Grammys Plan 3-D Tribute To Michael Jackson

The 3-dimensional footage is part of posthumous tribute to the King of Pop that will be a cornerstone of the upcoming awards program, scheduled for Jan. 31 at Los Angeles’ Staples Center and airing on CBS.

The clip is a video of Jackson’s “Earth Song,” which was originally meant to be a part of his 50-show residency at London’s O2.

Grammy winners Usher, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson will perform live alongside the clip. It will be the first time an awards show has featured 3-D footage.

The Grammys will also honor Jackson with a lifetime achievement award.

Grammy co-executive producer / long-time Jackson associate Ken Ehrlich, who produced last year’s television memorial to Jackson, says he first saw the clip on the night before the artist died.

“It was one of the most important portions of the concert to Michael, and when Michael saw the film for the first time at his last rehearsal, there were tears in his eyes,” Erhlich said.

Although part of the video was included in the “This Is It” concert film composed of footage from Jackson’s dress rehearsals, Ehrlich said the entire footage will be shown at the Grammys.

And yes, you will need 3-D glasses to experience the full effect. CBS and Target have partnered to provide millions of 3-D spectacles, which will be available from Jan. 24 through Jan. 31 at all Target stores. So you can stop kicking yourself for not saving those “Avatar” glasses.

“This very special Grammy moment will feature some of our most respected Grammy recipients, all of whom have a great love for Michael,” Recording Academy president / CEO Neil Portnow said. “This segment promises to be an emotional highlight of this year’s show, and is sure to join the unique list of amazing performances for which the Grammy Awards have become renowned.”