Today’s Biggest Stars Honor Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special

Last night (Feb 17) some of today’s biggest superstar performers joined together to honor the late, great Elvis Presley. Broadcasted on NBC, the all-star event mimicked the ’68 Comeback’ special Presley starred in on his return from the war. From John Fogerty to Ed Sheeran, to Little Big Town to Post Malone; every genre was represented on the special. Presley was famous for his unique sound that combined the genres of rock, country, R&B, pop, gospel and even opera, which is what made him such a tremendous music icon.

The tribute began with the original footage of Presley singing “Guitar Man” from the ‘68 special with host Blake Shelton joining in on every other verse. Interviews with Priscilla Presley (wife of six years), Steve Binder (producer and director of ‘68 special) and Mac Davis (songwriter for Presley) were also included throughout the tribute.

“Elvis was country; Elvis was R&B; and anyway you look at it, Elvis rocked. Sometimes he did it all at once” – Shelton praised.  Keith Urban performed with hip-hop artist, Post Malone covering “Baby What Do You Want From Me” while Carrie Underwood sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with gospel singer, Yolanda Adams. Urban and Underwood also sang solos of “Burning Love” and “How Great Art Thou”, respectively.

Other country artists that performed included Darius Rucker singing “One Night”, Shelton – “Suspicious Minds”, Mac Davis – “Memories”, Little Big Town – “Lonesome”, Pistol Annies – “Love Me”, and Dierks Bentley – “Little Sister”.  “I feel so proud to sing it tonight as we all remember the unforgettable, Elvis Presley” – Ballerini said on performing “Always On My Mind”.

The show ended with the classic footage of Presley singing “If I Could Dream” joined by Underwood, Mendes, Post Malone, Rucker, and Shelton. This was the song he closed the show with 50 years ago. To watch the full ‘68 Comeback special click here and for clips from last night’s epic tribute click here.

 

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