Tony Bennett Health Status: Why Lady Gaga Has To Represent Them Both in Grammys 2022

Tony Bennett
Singer Tony Bennett attends the 'Exploring the Arts' 20th anniversary Gala at Hammerstein Ballroom on April 12, 2019 in New York City. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

On Sunday night, Tony Bennett, who has a duets record with Lady Gaga that is nominated for five Grammys, will not perform with her at the Grammys 2022. "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "Love for Sale" have been nominated for Record of the Year and Album of the Year at this year's Awards, but only Lady Gaga will be able to attend. Bennett, as many people know, has health concerns.

Tony Bennett's son and longtime manager, Danny Bennett, was honest in telling Variety why.

"Tony is beyond thrilled, particularly at the young age of 95, to once again be recognized along with his musical collaborator and dear friend Lady Gaga by the Recording Academy for their album, "Love for Sale."

To have the album nominated in six categories including Album of the Year and Record of the Year is an incredible honor, " Danny said. He then clarified that although the producers had invited both Tony and Gaga to perform in Sunday's Grammys broadcast, his father's continuous struggle with Alzheimer's, meant he would not be able to accept.

As such, "It was decided that it would be fitting for Lady Gaga to perform on her own to represent for both of them. There is no doubt, that she will offer up an impeccable performance from 'Love for Sale,' which is Tony's final album," Danny further said.

The son however, assured fans and Lady Gaga that Tony Bennett would be "cheering her on as he watches from his home in New York City."

A duet from "Cheek to Cheek" was performed at the Grammys in 2014. A CBS special titled "One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga" featured Bennett and Gaga performing two shows at New York's Radio City Music Hall in August. It garnered a lot of praises.

Olivia Rodrigo, BTS, Billie Eilish and Silk Sonic are also on the bill, along with Brandi Carlile, Lil Nas X, Jon Batiste, Carrie Underwood, J Balvin with Maria Becerra and a special In Memoriam performance featuring songs of Stephen Sondheim sung by Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler. Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who passed away suddenly last week at the age of 50 while the band was on tour in South America, will be honored throughout the event.

In addition, gospel/Christian, tropical Latin, and bluegrass music will be featured on the broadcast for bumpers leading into commercial breaks, something that hasn't been done before. Maverick City Music, Aymée Nuviola, and Billy Strings are among the acts planned to perform in that format. In the gospel and Christian music categories, Maverick City Music is up for a nomination. Tropical Latin album accolades go to Nuviola, while American roots and bluegrass record honors go to Strings.

This year's Grammys will be televised live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on CBS on Sunday, April 3, 2022, and will be streamed live and on demand on Paramount+. The show will be hosted by Trevor Noah once again.

Join the Discussion
Real Time Analytics