Prince and George Michael to be honoured at the Grammys

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Prince and George Michael will receive a special tribute at the 2017 Grammys.

The pop icons, who both died in 2016, will be remembered with “two unforgettable tribute segments”, according to organisers.

“George Michael and Prince were pop icons,” said Neil Portnow, President of the Recording Academy. “They showcased rare musical genius and otherworldly charisma.”

“While each possessed a distinct style and sound, they were both adored by audiences worldwide.”

He added: “The passing of two such creative innovators were a huge loss for the creative community; The Recording Academy is humbled to pay homage to their tremendous legacies on the Grammy stage.”

Purple Rain singer Prince died of an accidental overdose in April, with tests later showing he had taken a painkiller 40 to 50 times as strong as heroin and up to 100 times as strong as morphine. He’d been prescribed the medication following a hip operation.

As well as winning seven Grammys in his lifetime, Prince he also won an Oscar for best original score, and performed at the 2007 Superbowl.

Wham! frontman George Michael passed away on Christmas Day, however despite early reports of heart failure, the cause of death still remains unknown after an inconclusive post mortem.

The singer also racked up two Grammys, as well as three Brit Awards and three American Music Awards.

While the contents of the tributes remain unclear, other acts confirmed to perform on the night include Lady Gaga, Adele, John Legend and Bruno Mars.

The show will be broadcast in the UK a day later (February 13), on 4Music at 8pm.

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