The lineup for Elton John's upcoming Gershwin Prize tribute taping was revealed, featuring a diverse array of artists set to honor the pop icon. Among the performers announced are Brandi Carlile, Metallica, Garth Brooks, Annie Lennox, Maren Morris, Charlie Puth, and Jacob Lusk of Gabriels. The event will be hosted by Billy Porter, with appearances by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
Metallica's inclusion may come as a surprise to some, but their admiration for Elton John is well-documented. Elton previously covered Metallica's 'Nothing Else Matters' and praised the band as one of the best in their genre. Other artists like Maren Morris and Garth Brooks have previously covered Elton John's songs, offering a glimpse into what they may perform at the tribute.
The band Gabriels, though less known in the U.S., has garnered Elton John's favor, having been selected to perform at his annual benefit Oscar viewing party. The tribute concert, titled 'Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song,' will be broadcast on PBS stations on April 8 at 8 p.m. local time. Viewers can also stream the event on PBS.org and the PBS app.
The taping of the show is scheduled for March 20 in Washington, D.C., with tickets not available to the general public. The production is a collaboration between WETA, Ken Ehrlich Productions, and the Library of Congress, showcasing the enduring influence of Elton John and Bernie Taupin's songwriting legacy.