendary band Metallica. Photo: Getty
Grammys host James Corden takes a lengthy tumble. Photo: Getty
Josh Dun and Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots accept the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance … without pants. Photo: Getty
Country singer Carrie Underwood in a red hot Elie Madi dress. Photo: Getty
Chance the Rapper won three Grammys, including best new artist and best rap performance – he’s never sold a single piece of recorded music. Photo: Getty
Singer Halsey rocking an open silky blue track suit. Photo: Getty
Rihanna and her diamond-glittered Flask was a talking point on social media from the Grammys. Photo: Getty
Girl Crush wore possibly the most questionable outfit at the 59th Grammy Awards. Photo: Getty
… and then there’s CeeLo Green and his alter-ego Gnarly Davidson. Photo: Getty
Flume accepts his award for Best Dance/Electronic Album onstage. Photo: Getty
Match made in heaven? Lady Gaga and Metallica perform together. Photo: Getty
Katy Perry in a strange Tom Ford combination. Photo: Getty
Adele during her tribute to George Michael. Photo: Getty
Nick Jonas wearing a studded jacket and black pants by Balmain. Photo: Getty
The Grammys’ Carpool Karaoke edition singing Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline. Photo: Getty
Mike Posner won the award for most bizarre red carpet interviews, whispers to ‘Blackbear’ (R) who answered interviewers’ questions. Photo: Getty
Paris Jackson, daughter of Michael Jackson, sporting a fun and flirty Balmain look and War clutch. Photo: Getty
Joy Villa in a Donald Trump-inspired “Make America Great Again” dress. Photo: Getty
Jason Derulo put his hand up for the best dressed male with this suave suit. Photo: Getty