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Tribune News Service
Tribune News Service
Entertainment
Peter Sblendorio

Grammys to feature Stephen Sondheim tribute by Rachel Zegler, Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Cynthia Erivo

Grammys night won’t be just any night — thanks to a tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim.

“West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler and Tony winners Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Cynthia Erivo will perform songs by the standout composer and lyricist during the “In Memoriam” segment of the April 3 award show, organizers announced Thursday.

Sondheim — an eight-time Tony winner whose stage productions included “West Side Story,” “Into the Woods,” “Company” and “Sweeney Todd” — died in November at age 91.

Zegler plays Maria in the 2021 film adaptation of “West Side Story.” She told the Daily News last year of Sondheim, “We wouldn’t be here without him.”

“So much of what art is nowadays, especially in the context of musical theater, started with a lot of what he did,” said Zegler, who is from New Jersey. “My first favorite musical was ‘Sweeney Todd,’ and I got to tell him that.”

Grammys producers on Thursday also announced that Brooklyn, New York-born rapper Nas, Foo Fighters, Jon Batiste, H.E.R. and Chris Stapleton will perform at next month’s ceremony, which will air live on CBS from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Previously announced performers include Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, BTS, Brandi Carlile and Brothers Osbourne.

Trevor Noah, star of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” is set to host the Grammys for a second consecutive year.

The Grammys will take place a week after this Sunday’s Academy Awards, where “West Side Story” is nominated for seven Oscars, including best picture.

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