According to a report from Variety, Tracy Chapman, who doesn't typically appear in public often, may make a special appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards to perform with Luke Combs.
According to insiders familiar with the situation, Variety has reported that Chapman and Luke Combs will be performing "Fast Car" together on stage. The song, originally released by Chapman in the late 1980s, tells the story of a couple trying to break free from poverty. Combs included a cover of the song on his album Gettin' Old in 2023, which helped propel it to the top of the country radio charts.
If Chapman decides to perform at the Grammys, it will be unexpected and probably a highlight of the event. As reported by Variety, she has only appeared in front of cameras three times since 2009, when she finished her last tour.
Combs has openly expressed his desire to perform "Fast Car" with the original songwriter and recording artist. Despite his team's statement in July that there were no current plans for a collaboration with Chapman, they mentioned that Combs would be enthusiastic if the opportunity presented itself.
Although she has been mostly private about the song's comeback, Chapman has made a few supportive statements regarding Combs' success with "Fast Car". She expressed happiness for Combs and gratitude towards a new group of fans who have embraced her song. Chapman also mentioned that she never anticipated being on the country charts, but feels honored to be included.
During the 2023 CMA Awards in November, the song "Fast Car" was awarded Song of the Year. This prestigious honor is given to songwriters, and in this case, it was won by Chapman. This made her the first Black woman to win the CMA Song of the Year award as the sole songwriter. Chapman was not present at the ceremony, but a message from her was read out loud from the stage after her win was announced.
"I regret that I was unable to attend the event tonight. It is a great privilege for my song to receive recognition after 35 years since its release. I am grateful to the CMAs and especially to Luke and all the supporters of 'Fast Car'."
The song "Fast Car" by Combs has been nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the Grammys this year. This is Combs' seventh nomination at the awards show, and if he wins, it will be his first Grammy award.
The 2024 Grammy Awards will be broadcasted live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, February 4, 2024. The event will be shown on CBS and also available for live streaming on Paramount+.
15 Country music artists who have never received a Grammy award, listed in order of recognition. Gallery credit goes to Billy Dukes.
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