To celebrate what would have been his 84th birthday, NBC announced an exclusive special dedicated to the late Elvis Presley on Jan. 8.
The Elvis All-Star Tribute was produced to commemorate the 50th anniversary of “The King’s” legendary ’68 Comeback Special — which was his first television appearance in seven years and marked his return to the music industry after spending years as a film star.
The two-hour show will feature Blake Shelton as the host. The country singer will be joined by a variety of other world-renowned musicians for a series of covers and tributes, including John Legend, Carrie Underwood, Ed Sheeran and Darius Rucker, among many others.
Up-and-comers Shawn Mendes and Alessia Cara will also serve as the only Canadian performers on the program.
The special was directed by Leon Knoles and taped last October. It is scheduled to air in February.
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In an official press release, the network revealed the special on its website Tuesday morning. The statement reads:
“Celebrating one of the greatest musical events in television history, NBC will honour a true legend when it airs the Elvis All-Star Tribute, a look back at the iconic 1968 special that put Presley back on the map.”
“Elvis’ Dec. 3, 1968, special was his first live television performance since 1961 and a monumental event. In addition to musical performances, the special will showcase rare Elvis footage, outtakes and interviews from those involved in the special,” the release continued.
On the official Elvis Presley website, it was revealed that his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, will be part of the special in an intimate interview. Presley’s only child, Lisa Marie Presley, is also reportedly making a special appearance.
A tweet was posted shortly after the announcement including the all-star lineup of musicians.
“We can’t help falling in love with these performers,” NBC wrote in reference to Presley’s 1961 smash hit version of Can’t Help Falling in Love.
“Look who’s coming to NBC’s #ElvisAllStarTribute on Feb. 17,” the network added.
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Many of the stars involved expressed their excitement over Twitter.
Adam Lambert teased his fans, asking them to guess which song he’d be performing. It was later revealed that he’ll be playing Blue Suede Shoes (1956).
Jennifer Lopez was quick to share the news, too. Her fans were ecstatic.
Tom Bukovac, Audley Freed, Roland Gajate Garcia, Terence Higgins, Kari Kimmel, Briana Lee, David Loucks, CJ Vanston and Brandon Winbush are credited as the part of the house band for the Elvis All-Star Tribute.
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To celebrate both the original and tribute performances, it was revealed that The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special album will be released on Feb. 15 by RCA/Legacy Recordings.
The album features 15 performances from the original ’68 Comeback Special. There will be four bonus tracks as well, including original studio recordings of three Presley hits: A Little Less Conversation, Suspicious Minds and Burning Love.
The final song, If I Can Dream, comes from the upcoming special. It features a collaborative performance by Underwood, Mendes, “Posty,” Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton alongside Presley’s original vocal track.
More information regarding The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special album can be found here.
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The Elvis All-Star Tribute is scheduled to air on Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. ET.
Musical performances include:
Trouble/Guitar Man – Blake Shelton
Hound Dog – Shawn Mendes
Burning Love – Keith Urban
Baby, What You Want Me to Do – Keith Urban and Post Malone
Jailhouse Rock – John Fogerty
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Ed Sheeran
Always on My Mind – Kelsea Ballerini
Heartbreak Hotel – Jennifer Lopez
One Night – Darius Rucker
Suspicious Minds – Blake Shelton
Love Me Tender – Alessia Cara
Memories – Mac Davis
A Little Less Conversation – John Legend
Are You Lonesome Tonight – Little Big Town
Blue Suede Shoes – Adam Lambert
Love Me – Pistol Annies
Hits Medley (That’s All Right, Don’t Be Cruel, Blue Suede Shoes) – Mac Davis, Post Malone, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton
Gospel Medley (How Great Thou Art, He Touched Me, You’ll Never Walk Alone) – Carrie Underwood and Yolanda Adams
Little Sister – Dierks Bentley
It’s Now or Never – Josh Groban
If I Can Dream – Elvis Presley, Carrie Underwood, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton
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