ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: So what can we expect?
JACK SUSSMAN:Weve got great stuff going on.
And theres going to be some great moments recognizing the historical significance ofSgt.
Credit: Lou Rocco/ABC/Getty Images
When did you first start worrying that the ongoing writers strike might threaten the show?
I thought about it as soon as it happened with theGolden Globes.
It never, ever deterred us from producing the show.
We stayed out of it a lot; this wasnt CBS fight.
Ultimately, the musicians union and AFTRA were in support of this show.
Those are the two major unions.
This is the one night a year that the music business has to celebrate.
It was like, our business is hurting way more than your business.
Dont hurt us on this one night.
How can you pay tribute to 50 years of the Grammys in just three hours?
It will be three and a half hours.
Its not an easy task, putting 10 pounds of potato salad into a 1-pound container.
Weve got to keep the pace moving, celebrate the past, but speak toward the future.
Not everything is going to be hard rocking.
You cant drive up the tempo for three and a half hours.
But were coming up with some great magical moments that only happen on the Grammy Awards.
How late can you make a change to the show before it airs live on Sunday?
But changes can be
made right before and even during the show.
Whats the latest on Amy Winehouse?
Her visa is pending.
Im
hopeful she will be in the building Sunday.
Any musicians you tried to get for the show but couldnt?
We had wanted to create a great moment for Chris Brown.
It was his
kind of year.
But he has a throat injury so hes resting it.
He will
come to the show and give out a big award.
Any jazz and classical performances we can look forward to?
Herbie Hancock will perform with Lang Lang, an amazing pianist prodigy from China.
How will you unveil the My Grammy Moment winner?
The Foo Fighters will perform outdoors in the plaza with a bunch of
fans.
Three of the orchestra members
will be chosen by viewers.
Any shout-outs to country?
Carrie Underwood will perform near the top of show.
Brad Paisley will have an arena moment.
What about the opening number?
I know you like to keep that a secret, but… any hints?
It will totally set the tone for the 50th anniversary, one you dont
want to miss.
There will be more than one artist on stage and it
hearkens back to the past.
There will be a great moment in gospel music.
You dont see an awful
lot of gospel performers raise the roof.
Are you prepared for a possible Kanye West outburst if he doesnt win?
But changes can bemade right before and even during the show.
Whats the latest on Amy Winehouse?
Will she show?Her visa is pending.
Imhopeful she will be in the building Sunday.
It was hiskind of year.
But he has a throat injury so hes resting it.
He willcome to the show and give out a big award.
The band will do a huge performance of The Pretender, which willbe an orchestration by John Paul Jones.
Three of the orchestra memberswill be chosen by viewers.
Any shout-outs to country?Carrie Underwood will perform near the top of show.
Brad Paisley will have an arena moment.
What about the opening number?
There will be more than one artist on stage and ithearkens back to the past.
Any other surprises?There will be a great moment in gospel music.
You dont see an awfullot of gospel performers raise the roof.
Are you prepared for a possible Kanye West outburst if he doesnt win?Its live TV.
