rewrite this content and keep HTML tags
Three music icons, Sir Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen, attend a star-studded awards bash but it’s a creation linked to Paul’s former band that is likely to win a precious Grammy tonight.
An eye-popping animation for The Beatles song I’m Only Sleeping may scoop a gong, although neither Sir Paul or drummer Ringo Starr will collect it.
The film – combining 1,300 oil paintings – was released with the special edition of 1966 album Revolver, and animator Em Cooper will pick up the statuette, should it win Best Video.
Cambridge-born Em said: “I began with the thought that this would simply be John [Lennon] drifting in and out of sleep, peppered with surreal moments, dipping into the history of The Beatles.
“But the meanings of the film soon began to spread out, encompassing The Beatles’ anti-war feelings and reflecting on our place in the world.”
Controversially, the band’s 2023 hit Now And Then did not land a Grammy nomination, despite topping charts globally. Sir Paul, 81, did not let that stop him enjoying a night out in Los Angeles at MusiCares’ charity bash on Friday. Jon Bon Jovi won its Person of the Year honour and he celebrated by performing on stage with long-time pal Springsteen, 74.
In his speech, Livin’ On A Prayer hitmaker Jon, 61, thanked his “hero, friend, mentor” for supporting him at the event, despite Springsteen’s mother dying just two days earlier.
Singer Jon said: “I certainly would have understood if he’d said that he couldn’t make it – but he wanted to be here tonight and I’m forever grateful.”
In-demand Sir Paul – who was with wife Nancy Shevell, 64 – made time to pose with country singer Shania Twain, 58. Then he, Bruce and Jon bumped into former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 83, and her husband Paul, also 83.
Presenting at the event in a canary yellow dress, Kylie Minogue told how excited she is to have been given a Grammy nod for the first time in 15 years. The I Should Be So Lucky hitmaker, 55, is favourite to win Best Pop Dance Recording for her smash hit Padam Padam, which has given her a new generation of fans.
Kylie said: “I’m so excited to be going to the Grammys and being among incredible artists. It’s such an honour. It’s 20 years since I actually won a Grammy, so it shows that longevity can happen.”
US superstar Taylor Swift, 34, is up for six awards and could become the first singer ever to win Album of the Year four times.
British stars Dua Lipa, Arctic Monkeys and Calvin Harris are also nominated, while icons Joni Mitchell and Billy Joel will be making comebacks. Nine-time winner Joni, 80, is returning to the stage after a brain aneurysm in 2015.