During Sunday’s telecast of the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, the show will feature the never-before-seen 3-D mini-movie for Earth Song that was created by Michael Jackson for his This Is It tour. Grammys executive producer Ken Ehrlich talked to EW.com about the decision to air the film, and how he tried to persuade Jackson to appear on the awards show last year.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Tell us about your decision to pay tribute to Michael Jackson.
KEN EHRLICH: Last year at this time, it was the 25th anniversary of Thriller and I was talking about having Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown – before the troubles – and Ne-Yo do a whole thing that ended with Michael. It would have started with two or three of them pretending to be Michael, and then Michael would be revealed. I pitched it to him, and I thought I had him. And he just said, “I’m not ready.. .I’ll be with you next year.” It wasn’t to be.
I came to Michael’s last rehearsal for the live show to meet about another project and coincidentally, he was watching the 3-D film for Earth Song. I could see what it meant to him. He told me it was as important or more important than anything else in the concert show because there was the message about preserving the earth. After we did his memorial service and started thinking about what to do for the Grammys, I did think about what (tributes) were done on other shows. Whenever I worked with Michael he’d say, “Kenny, let’s do something that no one has ever done before.” This is something that no one’s ever done before – certainly not on an awards show. I’m an old guy, kind of emotional. There is a part of me that thinks he is looking down at this and saying they are doing right by me.
Will there be song and dance with the footage?
The way it was going to go on the tour was that it would be shown, then a bulldozer would come out and Michael would perform the song with dancers. What I decided to do was have five people who Michael would have liked – Smokey Robinson, who was his Godfather, Usher, who was his disciple, along with Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson perform. I didn’t want to do a Natalie and Nat King Cole kind of thing, but you’ll hear Michael singing part of a verse, and then one of these artists singing another part of the verse. I think it has the potential to be one of those things that people will remember for a long time. There are four or five of these moments in the show that I don’t think I’m going to get through emotionally.
What are some others?
Last night about midnight I got a track that was done long distance by Andrea Bocelli in Italy and Mary J Blige. They put together “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Ron Fair, the head of Geffen Records, came to me and wanted to do something on the show for Haiti. I remembered that 40 years ago, “Bridge” won record and song of the year. I called Paul Simon and asked him if he would bless it. That’s how it started. People can download the song after the show and all the money will go to the Red Cross. Wyclef Jean is coming to introduce it.
With so many other music award shows out there, is it getting tougher to create water cooler moments on the Grammys?
Nope. We’re the at end of the road. The artists have already done the stuff they are going to do on the other shows so by the time they get to us, they are really looking for something. We are still the Grammys. They know we reach higher, we set the bar higher, and when they come to us, they want to do better. We’re not interested in doing the latest hit. We’re more interested in finding something that gives them a little more creativity.
Give us a little intel on the tribute to Bon Jovi.
The fans are voting for one of three songs on CBS.com (that Bon Jovi will perform; they are “Livin on a Prayer,” “It’s My Life,” and “Always”). He won’t know which song that won until 30 seconds before he finishes the second song and then boom, he’s on it. He’ll do “We Weren’t Born to Follow,” and then Jennifer Nettles will come on and join him, and then he’ll go into one of three songs.
How do you contain Lady Gaga on what’s supposed to be family-oriented telecast?
You work with her. We started in December. I have a tremendous amount of admiration for her. She’s really inventive. That’s the fun of it. There are people who come back year after year — the U2s and the Bruces — but the first-timers are not only a challenge but as much fun as anyone else.
Any procedural changes to the ceremony this year?
This year we’re gonna do the comedy album award. We haven’t done that in a long time. [This year's nominees are Back From The Dead, Spinal Tap; A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All, Stephen Colbert; Internet Leaks, "Weird Al" Yankovic; My Weakness Is Strong, Patton Oswalt; Suckin’ It For The Holidays, Kathy Griffin; and Tall, Dark & Chicano, George Lopez.]
How do they know he’s not looking up and saying that?
because they knew him,and you wanna judge.
anyway,like he said,he is looking down on this and thanking his fans and his supporters.
I did not judge. Ehrlich did. I don’t get when people say he/she “is looking down” on us, blah blah blah. No one knows. It’s a tired cliche that implies the speaker is divining something.
What did he do that he would be looking up at anyone, even the FBI did’nt have anything on MJ. But people still wanna drag his name through the mud. Shame.
yep i agree…. how do they know he’s not looking up?
I for one know that I am looking straight at my monitor, reading your comments and thinking, “what a retard”.
and how do you know the opposite?at least the guy has the credit of having met MJ so just let him know sth more than you.how idiot can all of you be?sitting there and reading sth you’re not interested in just to say sth bad.jee get a life.
That’s terrible…how can you say such a thing…that he’s looking up…that’s just not nice…one day you will all understand…
You know you must not like yourself to much and refering to yourself.
Michael was the most loving and giving person that I knew and I know for a fact Michael is looking down at you saying many prayers you aren’t the one looking up. May God Bless your soul, because Michael’s soul has been blessed ten fold.
I hope that this will be the last time that we are all forced to worship at the Michael Jackson shrine. I loved him as a kid, but it is ridiculous to ignore the very real problems that occurred. All of the tributes want to remember that sweet little boy and forget about what came after. I certainly hope that we don’t have to see Usher cry again–he seems to be making a career out of this.
It’s true Michael Jackson had some problems but I don’t think anyone is really ignoring that. I think the tributes and the fond memories are to remember the good things that he’s done as an entertainer and a humantarian. And as far as the charges go, well read “Michael Jackson Conspiracy” by Aphrodite Jones and it might make you look at the charges alittle differenly.. (If that is what you were referring to by the very real problems that occured.)
u don’t even need to read that book (although it’s not a bad place to start). just look at the “evidence” they had on him. the problems he had later in life weren’t “real” they were made up and caused a great deal of grief on him and his family. from those ridiculous allegations to all of the law suits that he was involved in. anyone that refers to his “very real” problems that he had concerning those two kids are idiots that can’t draw conclusions from facts or allows someone else to tell them what to think… either way, it’s still makes u an idiot. it’s not a theory that MJ was innocent of doing anything wrong with either of those kids. there are so many holes in both stories that it’s a damn shame that people still hang onto those things because it’s what the media told them to do. i’m not gonna go into the details of the evidence and all that cuz i feel like i’m doing it too much and u simply can’t change an idiot’s mind.
but yeah, aside from the plastic surgery and the fact that he chose to relive his childhood (while still being a good father), there wasn’t really anything wrong with him. he went through things that no person should ever have to. no one should ever be that well known and the fact that he lasted as long as he did with all that going on shows how resilient he really was.
Amen Mike…thank you:)
I agree with Amber and Mike. Very well said both of you.
sure,MJ had problems–yeah.. from amoral greedy people who were out to extort money from him in any mercenary means possible and having a Megalomaniac DA .. of which Mj was totally acquitted.. and FBI proved nothing!
I second that agreement with Amber and Mike, and also alexa.
I really wish people would just read the stated above book “The MJ conspiracy. It really will help understand how crappy he was treated and all the underhanded BS that went on. The one thing that will change is how one see the media and how they really operate. I think twice now when I read or hear anything about a celebrity, you really can believe that 90% of it is crap. All it takes is one lie, and a photo or statement taken out of context to destroy a reputation. And the tabloids know it! Money,Money, Money!
Oh ya, he is most definitely looking down on us, shaking his head in wonderment as to why we continue to destroy this earth/mankind as a whole, at the same time taking in a big sigh of relief that he no longer has to live in fear, sadness, loneliness, ridicule, and pain.
He’s way up there dancing with Mr. James Brown, you bet!!!
Amen!!! Totally agree!!!
I don’t know how Carrie Underwood got in the mix. Strange.
The grammy producer picked Carrie because he said Michael Jackson was a big fan of her, and greatly admired her.
oops that is the wrong video. Sorry. I meant to put up this video of the Grammy producer talking about how Carrie and Celine were chosen.
sam, nobody is pointing a gun at you to watch the show or any mj related events.we fans cant get enough of him ,since his death anything associated with him turns to ratings gold and as long as he generates money for the networks they would continue with the tributes
Somehow Celine Dion and Carrie Underwood don’t seem to be the right people to do tribute to Michael. You should have had Usher, Justin Timberlake and Neyo. They make more sense.
I dont understand for Carrie but Celine Dion is the best selling female artist in history and Michael went to see her show in Las Vegas and gave her a hat that he signed and I think Michael liked her a lot.
Michael Jackson was a big fan of Carrie Underwood, which is why she was chosen.
I really hope they do MORE for Michael Jackson than just the Earth Song. I couldn’t care less about Carrie Underwood and Usher performing his music.. what about NSync (who worked with him)?? They are amazing together. What about some remixes of his hits (maybe ones not covered as much after his death, like “Keep the Faith”, “Will You Be There”, “Jam”, “Dirty Diana”, “Man in the Mirror” or “Human Nature”)? After he died, I watched the BET awards, and there was this great spirit of love in the room because of Michael. And even then, I thought, Grammy’s will top this, they’ll do Michael right, because they have the TIME. Please Grammy’s, don’t let us down! I would love like a ten-minute medley comprised of surprise stars and a speaker about his message…
I can’t wait for the Award Show on Sunday. I just wish Michael was excepting the award in person as we all do. I think the Musical Artists that they picked to be a part of his tribute are amazing. I was praying that Whitney Houston or Barbara Streisand wouldn’t be asked to participate. I hope they are never involved in anything when it comes to Michael…since they had the audacity to turn his offer down when he asked if they wanted to record with him.
I did get an extra pair of the 3-D glasses to put with the rest of my memorabilia and my Opus.
On one hand, my heart is still so heavy with grief, over something that should have never happened or could have been avoided. The other part of my heart is filled with so much LOVE and Respect for Michael and his many talents, his ability to express himself in his music, the brilliance (genius ) that he was blessed with…and so graciously shared with us, and for a man that stood when many wanted to tear him down. I feel honored to be a fan of such a wonderful and loving man.
May God keep you in his Loving arms, and bless your children by comforting their hearts and souls. May God also bless them with strengthen and humbleness that was so much a part of you, but most of all that they will always be proud of who they are and where they come from, and the magnificent father that laid the ground work and taught them about life. May you Lord continue to bless Michael’s family as well and may they continue to honor his wishes…I hope they’ll stay united as they proclaim they are.
I would love to see Michael’s whole family on Sunday, I’m sure it’s still so hard for them. Look at us, his fans, our hearts still ache and it’s 7 months…though some days it feels like yesterday.
I hope his children will be able to watch the show, if not go…and see just how loved their father was and is. I know it was such a tragic time for the kids, and all of the family, when this disastrous and heartbreaking thing happened. It’s hard to comprehend it at times or except it…but we have to.
All you haters Channel your energies into some humanitarian efforts in your communities!!! I suggest you read facts first before making derogatory comments!
With Much Love and Prayers to Michael may you Rest In Peace, and to The Jackson Family.
Dawn
He is actually burning in Hell for all of eternity, so he is looking up saying,”AIEEEEEE!”
He is actually burning in Hell for all of eternity, so he’s MORE likely looking up saying “AIIEEEEEE!”
Hey Corny! Pick a book and learn something!
You picked a great name for yourself, it says it all! “Corny not to bright”
Corny,you are an idiot, fool, and stupid bastard. What are you doing here, you should go jump off the building and kill your self because you deserve it. Hater. You will burn in hell when it’s your turn to die.
I agree that “Corny” is foolish in his rediculous remarks. However, I would never tell someone to kill themselves. “Anika”, I understand you’re trying to show your support for MJ, but your comment is no better than “Corny’s” because it’s just as negative and hate filled. Michael had plenty of reason to despise the tabloid press but I’ve never heard or read a report of him, as an adult, wishing someone dead. NEVER!!
The Grammy producer said Michael ‘jackson LOVED Carrie Underwood. He was a fan. That is why she was chosen. So Stop hating.
rip king . guinness book of world records most successful entertainer of all time. micheal jackson
Thank you for everything Michael. I will definitely be watching the Grammy’s this Sunday. I will never accept his “death” and is looking forward to Michael himself receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award. Love you always baby.
I can’t wait for the Bon Jovi’s performance at the Grammys. He deserves recognition for his talent and dedication to music (and fans) for nearly THIRTY years. Better late than never!
So looking forward to the show and tribute!
Michael Jackson is the voice of our conscience, we with the media’s helpful slaner have been trying to supress it – but there is no escaping it now. This is what a resurrection looks like, and he is only going to get bigger and bigger – you thought MJ was everywhere when he was alive? You aint seen nothin` yet! =)
Stephen, I totally agree! You expressed what I’ve been thinking only today = that there is going to be a ground-swell in favor of MJ as more and more people realize badly he was maligned, when in fact he was Holy. As many, who have met him, have said “he had God in him”.
But even without having met MJ, you can see he was highly spiritually evolved. It must have been difficult for him to have God’s spirit in a man’s body – especially in this world.
May the Church of Saint Michael be not far behind. Read the piece written on MJ by Reverend B. Kaufman.
Get a grip everyone!!! Don’t turn Michael, a human being, like everyone else, into some man-made diety. For goodness sakes. This is the worst thing you can do to a person. The absolute worst!!! Celebrate the good things he did in his life such as his talent, kindness and generosity. But DON’T build churches around him…or any person for that matter. Michael had his strengths and short-comings like anyone. Although he had a great deal of talent (more than most), kindness and was very generous with his wealth he was also burdened with excessive materialism and had narcassistic, paranoid, and delusional tendancies. Some of these tendancies were justified because of the world he very much created for himself. This doesn’t make him a bad person and is NOT ment to run him down, NOT at all. I mentioned these things to keep his life, a very human life, in perspective. In a very real way, his life was ruined by his desire for and achievement of super-stardom. He held himself up to an impossible standard, as so many others did as well. He did achieve many of his goals but at what cost?? Sometimes it seems like people value their own personal entertainment more then they do someone’s life or emotioanl well-being. As long as Michael entertained “us”, “we” were happy. When he didn’t, he was hounded into isolation. I had and have a great deal of compassion for Michael Jackson but I would NEVER suggest building a church around him or anyone else.
To add, this Reverend B. Kaufman sounds like he is trying to make a name for himself by attaching HIS name to Michael’s. Don’t we have enough people already doing this!! And who’s interested are really being served here??? Somehow I don’t think it’s either Michael’s interests or the people the Reverand is trying to proselytize. Just a thought.
I’m sorry, but I have to add one more thing regarding Reverend B. Kaufman. As a Reverand I would think he would be well versed on the Biblical teaching against idol worship. The idea of a Church of Saint Michael, or anyone else, goes against Biblical teaching. The idea that promoting the worship of someone other than God doesn’t make sense concidering the Reverand’s vocation. Again, I’m sorry for pursuing this again concidering it has nothing to do with the above article on the Grammy’s but I needed to write it down. Thanks for your patience and I’m looking forward to watching the Grammy’s this weekend!!!!