Blake Shelton Accepts Hosting Gig for Elvis Presley Tribute Special
One of the biggest names in modern country music is doing his part to honor one of the most impactful artists in music history. Variety confirms that Blake Shelton has been tapped to host a 2019 Elvis Presley tribute concert special, Elvis All-Star Tribute Special, in honor of the 50-year anniversary of the famous special Singer Presents …. Elvis that aired in 1968.
Also dubbed the '68 Comeback Special, the show came at a crucial point in Presley's career. It was his first live performance in seven years and helped reignite his music career after he had taken a break from touring to star in films like Blue Hawaii, Kid Galahad and Viva Las Vegas. The original special aired Dec. 3, 1968 and saw the King performing many of his iconic hits, including "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Me Tender" and "Can't Help Falling in Love."
The showrunners of the tribute concert have brought in the in-the-round style stage used in the original production and will nod to other famous moments in Presley's career.
"I’ve always wanted to do a tribute to these shows, and the 50th anniversary marks the perfect occasion. There are only a few moments in television history as iconic," Grammy Awards producer Ken Ehrlich says. "We've really tried to be as authentic as we could to that original look."
A full list of performers is set to be announced in the coming weeks, but Keith Urban has already spilled that he and Post Malone are teaming up for a collaboration during the tribute.
Elvis All-Star Tribute Special is set to air on Feb. 17 on NBC.
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