Lady Gaga pays tribute to Tony Bennett during 2022 Grammys: ‘I love you’

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Instagram/@ladygaga and Wiki Commons

Lady Gaga paid a touching and heartfelt tribute to her friend and musical legend, Tony Bennett last night at the 2022 Grammy Awards after winning her 13th Grammy. 

Taking to the stage to perform a medley of songs from the pair’s album Love for Sale Gaga spoke to Tony, 95, who couldn’t attend the awards himself, “I love you”. 

Love for Sale is the duo’s second album together following 2014’s Cheek to Cheek and won the pair the award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

Lady Gaga takes a bow after a stunning jazz performance at the #Grammys. https://t.co/rjX2S54hkr pic.twitter.com/Qbfd09Lr9s

— Variety (@Variety) April 4, 2022

Love for Sale was up for Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the awards with the lead single, ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You’ up for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Record of The Year, and Best Music Video.

Gaga’s performance was introduced by a video message from Bennett, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 before the ‘Stupid Love’ singer sang a beautiful rendition of Cole Porter’s ‘Love for Sale’ backed by a brassy big band.

This was followed up by a slower-paced ‘Do I Love You’, while video footage of Gaga and Bennett played on the screens behind the star.

Towards the end of her performance Gaga, now sat down on the stage, glanced at the footage seemingly quite emotional. As the song came to a close she looked into the camera and said: “I love you” to her friend. 

It’s a sweet and tender moment between two musical icons even though one of them was sadly not present on the night. 

Variety reports that Tony Bennett’s son, David, told them in a statement: “Although the producers had invited both Tony and Gaga to perform in Sunday’s Grammys broadcast, it is unfortunate that due to his continuing struggle with Alzheimer’s, he was not able to accept.

“It was decided that it would be fitting for Lady Gaga to perform on her own to represent for both of them. There is no doubt, that she will offer up an impeccable performance from ‘Love for Sale,’ which is Tony’s final album. He will be cheering her on as he watches from his home in New York City.”

Another sweet moment between Gaga and another showbiz icon took place last week as she told Liza Minelli in an off-camera moment “I got you” after the pair introduced the nominees for Best Picture at the Oscars. 

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